Saturday, July 31, 2010

Loving Kindness

"Loving Kindness" By Diane Webb

Psalms 69: 16—"Hear me, O Lord; for thy loving kindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies."

God hears your prayers. He extends his love, kindness, and mercy towards you and all of his children. His mercy is limitless. His love knows no bounds. Breathe in his love for you and never doubt it. As he fills you with his love you will become more and more like him. His love will flow through you. He will always be present with you. Others will feel his love around you and will respond to it. God is love so all love is from God. With love, all things are possible. Along with love goes kindness and mercy. God is kind and merciful because he loves you so much. He forgives you your offenses because he loves you and wants to be in a right relationship with you. It is out of love you, too, will forgive the offenses of others when they ask. Just as those you love hurt you, you hurt God with the things you say and do sometimes. It does not keep him from loving you. When you apologize he is quick to forgive. He wants to keep you within his fold. No matter what you have done outside his will he will forgive you and will always be right there when you repent and call on him. The first step is to admit your sin and ask for forgiveness. This is the model God has given you to follow—admit your wrongs and apologize. He will forgive you and have mercy for you.

Dear Heavenly Father, I admit I am a wretched sinner saved by grace. I often say things I should not say. I pray, Lord, you will forgive me of this habit and help me overcome it. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.


 

Friday, July 30, 2010

Comfort

"Comfort" By Diane Webb

II Corinthians 1: 4—"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

Allow God to comfort you when you are struggling, downcast, weary, or overwhelmed. Open yourself up to his loving kindness, his arms of protection, and his hand of comfort. As you receive God's comfort, you are then able to extend comfort to others who are in trouble or need. You can show the love of Christ as Christ has shown his love for you. Show compassion and kindness in all you say and do. Have patience with those who are troublesome. Open your heart to those who are unlovable. It is easy to be nice, kind, and loving to those who are friendly, cooperative, and gentle of spirit. It is a challenge to extend a word of encouragement and compassion to those who are belligerent, irritable, and unreasonable. Look to God for your own comfort therefore you will have the ability to comfort others. For today, allow yourself to be comforted. Do not push it away. Do not allow pride to keep you from accepting comfort. Pray to God throughout the day to help you recognize his ways of comforting you. Accept God's comfort because it is the only way you will really be able to comfort others.

I pray, Lord, that I will be open to your love and comfort. Help me recognize all the ways you extend loving kindness towards me throughout the day. Help me then be able to extend compassion and comfort to others who are not always being nice. Help me forgive those who have hurt me and help me show them comfort as well. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Overwhelmed

"Overwhelmed" By Diane Webb

Psalms 69: 15—"Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me."

When you feel overwhelmed, over-taken, or feel like you are sinking deep into the water or a hole, remember God is with you and he will save you. Do not feel overpowered by life, stress, and the world. The world has no power over you. When things come at you too fast or too many at once, do not feel stressed or tense. It is so easy to let the disruptions, disappointments, and disasters take over your thoughts and energy. Sometimes you feel like all is lost. You wonder what you are fighting for—why even try. You are tired and weak from the responsibilities and your daily work. Imagine God's hand reaching down from the heavens and lifting you up. He picks you up and places you back on your feet when you fall. He holds your hand. He is giving you the strength and wisdom to do what you need to do. He is your source of power and your fountain of protection. Keep your eyes on Jesus for your direction and encouragement. Pray for those who stress and overwhelm you. Pray for them to have peace and security in their hearts. Pray they will accept the gift of life through Jesus Christ.

Dear heavenly Father, I pray for the people in my life who contribute to my stress and tension. I pray they will find peace and accept Jesus Christ's gift of salvation. Help me, Lord, keep my eyes on you today. No matter how overwhelming things may seem, I pray I always think of you. In Jesus' name, Amen.


 

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Your Reward

"Your Reward" By Diane Webb

II Corinthians 1: 9—"But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead."

Your eternal life depends on you trusting God. If you trust only in yourself you will surely die. No one has the power to save you from death itself except God. With God, through Jesus, you will survive death and live eternally with Him. You must trust Him and only Him. He is the creator of the world and has power over life and death. Fear not the things of the world. The world has no authority over you. Living in the palm of His hand ensures nothing can happen to you that is not approved by your heavenly Father. Your rewards are not on earth although your needs on earth will be provided for. You will have some comfort and prosperity on earth to make it easier for you to do what God has planned for you to do. You cannot focus on God and His will for your life while worrying about food, bills, or the future. Therefore, God will provide for these things so you can focus on your mission while in this world. Your reward will be in the eternal Kingdom of God.

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for taking care of me and reminding me of your power, authority, and care for me. I pray, Lord, I will trust you in all things and hold nothing back. I pray I block all fear, worry, and anxiety from my mind so I can focus totally on the work you would have me do for your kingdom. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Those who hate you

"Those who hate you" By Diane Webb

Psalms 69: 14—"Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters."

You have felt like this before. You have prayed this prayer in one way or another. Rest assured God will deliver you out of the mud. He will not let you sink. You will be delivered from those who hate you. You will be brought safely in from the deep waters. What a joy to know God is with you helping you fight your battles. You need not fret over them. You need not concern yourself with your enemies and those who hate you. It is hurtful to know there are those who hate you. Remember how your Lord was hated by the world he was sent to save. It hurts the most when the hate is from those you love. They do not have the power to hurt your spirit which is protected by God himself. Have heart that you belong to God. Keep your attention on God and ask him what you need to know or do in regards to your enemies and those who hate you. He will advise you and he will guide you. He will deliver you.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for my enemies and those who hate me. I pray they will accept Jesus as their savior and the son of God. I thank you for the many blessings you have given me. I pray today, Lord, that I will have the strength and wisdom to do your will. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.


 

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Your strength

"Your strength" By Diane Webb

Psalms 62: 7—"In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."

Turn to God to save you and to God for recognition and glory. He is the only one you can really depend on. He is your hiding place when you need rest and safety. He is the only one you need to run to. He will listen, he will advise, and he will comfort you. He is the source of your strength. Turn your eyes on him and he will lead you to safety. There is nothing on earth that provides real security. All sense of safety and security gathered from anything or anyone outside of God is false. He is the only one who can provide real security. Place your faith in him and he will lead you to your refuge. Lean on him and he will be a solid rock to depend upon. Accept his gift of salvation and live according to his will. Your glory will come in due time and according to his reckoning of your reward.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for being my strength and my refuge. I pray, Lord, I will always live according to your will whatever it may be. I ask in Christ's name, Amen.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Your ministry

"Your Ministry" By Diane Webb

II Corinthians 1: 10—"Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;"

God will deliver you from your hardship, peril, and death. He is always present and his hand is in your life. He knows what is best for you and when you submit to his will you will fulfill his purpose. All you need is a willing spirit and a faithful heart. Give your life over to him and let him take control. Do not try to figure things out. He will take care of all the details. You do your part by obeying him. Things are falling into place and it will soon be time for a change. Do not have a care for things of this world nor people of this world. You are not of this world so naturally you will not fit in. You will never feel like you belong in this world. Your home is the kingdom of God. While on earth minister to his people as he will have you do. He will place you in places, give you opportunities, and bring people before you to minister to. Take this ministry seriously. Just because it is not preaching and is not with a church does not mean it's not ministry. Your ministry is the work God has called you to do.

Dear Heavenly Father I completely submit to your will whatever it may be. I give all my concerns to you and trust you will take care of them. I give to you any situation regarding any person with whom I am having problems. I pray you will resolve these things according to your will and your will alone. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Difficult People

"Difficult People" By Diane Webb

Psalms 62: 6—"He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved."

You do not have to defend yourself against slander or gossip. People will say things that are untrue about you to destroy your character and bring you down. It is not for you to worry or concern yourself about. You do not have to explain or defend yourself. Do not back down from the stand you have taken. Do not allow yourself to be swayed by those who would have you give in to serve their own purposes. When you follow God's will many will not be happy. Those who do not serve God will often be against you. Make peace always with your brothers and sisters in Christ and recognize everyone is not your brother and sister in Christ. With those under the influence of Satan, stand firm in your convictions and do not give in. Pray for them but do not expose yourself to their evil ways. There are some that prayers are the best way to deal with them. Pray for their salvation. Extend the love of Christ when you can and pray for God's strength and discernment to help you recognize the best way to respond to those who are disrespectful towards you.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for my brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray for those people in my life and in my family who have rejected Jesus as their savior. I pray, Lord, that each and every one will be saved. Help them, Lord, recognize the truth; help them see your hand in their lives; help them accept Jesus as their personal savior. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Darkness

"Darkness" By Diane Webb

II Corinthians 3: 4—"And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward".

The only way to God is through Christ. The more you trust in Christ the closer you are to God. Follow the example of Christ. He is the light that has been sent to light your way. He is the truth and the light. By accepting and trusting in Jesus you have become a child of God—a child of light. Darkness does not like light. Anytime light is shed on darkness then the darkness disappears. This is why darkness fears and hates light. This is the way of the world. The battle of light against darkness is ongoing. It's best to just pray for those who are still in darkness. Continue to expose darkness and reveal the light. The light is, again, Jesus Christ. He is the only path to God. If there are those who say they believe in God but deny Christ they are deceived. You cannot reject Christ and accept God. The two cannot be separated. If you reject Jesus you also reject God. Those in darkness believe the lies of Satan. Pray for them.

Holy Father, thank you for the light of Jesus Christ. Help me spread his light everywhere I go. Help me repel darkness in all its forms. Always give me the right words to say in response to darkness. Help me use your word to dispel darkness. I ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Hope

"Hope" By Diane Webb

Psalms 62: 5—"My soul, wait thou only upon God: for my expectation is from him".

Your hope is in God and God alone. Wait for Him to lead you in the direction he wants you to go. It is easy to get confused with so many options and with so many opinions from others. Everyone thinks they know what's best for you. Look to the Lord for guidance. He is your beacon—a light to follow in the darkness. He will illuminate your path and make it clear to see. He knows what he wants you to do and he will tell you. All you have to do is look for the light and obey his will. Don't worry too much about the details. He will take care of the "how" and the "why"; you just need to know the "what". Take it one day at the time and each day you will have a greater understanding of God's will. Seek him first above all else. Everything originates from Him. Wait upon the Lord and he will come. He is your only hope.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me know and understand your word. Give me the gift of discernment so I will recognize your voice and obey your will. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Sufficiency

"Sufficiency" Diane Webb

II Corinthians 3: 5—"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;"

Anything you achieve or obtain is really not of your own doing but of God who sustains you. Your success is a blessing from God. You cannot achieve anything in your own right. Promotions, awards, and praise for efforts can give you a sense of false pride and security. Without God your efforts are in vain. It does not matter where you are or what you are doing—it is only through God's will that you accomplish anything of importance. He gives you the right words to say and the skills to do the job. Your talents are from Him. Never deceive yourself into thinking you can make it with any level of adequacy without God. Your ability to provide for yourself is only with God's approval and blessing. The ability to have a home, a car, clothes, and food is from God. He is the sole source of your sustenance. Everything is at His discretion. Give God all the glory and never be arrogant or prideful of your accomplishments, achievements, and abilities.

Father, I thank you for the blessings and gifts you have given me. I know I am nothing without you. Help me always be mindful of your largeness and my smallness. I give you all the honor, glory, and praise. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Monday, July 12, 2010

“Strong Tower”

"Strong Tower" By Diane Webb

Psalms 61: 3—"For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy".

God says: Lean on me. I am the only one you can really depend on. I have always been your shelter and your defense from Satan who influences all your enemies. You do not have to worry about your enemies because I will take care of them. Focus on me and my will. Listen to my voice and you will discern my will. Read my word and you will know my will. Pray to me and you will understand my will. Changes are coming, as always, and you are in my hand. I will hold you and keep you throughout the change process. Do not allow fears and doubts get in the way of doing my will. I know what is best for you and your family. You have to trust that I can and will take care of you. I have good plans for you. I am your security. I am your past, your present, and your future.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for always being there for me even when I did not realize it. Thank you for taking care of me and protecting me from my enemies. I pray for discernment so I can know your will better. I trust in you and pray your will be done in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.


 

Friday, July 9, 2010

The path brightens

"The path brightens" By Diane Webb

II Corinthians 4: 8—"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;"

Trouble comes from the outside (from others) but distress comes from the inside (yourself); with God, you may have trouble from others yet you do not have to be upset because of it. You may also be confused—not understanding what is going on or why things are happening the way they are. However, you do not have despair or get discouraged just because you do not understand. Again, all you have to do is trust God and believe he will take care of you; believe God knows what is best; and believe God is in control. Do not ask "why". There are many things you will not understand until you are with God in eternity. Then, you can ask "why" and God will tell you. Your mind cannot hold all the mysteries of God and heaven with your human mind. When you are in heaven you will be able to understand. Then, it will all make perfect sense. God understands all things past, present, and future. He knows how it eventually ends up down the road. What may look good to you at first, in the end is not good. What may look bad to you in the beginning, may be good in the end. Trust God and he will lead you down the right path. That path may look rocky at first but trust and follow. You will see the path turns and brightens when you are further along.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all you do. Help me follow the path you have set for me without detours or hesitations. Help me step boldly down the road according to your will. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Not Forsaken

"Not Forsaken" By Diane Webb

II Corinthians 4: 9—"Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."

You are never forsaken and no matter what someone does to you they cannot destroy you. Go through your day with grace and poise. Feel confident in the Lord who is with you every step of the way. No one, but no one can thwart God's plan in your life. You are anointed for his service and have accepted his call. You have dedicated your life to Him and you are marked as one of his own. Satan may try to trick you into thinking otherwise but don't listen. Expel all doubt and insecurity as soon as it creeps up. Rebuke Satan and all his devices that try to come against you. You have the power of Christ's name so use it. Jesus died for you and has already paid the price for your sins. Do not let the shame or guilt of past mistakes haunt you. These are yet more tricks of Satan the accuser. Your slate has been wiped clean and you are now a Saint of God. Go forth and do his will on earth.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus Christ to save the world from sin, shame, and death. I fully and humbly accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and I rebuke Satan and all his work. I dedicate my life and this day to your service. Help me, Lord, remember your word today. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.


 

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Enemies

"Enemies" By Diane Webb

Psalms 60: 12—"Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."

By living in the will of God, you will be able to perform as a hero; it is God who will crush your enemies. You do not have to fight your enemies. You do not have to worry about what they are up to or what they will do next. Stay within God's will and he will take care of them for you. You will be able to accomplish great things doing God's will. You will be as a hero to those around you—like David. You will be protected on all sides. You will have a path cleared before you. What is behind you will not matter. God will prepare the way and God will cover your back. Enemies will come and go yet you will continue in your faith and in God's way. God has plans for you and he is working in your life. Be not afraid of people at all. Do not fear your foes. With God protecting you there is nothing anyone can do to you. You are free to focus completely on God's work and His kingdom.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your protection and thank you for taking care of my enemies. I pray, Lord, those people who are against you will come to you and repent. I pray for their salvation, Lord, so that they too can live within your will and your protection. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Thanksgiving

"Thanksgiving" By Diane Webb

II Corinthians 4: 15—"For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God."

When you are thankful it gives glory to God. His limitless grace towards you inspires thanksgiving. All things work to your good so that you might praise God and give him all the glory. God loves a thankful heart. He enjoys blessing those who appreciate his grace, his mercy, and his generosity. He wants you to be blessed so it will reflect back on his love for you. Others might come to know him through you as you praise and thank him. God wants to spend time with you and to give you all things through him. He takes care of his children in a wonderful way. Be a good steward yet also be openly thankful of all God has given and done for you. Worship him, love him, and praise him all the more when he pours his abundant grace on you and your family. Show, by your thanksgiving, you love and trust the Lord.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all you have done for me. I am thankful for your grace, your mercy, and your love. Help me show my thankfulness so others might come to you through me. I pray in Christ's name, Amen.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Open your heart

"Open Your Heart" By Diane Webb

Psalms 56:11—"In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid of what man can do unto me."

You have put your trust in God therefore you need not be afraid of what people can do to you. Regardless of who is in charge, when God is first in your life then He is in charge. God has his hand on your life. Keep your eyes on him and only him throughout your day. He will lead, guide, and direct you as you go about your tasks. He will protect you from the negative influence of others. He will seal your mouth and open your heart. He will work through you and use you for his kingdom. Relax and open yourself up to the Holy Spirit so you can see God today. He wants to show you his hand today. Look for him in everything and in everyone so that none will be lost. Forget about men and women in power. They have no power. Just pray for them to see God's will and to make decisions in accordance to God's will. As for you, just keep your eyes on Christ and follow him.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for all those in authority today that they will hear your voice and follow your will. I pray all leaders make decisions in line with scripture. Help those of us who are not in authority to also make decisions according to your will. Help us all, Lord, close our mouths and open our hearts. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.


 

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Daily Renewal

"Daily Renewal" By Diane Webb

II Corinthians 4: 16—"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day".

It is the cause of Christ that keeps you going. Even though your body may suffer and die eventually, your inward self (the eternal you) will continuously be renewed each day. The inward self grows, develops, and gets better each day. At the same time your body deteriorates the longer you live your spiritual self only improves. Live each day for Christ and he will renew your soul. He will give you the strength, energy, and health to continue in the work for His kingdom. The aches and pains of this life are minor compared to the glory and exuberance of your eternal life with Christ. What you go through physically for Christ only sharpens your spiritual qualities. It is the inside you that will last forever. The outside you is only temporary. You do not need to focus on improving your physical body; just concentrate on improving your spiritual body—your soul. Instead of exercising physically, exercise spiritually!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for my spiritual soul that will enable me to live with you forever. Help me know the best ways to exercise my spiritual self so that I might grow in your truths and be a living witness for your kingdom. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Despised People

"Despised People" By Diane Webb

Psalms 56: 4—"In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me."

You do not have to fear what people can do to you. By putting your trust in God and by praising him you are under his protection and whatever happens is according to his will. When God rules your life the authority, control, or power of people is subject to his rule as well. No one can harm you without God's permission. People may feel they have power over you but they really do not. Only God has power over you when you have turned your life over to him. You are in capable hands. Stay in God with all your thoughts, words, and actions. Pray continuously for guidance and discernment. Seek to know God even better so you will always be aware of his presence and his voice. Keep your mind away from fear and worry thoughts especially when it comes to other people. Put these people in God's hands as well and let him take care of them. It is God's desire that none should perish so the people who torment your thoughts are worth praying for. God loves them as well as he loves you. Some people have not found their way back to God and need your prayers even more. Rather than fear or despise people just pray for them to find Jesus and put their trust in him.

Dear heavenly father, I pray for those people who torment me and those I have despised. I pray each of these individuals will find Jesus and salvation. I place them in your hands today, Lord. You know who they are. I pray in Christ's holy name, Amen.