When the Bible Is Hard to Understand
Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.—Luke 24:25–27 (NLT)
Are there parts of the Bible you’ve been avoiding because they seem too difficult to understand? Instead of skipping Scripture that has you puzzled, turn to a confusing passage and ask God to reveal His truth to you. Pray for Him to show Himself in the words.
Heavenly Father, I know You want to explain Yourself to me. Speak to my heart. Reveal Your truth.
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But God…
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.—Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
Throughout the Bible, there are dozens of verses with the words, “but God.” Each is a testament of His power to intervene and make the impossible, possible, to give strength where there was weakness. If you find yourself making excuses in your life, thinking, I want to do this, but… add God to your statement invite His power to overcome your doubt.
Lord, sometimes I feel powerless, but then I remember You are with me. You make all things possible.
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Guard Your Mind
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
If you find yourself thinking negatively or being pessimistic about a situation, say this verse slowly. Take each word into your heart. Contemplate the vast peace of God, flowing through you, guarding your heart, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones and leaving you calm and relaxed.
Heavenly Father, because of You and Your word, unhealthy thoughts lose the power to control me.
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Safe Travels
The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.—Psalm 121:8 (NIV)
We are quickly approaching the season for time off and summer vacations. Whether you’re going on a business trip or even commuting to and from work, don’t let stress steal your joy. Relax with this verse and know that God will guide your journey.
Dear Lord, keep me safely sheltered in Your protecting arms.
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Lean on God
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.—Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
At one time or another, we are all guilty of trusting ourselves and pleading a case for why we want what we want instead of surrendering to God’s will. If you find yourself in this situation remind yourself that you don’t always know what is best for you, but God does.
Heavenly Father, I trust Your vision, Your wisdom and Your plan is always best for me.
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Nurture Peace in Your Heart
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”—Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)
Are you still struggling with trusting God with your worries? Be patient. It can take self-discipline and practice in recognizing fear and focusing on your faith instead. Build up your belief in knowing that God will take care of you. No matter what happens, God will help you. Everything will be okay.
Lord, help me to grow my faith, nurture my sense of well-being and know deep in my heart that You will take care of me.
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A Small Simple Gift
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)
Some days, despite being aware of God’s many blessings—health, family, a roof over your head—you might still feel a little down. The remedy is simple. Look for a simple gift: the sunrise, someone’s laughter, a flower peeking out from the sidewalk and let yourself feel truly grateful for having noticed it.
Heavenly Father, Giver of all good gifts, thank You for the many ways You bless me.
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Happy Father’s Day
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.—Matthew 6:13 (KJV)
Today, as you celebrate Father’s Day, thank God for always supporting you and being there to help and comfort you. Know that by the power of His Spirit, all things are possible—and with Him on your side you will always be fine.
Heavenly Father, on this special day, bless all fathers on earth and give them the grace to look to You for guidance.
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Joy in Uncertain Times
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.—Psalm 4:7 (ESV)
Uncertainty, like change, is a word that makes most people uncomfortable. We want to know what is coming and often make the mistake of thinking we can’t relax or be joyful if we don’t know what tomorrow brings. Trusting God is the cure to fearing the unknown. When your faith is strong you can celebrate right now, trusting the future is in His hands.
Heavenly Father, my joy doesn’t depend on my circumstances, it depends on You.
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Instruments of Grace
They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to Him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in Him.—1 Chronicles 5:20 (NIV)
God has given you instruments of faith: prayer, unselfishness and love that will guide you through any problem. When you live your life guided by faith and doing what is best for a greater purpose, then everything else falls into place. You will no longer struggle with what to do, or what to believe—you will simple live in God’s grace.
Dear God, when I let go of myself and see my life from a spiritual perspective, I live fully and freely.
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The Blessing of Loneliness
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.—Malachi 3:3 (NIV)
When you feel alone, turn to God. Use your loneliness as a tool to refine your spirit. Allow God to help you let go of self-centered thoughts and look toward His grace. Forgive whatever circumstance has you feeling lonely and reach out to experience the blessing of His love.
Dear Lord, You are love; when I concentrate on building my relationship with You, all my worldly relationships fall into place.
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Keep Moving
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…—1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 (NIV)
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I’m Just Fine
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV
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Take Care of Your Whole Self
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship.—Romans 12:1 (NIV)
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Free Yourself from Sin
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.—Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
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A Special Place in His Kingdom
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.”—Esther 4:14 (NIV)
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Uniquely Blessed
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.—Matthe w 5:48 (NIV)
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Friendship Refreshes the Soul
The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.—Proverbs 27:9 (NLT)
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Everything You Need
The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.—John 6:63 (NLT)
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Keep Calm During Conflict
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.—Proverbs 15:18 (NIV)
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Live in God’s Abundance
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
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His Hand Will Guide You
If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.—Psalm 139:9–10 (NLT)
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A Life of Thanks-Living
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.—1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
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A Grateful Start
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.—1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV)
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Overflowing with Thankfulness
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.—Colossians 2:6–7 (NIV)
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Glory to the Newborn King
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.—Matthew 20:28 (AMP)
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Be the Light
“Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished
speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.—John 12:36 (NIV)
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Accept One Another
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
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A Village
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.—John 15:12 (ESV)
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Four-Legged Love
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.—2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
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With a Song in My Heart
My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.—Psalm 108:1 (NIV)