Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.—Ecclesiastes 7:10 NIV
Most people spend a lot of time reliving the past or focused on what might happen—all the while squandering the gift of the moment. Make right now your focus. Appreciate where you are, and be grateful that you are here.
Heavenly Father, this is the first minute of the rest of my life.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.—Isaiah 40:28-29 NIV
There will be times when you need courage to keep you going when the going is hard. Tap into the Source of courage by feeling God’s presence. Hear Him say, “I am with you always.”
Lord Jesus, I know that You will give me strength and courage to face my fears.
No one was sorry when he died.—2 Chronicles 21:20 (NLT)
The above verse was said about King Jehoram, a ruler who lived a life of greed and power, a life totally apart from God. In contrast, consider the Apostle Paul’s “epitaph” that he himself wrote in a final letter, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). How do you want to be remembered? It’s never too late or too early to live your best life.
Lord, I want my life to be one of purpose. A generous life filled with meaning, a faith-filled life of service.
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…—1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 (NIV)
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV
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)
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)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.—2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.—Matthew 5:5 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.—Hebrews 10:24 (ESV)
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.—James 3:6 (NIV)
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?—Mark 8:36 (NIV)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.—Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.—Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.—James 1:5 (NIV)
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.—Revelation 22:13 (NIV)
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.—Luke 2:14 (NIV)
And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.—Luke 2:7 (NIV)
And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.—Genesis 1:31 (KJV)
As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.—1 Samuel 18:1 (ESV)
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.—John 15:12 (ESV)
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.—2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
