See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.—REVELATION 3:8 (NIV)
The next time you feel frustrated or trapped by a situation turn to this verse. God always has an open door, a way, an entrance to a better way of thinking or experiencing what you are going through. Don’t despair, instead turn to prayer.
Merciful Father, lead me to the open door.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.—Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
God’s ways are higher than your ways. When a situation is confusing and something has happened that just doesn’t make sense no matter how much you think about it, let it go. Turn it over to God.
Dear Lord, when I feel that I need to figure everything out, remind me that You have it all under control.
Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it.—Genesis 28:18 (NIV)
In this verse, Jacob set up the stone as a monument to commemorate the blessed place where he was visited by God. Do you have any markers or reminders that help you feel God’s presence? Reflect on your life and recall the many blessings He has given you.
Heavenly Father, I am in awe at the many times You’ve blessed me.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.—Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
God, the Divine Artist, has a beautiful life planned for you. When you offer yourself to God and dedicate yourself to be part of His vision, you will accomplish greater things than you can imagine. Your life becomes His masterpiece.
All-Powerful Creator, create in me an everlasting work of art.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.—Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
When you need to feel safe and in God’s presence, repeat the above verse. Close your eyes and imagine Him taking your hand. With His support there is no need to be afraid. He is with you, knowing the unknowns and helping you feel secure. You are safe.
Loving Father, thank You for protecting me, comforting me and guiding me through uncertain times.
As it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”—Romans 9:33 (NIV)
In any given situation, it’s easy to focus on what God should be doing—rather than accept what He is actually doing. If we seek God through our own works we will stumble, but if we faithfully depend on Him we will experience righteousness and salvation.
Our Heavenly Father, I surrender myself into Your hands. Through faith and humble dependence upon You I will not stumble.
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”—1 Samuel 17:45 (NIV)
When you are up against bad odds, draw courage and strength from God. There is no difficulty that you cannot overcome with God at your side. Together you have the power to accomplish mighty things.
Everlasting Father, I praise You for the many victories to come—there is no obstacle too big for You to overcome.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.—Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Waiting is part of the process of becoming the person God wants you to be—a time of growth where you experience the difference between your demands and His desires. When you surrender to His timetable, you realize He knows best.
Dear Lord, help me to see the good in waiting. Guide me to be patient and flexible, as I let go of the reins and trust Your timing.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.—Philippians 4:11 (NIV)
Is there something in your life that is wedging between you and God? Perhaps it is jealousy, greed, or dishonesty. Whatever it may be, you must stay alert to areas in your life that are coming between you and His love. Put Him first and ask His help to release all blocks that interfere with your relationship.
Dear Lord, help me release the things that hinder my faith journey. I want to walk closely with You, the Shepherd of my faith.
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.—Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)
One thing is certain, when Judas realized the evil of his actions, he was so full of guilt that he could not live with himself. What he forgot was that Jesus would have forgiven him even for his betrayal. If you feel as if you’ve failed against God, remember there is no sin beyond His forgiveness.
Dear Lord, thank You for the grace of Your love that heals our guilt and takes away our sins.
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay.”—Matthew 28:5-6 (ESV)
The Easter message tells us that we do not need to be afraid of anything, not life with all its uncertainties, not even death itself. When your spirit is filled with the unshakable strength of God in the name of Jesus Christ, you can be filled with the power of tremendous hope.
Dear God, thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You for making all things new! Shine Your light over me. Help me reflect Your peace and hope.
“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.”—Matthew 27:65 (NIV)
The tomb was silent. Yet the silence would only last one more day. Today as you wait amidst the darkness of Good Friday and the Light of Easter, make time to reflect on the hope of the resurrection.
Lord Jesus, today I will focus on the miraculous fact that the darkness of yesterday will soon be overcome by the light of tomorrow.
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)
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will
eat; or about your body, what you will wear.”—Luke 12:22 (NIV)
Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.—Ecclesiastes 4:6 (NIV)
As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.”—Psalm 87:7 (NIV)
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.—Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.—1 Timothy 1:14 (NIV)
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)
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.—Titus 3:1–2 (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.—Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God…—1 Peter 2:16–17 (NIV)
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!—1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.—John 15:13 (NIV)
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”—Luke 1:46–47 (NIV)
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)
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