“How then can I dispute with him? How can I find words to argue with him?”—Job 9:14 (NIV)
Have you ever tried to argue with God only to realize the error of your thinking? God is never wrong. Yet, by openly disagreeing with Him, you often open a dialogue that will help you better understand His ways. Approach Him with honest prayer. Your most important action is to turn to Him.
Heavenly Father, I may not be happy with what is happening, but who am I to argue with You?
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.—John 15:2 (NIV)
Do you feel tired and overwhelmed by all you want to do in a day? Ask God to help you prioritize your goals. Focus on the peace of His presence. Turn to Him for guidance on what is important right now and what can wait for another day.
Dear Lord, there is so much I want to do. Help me focus first on You so that all my efforts bear fruit.
You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.—1 Peter 2:5 (ESV)
God is the Master Builder, and you are a living stone that is a piece of His foundation. Your role, according to Peter, is to declare the praises of His work and glorify Him in all that you do. Take that to heart: You are a living rock in God’s spiritual house.
Dear Lord, I am honored to be part of Your wondrous structure and I praise You for Your glorious work.
But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.—John 15:26 (ESV)
When you need a boost of energy or an answer to a problem, draw from the power of God, the omnipotent, all-knowing and all-powerful Helper who is always with you. Because of His help, there is no reason to be weary. Pray and ask Him to fill you with His Spirit.
Heavenly Father, may I experience Your power and love today.
David said to God, “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd have sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Lord my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.”—1 Chronicles 21:17 (NIV)
Wrongdoings often have a domino effect. David was forgiven by God, but there were consequences to his actions that had already caused damage. When you are at a crossroads and considering what to do, check in with God first. Ask for His guidance.
Dear Lord, when I am tempted to make poor choices, show me the way. Keep me upright.
Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord.—2 Kings 19:14 (NIV)
Hezekiah immediately shared his bad news with God. Do you follow Hezekiah’s example and turn to Him first, bearing your troubles fully and passionately? Welcome God into your urgent situations and ask for His guidance. Be honest and real.
Lord, what should I do?
I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.—Philemon 1:6 (NIV)
Current events and world news can leave you feeling powerless and discouraged. When you turn your attention to God and pray for what is happening in the news, your conversation with Him will lift you above the Earth’s problems and help ground you in His peace.
Lord, shine Your love on the world. Bring healing.
Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.—Colossians 2:7 (NIV)
As you grow your faith, learn to see the bright side of dark moments. In times of stress and confusion, reach out to God. Thank Him for His understanding. Praise Him for His wisdom and guidance.
Heavenly Father, You are the peace that rests in my spirit. You are the hope that assures me all things are possible.
Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.—Psalm 119:133 (NIV)
God gives us boundaries and guidelines to ease life’s journey. When we stay on His path, we have purpose and direction. When you feel that these boundaries are limiting your freedom, shift your perspective and see His direction as guiding you to victory.
Lord, Your Word protects and guides me.
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)
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.—Ephesians 5:15–16 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.—Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.—Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV)
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will do this.—Psalm 37:5 (NIV)
And he opened his mouth and taught them.—Matthew 5:2 (ESV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.—Romans 15:13 (NIV)
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.—Matthew 6:17–18 (NIV)
The Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.—Romans 8:26 (NIV)
We love because he first loved us.—1 John 4:19 (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)
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)
