“All a man’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord weighs the heart.”
(Proverbs 19:2 NIV)
Job asked God to weigh him with honest scales, to know he is blameless (Job 31:6). Lord, please weigh my heart today and show me where I lack commitment to your ways and indulge in my own. Help me where I lack and where I overflow. I want to be filled to the brim with Jesus. Balance on honest scales is the key. I will submit to His will today. I hope you will, too!
by Macy Johnson
“So the people rested on the seventh
day.”
(Exodus 16:30 NIV)
I sat at
my desk early one Sunday morning in January and watched snowflakes fall. It was
the first flurry of the year for our small Georgia community. I could barely see
the falling flakes in the darkness. A calm peace covered my deck, my yard, and
settled into my heart.
“And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who
love Him,
who have been called according to His
purpose.”
(Romans 8:28 NIV)
Oswald Chambers reminds us: “If
we learn to worship God in the trying circumstances, He will alter them in two
seconds when He chooses.” Today will be a day of relief. I know Jesus will walk
with me through the fires, the storms, the struggles so He will be seen and
glorified in my life. I will hope in His presence and power. I hope you will
too!
“Now, my God, may your eyes be open
and your ears attentive to the prayers
offered in this place.”
(2 Chronicles 6:40 NIV)
Every day is a fresh new start in
God’s kingdom. New opportunities await and there are new people to meet and
greet in His name. My heavenly Father is always attentive one hundred percent
to all His children. No prayer goes unanswered. No wish falls to the ground
without His attention. I open my heart and mind to the Holy Spirit today. I
hope you will, too!
“The Lord, the compassionate and
gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and
faithfulness.”
(Exodus 34:6 NIV)
I need a hug from God today. I
need to glimpse His compassion, feel His grace, smile with Him in His laughter.
Like a little child, I will reach out for the hand of Jesus and stop taking
myself so seriously. He will help me to understand His long-suffering,
forgiving nature. He will wrap His arms around me and soothe my agitated soul. I
will not doubt His love anymore. I hope you will, too!
“Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.”
(Matthew 5:7 NIV)
How can I show compassion or
forgiveness today to someone who deserves harm or harsh discipline? I will
begin by showing mercy to myself. I know I deserve eternal torture and
separation from God. He shows His perfect mercy to me so I will go and do likewise.
I will shake off the chains I have put on myself and others and walk in freedom
today. I will rejoice in showing mercy as it has been lavished on me. I hope
you will, too!
“May the God of hope fill you with all
joy and peace
as you trust in Him,
so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13 NIV)
The sky may be dreary, but I know
the sun shines behind the clouds. Jesus is with us, even in the dark. I may be
standing in the bottom of a well, but I can look up in hope. The Holy Spirit
will lift me out of the pit and restore me to Himself. I will hope in Jesus
today. I hope you will, too!
