Peace and Joy: Romans 15:13

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)

Trust in God, give Him your worries, listen to Him, and love Him. This brings hope. Today, may this hope from God fill you with joy and peace. May you walk in trust with Him and feel His love.

When do you feel God’s peace and joy?

Prayer: Dear Lord, let our trust in You, be bold and bright like these blooms. Like the shiny leaves glow, let us shine with joy. May our peace grow and blossom. Thank you, Lord, for your grace and abundant love. In Jesus Holy name. Amen.

Strength: Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13… And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty. – The Passion Version (TPT)

Philippians 4:13 for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. – Living Bible (TLB)

Are you afraid, weary, or confused? You can receive strength from Christ. You just need to take the first step. Let go of worry and accept Christ’s strength. I love the wording of the Passion Version which states, “the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.” All I can say is Wow! The Living Bible version states, “for I can do everything God asks me with the help of Christ…” Do you need strength today? Ask Christ.

What is God asking you to do?

Prayer: Our Father help us to spread our wings like the monarch and use your strength to conquer every difficulty. As this flowers bright blossoms reach upward help us also reach out for Your help and guidance. Dear Lord, we thank you for your power, grace, and love. In Jesus name. Amen

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Poured Out: Romans 5:5

Now this hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:5 (ISV)

Prayer: Lord, like these flowers glow in the sun, let your love glow through our actions. Let our hope remain open and bright like the coreopsis blooms. Let us blossom in your love. In Jesus name. Amen.

Devotional: Our God is awesome, He is a God of Love. He not only loves us, but He is Love. God loves us because of who He is not because of who we are. In the Bible, God showed His love for sinners. He healed them, ate with them, and forgave them. Jesus never turned away anyone who came to Him for forgiveness. When we confess our sins, He forgives us. We often put roadblocks into place by not feeling worthy of His love, but God is love!

What roadblocks are blocking you from hope?

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Patience: James 1:19

Hearing and Doing the Word
James 1:19You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Hot days, busy traffic, and impossible schedules can lead us to frustration and anger. How great it would be if we would be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

What helps you to calm down and listen during this busy season?

Today’s prayer: Oh Lord, we are so busy running that we hardly take time to stop and listen. Help us to find peace in nature and let our love blossom like the glorious flowers you have given us. Let our hearts be open like the trumpet-shaped blossoms. Help us to listen to and love others. As the Mandevilla vine winds and stretches upward likewise give us the wisdom to reach for and listen to Your Word. Let us by our actions be good examples to others by really listening, by taking time to think before speaking, and by being slow to anger. In Jesus holy name. Amen

Peace I Give to You: John14:24

John 14:²⁵(NIRV) “I have spoken all these things while I am still with you. ²⁶But the Father will send the Friend in my name to help you. The Friend is the Holy Spirit. He will teach you all things. He will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷I leave my peace with you. I give my peace to you. I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled. And do not be afraid.

Dear Lord, We give thanks to you for all you give to us. Thanks for the wonder of nature. Especially, the beauty of flowers that reflect and glow in Your light. Let us be like these flowers and glow with Your inner light. Let our light shine in the dark places that need illumination. Help us to have a strong foundation in Your Word. A foundation which upholds us like the straight strong stem supports the sunflower. Let us reach upward with prayers to you as the sunflower reaches for the sky. This we ask in Jesus Holy name. Amen.

Where in nature do you feel God’s presence?

Bless the Lord: Psalm 103:1

Crepe Myrtle – They are gorgeous this year

Psalm 103:1-3 of David

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name!
²Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
³who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,

As soon as I start reading this psalm, the song “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”* starts beautifully flowing through my mind:

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name

The sun comes up
It’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass
And whatever lies before me
Let me be singing
When the evening comes…

*”10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) Lyrics.” Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2019. Web. 10 Aug. 2019. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/23889502/Matt+Redman>.

Prayer: Dear Lord, whatever lies before us today help us to still be singing to you and worshiping you when the evening comes. Like the crepe myrtle where many small blossoms gather together and make a stunningly beautiful flower cluster, help us to exist together in harmony and love. This we ask dear Lord, in Jesus name. Amen

Rejoice, Rejoice:Philippians 4:4-5

Philippians 4:4-5 (NIV)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

In the early morning, I love to sit for a moment and listen to the birds sing, bask in the beauty of nature, and rejoice in God’s goodness. Wishing you moments of beauty and time to rejoice in God’s goodness today.

What in nature or your garden cause you to rejoice and thank God?

Today’s Prayer: Our heavenly Father, we rejoice in your goodness, your forgiveness, and your unconditional love for us. We also rejoice in your gifts of the beauty and wonder of nature, hope for tomorrow, and the unique blessing of each new day. Help us to glorify you by being kind, gentle, and loving in our dealings with each other. Let us glow like the sunshine on the flower petals with your forgiveness and unconditional love. In Jesus name, Amen.

Do Everything in Love: 1Corinthians 16:14

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)

¹³Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

¹⁴Do everything in love.

Today’s Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for the wonder of nature and the beauty of flowers. Let our hearts reflect love like the open white blossom reflects light. Like the flowers help us to gather together and be faithful and caring. Daily these flowers reach upward toward the sun in a similar way let our love reach outwards to all. In Jesus holy name. Amen

Have you known someone who was a good model for the bible verse, do everything in love?