Daily Devotional for Prayer, Study, and Meditation

Devotional on Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

Romans 12:2

It's a bold proposition; to buck conformity and be transformed by a new way of thinking. There's pressure all around you to follow the rules and follow the crowd. Yet Romans 12:2 clearly gives you the go-ahead to follow your mind while following your heart. Try a little clear thinking. Ask yourself one simple question: "Does this make good sense?" Use your answer to dream bigger, leap fearlessly, and be the change God wants you to be.

Dear God, Teach me to embrace the person Your presence enables me to be. Let me celebrate the worth You give me; honoring your perfect graceby seeing it, accepting it, and by living fully aware of Your holy Spirit inside me.

Amen

Devotional on Timothy 1:7

God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind.

Timothy 1:7

You've heard of flower power, Timothy 1:7 speaks of "wow" power! Eliminate your fear and worry. Make today the day you live with a spirit of "wow!" Recognize the power God gave you when He made your spirit a loving one. Wow! Your mind is sharp, sound, and sensible. Wow! You can beat back the nasty spirit of fear with prayers of gratitude that say: "Wow! God is awesome, and I am made in His image." You have nothing to fear, and everything to look forward to: You are the living spirit of God.

Dear God, Looking at the world seems to be such an exhausting endeavor. Re-train my mind so that I see the possibilities. Be with me as I look at what is and sift through it to find that kernel of hope. Allow me to face reality but focus on possibility as I keep my feet on the ground and my eyes to the sky.

Amen

Devotional on John 10:10

I came so you may have life and have it more abundantly.

John 10:10

God's a giver. He gave you life and He gives you abundance. Measure your blessings through the eyes of appreciation. The good times appear more plentiful, your posessions greater than what you need. John 10:10 speaks through the lips of a generous God. Praise Him for life and abundance, the gift that keeps on giving.

Dear God, I look in the mirror and see a jumble of flaws. Please, help me see myself as You see me: Perfect. Whole. Capable. Help me to view my defects as potential, my awkwardness as a different beauty. Prevent me from self-harm, and from habits that bring me shame. Help me to accept myself as I am, just as You do, with limitless kindness and forgiveness.

Amen

Daily Devotional Matthew 6:33

Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously; He will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:33

You want it badly, but do you really need it? When you stop to think about all the things you crave, add an extra pause for thought. It's just possible you don't need it at all. Matthew 6:33 is a favorite verse for many. It's a "satisfaction" statement to help you realize that God gives you everything you need when your priorities are in place. Live righteously in God's kingdom and enjoy the "everything" you've always needed.

Dear God, I focus on my blessings with an attitude of gratitude. Content I have food to share; grateful my friends care; happy to have a roof over my head. For I am alive and secure in the knowledge that I love and I am loved. Thank You for the gift of understanding, and the knack of empathy. I am grateful. I am blessed. I have all I need.

Amen