No Worries Tomorrow

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT) ( Jeremiah 29:11 )

Do you worry about tomorrow? Remember that God has a beautiful plan for you. Simply do your best in the things that you know, and lean on God for the worries that are out of your control. God may not give you your version of a perfect day tomorrow, but have faith that He has bigger plans for you in due time



Reward In Life

Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil. (NLT) ( Ecclesiastes 9:9 )

Though there may be distractions, such as menial quarrels or long work days that keep you emotionally distant from your spouse, remember that God made your spouse just for you. Keep your promise to God and honor your spouse by giving them something valuable: your time.



Better Than Yourselves

Better Than Yourselves Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. (NLT) ( Philippians 2:3 )

Are you humble in your daily interactions with others? It’s easy to get caught up in your own megaphone, pronouncing your greatness to the world. Indeed, Christ died for you, which gives you great value. However, this does not make you better than anyone else. Seek humility daily



Take Courage

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” (NLT) ( Mark 6:50 )

What do you fear? Is it financial ruin, loneliness, pain, poor health, or the collapse of your family? When you feel afraid, and fear has its strong grip on you, remember this: God is with you. Acknowledging this will allow you to conquer your fear and steady your steps. As you move forward, step by step, your fear will fade away as you recognize that your strength is with God. He is with you.



The Anchor Holds

The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered 
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm
 
So these lyrics have been on my mind all day. We are like that ship in this world, being tossed to and fro, needing something to steady our walk. He is our anchor for this steadiness and surety. The grace of God and the influence of the Holy Spirit are the grounds of this hope. If you feel lost at sea, turn your life over to Him, putting your faith and trust in Him, that he will take you and mold you into what he’d have you be. You can then take solace in the fact that you now have the ANCHOR that will surely hold, no matter how much you are tossed and turned!


All Our Mind

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)

How do we love God with our mind? This isn’t about intellectual assent to beliefs about God but rather using our mind to love God. Maybe that seems odd. We often say we love with our heart and think with our mind. Yet our minds encounter and process both thoughts and feelings. Our minds give shape to what we say and how we act.

We know how to put our minds to use in service of school or work. May we discover anew how to engage our minds in service of loving God.



Created It All

The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours – you created it all. (NLT) ( Psalm 89:11 )

Whether you’re modest or proud about your accomplishments, remember to give praise to the one who gave you your talents. If you’re modest, voice your praises by giving credit to the Lord. If you’re prideful, change your name to the Lord’s when shouting out your accomplishments. After all, the Lord gave you your talents, opportunities, and even your breath.



Whose Kingdom

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (NLT) ( Mark 1:17 )

Jesus is asking Peter to stop building his own kingdom and to take up building Christ’s kingdom. Each of us are building a kingdom, even if we are unaware. Your kingdom may consist of accumulation, pride, and careers, among other things. What would it take for you to stop building your own kingdom? If Jesus asked you to drop your fishing net and follow Him, would you?



Faithful Friends

I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me. (NLT) ( Psalm 101:6 )

Be careful with the company you keep; they may not be serving you well. When mingling with friends, you will find that you learn a thing or two from them. We pick up both positive and negative influences from our friends. Are you spending time with people who make you a better person? You will be rewarded if your companions are faithful.



Worthless Talk

Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. (NLT) ( 2 Timothy 2:16 )

Foolish talk includes talking negatively about another person (gossip) and spreading false information about another person (slander). Instead of worthless talk, set your mind on building up and being a light for others. Not only is this more rewarding, it also leads to a greater sense of inner peace. Are a large portion of the words coming from your mouth considered foolish talk?