Be Thankful!

"I will lift my eyes to you whose throne is in heaven."

Psalm 123: 1 (REB)

We lift our eyes today to see your handiwork from the first blush of dawn to the golden blaze of autumn leaves. We are amazed again as you transition us into a new season.

We stand in awesome wonder as birds migrate to new nesting places and other animals prepare to hibernate. In these brilliant days of autumn, we see your creativity and feel your presence in the crisp chill of the air.

May we never be in such a hurry to handle the business of this day or any day that we neglect to take the time to observe the beauty of your creation and be thankful!

Firm Faith

If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."

Isaiah 7:9

Lord, we recognize that it is impossible to please you without faith. Help us today to stay focused on your promises and possibilities instead of the many negative elements that compete for our attention.

By faith, we will close the door to destructive actions. By faith, we will seal our lips to slanderous gossip. By faith, unproductive attitudes will not dominate our lives. By faith, we will climb the stairs of faith to open the window that grace provides to see the plans you have for us, plans not to harm but to prosper.

Abundantly

" We live by faith, not by sight."

2 Corinthians 5:7

Our eyes see one thing and our faith sees another. You are the God of abundance! Your resources never run out and your capacity to bless us is beyond our imagination!

Today, we step out on faith. Help us to see our challenges as opportunities; our crises as chances to do different or to do better and our problems as new possibilities. Amen.

VMM

Walk With Understanding

"Walk in the way of understanding."

Proverbs 9:6

O God, my God how excellent is your name in all the earth. I praise you for all that you have made, all that you have done for me and all that is to come.

Open my eyes that I may see the generous blessings on my side of the fence. Immerse me today in a sprit of gratitude as I now realize that the grass is not always greener in the other person's yard. Help me to identify the blessings in my own backyard. Guide my steps so that I walk in the way of understanding!

I do not know what the day holds for me but thank God, I know who holds both me and the day! In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.

Shine on!

"...let your light so shine, that others may see your good works and glorify God which is in heaven"

Matthew 5: 16

O Lord, keep us focused today on your divine call to be your witnesses with Holy Spirit power in places close to home and in places beyond our comfort zones. Go with us as we seek to serve and bear witness to your appearing and to your pursuit of salvation for all people. Give us opportunity to share our story of your goodness and your love. Help to live the story in such a way that others will rise up and call you blessed. In Jesus' name. Amen.

VMM

Protect and Serve

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want"

Psalm 23: 1

Shepherd of our souls, thank you for providing for us in ways beyond our knowledge and our deserving. You've protected us from dangers seen and unseen and we trust your love and care completely.

If our faith is challenged today, help us to keep our eyes open to the truth of your Word even if we are temporarily blinded by doubt and fear. If we are tempted guide us so we are not enmeshed in the tentacles of sin. If we stray, like a shepherd, lead us back into the fold of your love. Amen

Trust and Obey

" Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thy own understanding;.. "

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Today Lord, we are grateful that trust and thanksgiving will get us through anything we must face. Help us to trust you all the more with everything and for everything. When we trust in You, trust protects us from constant worry. When we thank you in everything and for everything with our whole heart, gratitude keeps us from complaining.

Help us to trust and obey. Banish troubles to the periphery of our minds as we lean not to our own understanding. In Jesus Name, Amen.

VMM