Love sincerely

‭James‬ ‭1:19‬ ‭NLT‬

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 

God, please make me quick to listen today. Show me how to love others sincerely and practically. Change the way I approach people by replacing my anger and frustration with grace, empathy, and understanding. Fill me with Your peace and love so that my attitude and actions reflect Your character. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love others

‭Matthew‬ ‭22:37‭-‬39‬ ‭NLT‬

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 

God, You show me sacrificial, humble, and unconditional love. I am so grateful for this, and yet, all too often I fail to love others like You’ve loved me. So today, I am choosing to intentionally show my devotion to You by loving people like You do. And, I am asking You to help me do this. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Practice Biblical Principles

‭Philippians‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭NLT‬

Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

God, thank You for teaching me through Your Word. And thank You for placing people in my life that inspire me to draw close to You. As I go about my day, please surround me with opportunities to learn more about You, and apply what I learn. Let me be on the lookout for ways to deepen my relationship with You, and the people You love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In the Midst of Darkness

‭Psalms‬ ‭30:5‬ ‭TPT‬

I’ve learned that his anger lasts for a moment, but his loving favor lasts a lifetime! We may weep through the night, but at daybreak it will turn into shouts of ecstatic joy.

God, even though I am faced with some darkness, I hold tight to Your promises. You are true to Your Word. And Your Word says that You will turn my tears into joy. I trust in You, God, and in Your timing. I may not see the light yet, but I hope in what's to come. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Pursuing Righteousness

‭Matthew‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭NLT‬

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God, when I feel weak, remind me that You are strong. And when I feel like giving up, give me the strength to persevere. Show me what it means to pursue righteousness, and then help me to live well. I want every aspect of my life to glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A merciful heart

‭Matthew‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭NLT‬

[7] God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

God, Your nature is to offer mercy. When people meet me, I want them to know You live in me. Give me opportunities to demonstrate Your mercy to those around me. As my faith grows, please give me a deeper ability to offer mercy to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.