Peace – John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (NLT)

Jesus and His disciples are gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem. As His crucifixion approaches, He prepares them by giving the gift of peace. Jesus also gives us calmness, a lasting hope, the reassurance that He is always with us, and peace of heart and mind.

When we face difficulties, it is easy to worry and be afraid, but we can find strength, courage, and peace by placing our faith in Jesus. In the world, you’ll have trouble, but as Jesus says in John 16:33, be courageous, for I’ve overcome the world.

I have told you this so that through me you may have peace. In the world you’ll have trouble, but be courageous—I’ve overcome the world!” John 16:33 (ISV)

We can move ahead without fear, knowing Jesus is always with us, giving us peace and comfort. This peace is a gift that comes from our relationship with Him, and His peace is permanent, guaranteed, and eternal.

Peace is not the absence of problems and trouble; it is the feeling of hope, comfort, harmony, and security that comes from having Jesus in our lives.

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Lord Jesus, we struggle in this world with trials and difficulties. Help us to find solace in Your unwavering love and protection. Teach us to reach out to you when we are afraid instead of worrying. We thank You for Your love and Your gift of peace and strength to deal with our problems. Like the open blossoms of the camellia, let us be open-hearted and blossom in Your love. Amen.

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Unfailing Love – Psalm 32:10

10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Psalm 32:10 (NIV)

The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds those who trust in Him. David knew that when we turn away from God and sin, we invite trouble into our lives. After the prophet Nathan confronted David about his adultery with Bathsheba, David admitted his guilt to God and received forgiveness.

In verse 5, David shares how God forgave him, contrasting the woes of the wicked with the love that surrounds those who repent and sincerely seek Him. Trusting in God, they are surrounded by His unfailing love.

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5 (NIV)

In verse 10, He is contrasting the woes of the wicked to the love that surrounds those who repent and sincerely seek Him.

10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Psalm 32:10 (NIV)

When we trust God, we can face challenges without fear because He is with us. David reminds us that those who trust in the Lord are surrounded by His unfailing love. Other translations describe this as lovingkindness, devotion, mercy, or steadfast love.

God’s love acts as a protective shield around us. As David says in verse 11, we should rejoice and celebrate God’s goodness.

11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Psalm 32:11 (NIV)

Yes, let us rejoice in the Lord and be glad!

10 God-defiers are always in trouble; God-affirmers find themselves loved every time they turn around

11 Celebrate God. Sing together—everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!

Psalm 32:10-11 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your forgiveness, loving kindness, and mercy toward us. Guide us to trust in you and not fear when we encounter difficulties. We are thankful that You are always by our side and that Your unfailing love surrounds us. Like the phlox flowers are open, turning toward the light, let us be open-hearted, reflecting Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Rejoice Always – Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

Paul urges us to rejoice always, at all times, to find joy regardless of our circumstances. It’s not about pretending or ignoring our problems; it’s about having faith in God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Paul uses the word “rejoice” twice in this verse to stress that rejoicing in the Lord is important. It shouldn’t be a passing feeling; it should be something you do on purpose. Like Paul, we should pray and accept God’s peace instead of worrying. He was wrongfully arrested and a prisoner in Rome when he wrote this verse. Instead of complaining and worrying, he focused on rejoicing and being faithful in prayer.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV)

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul reinforces that joy, gratitude, and prayer are God’s will for us.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

As Christians, our joy, hope, and peace deepen as we draw nearer to God. Joy and peace are fruits of the Spirit, deriving from a growing relationship with Him.

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for your goodness, grace, and love. Teach us to lift up our worries and concerns in prayer to You. Help us to find joy in all circumstances, to rejoice always, and to be faithful in prayer. As the beautiful flowers of a cherry tree open in spring, let us be open-hearted, rejoicing in You. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Truth – Psalm 119:160

The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. Psalm 119:160 (NKJV)

Biblical truth, an attribute of God, is seen in His character and word. The verse affirms that all of God’s word is the truth. His teachings are absolute, reliable, eternal, and unchanging. These standards offer a solid, unshakable foundation on which we can build our lives.

And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. – Psalm 12:6 (NIV)

Following God’s righteous, unchanging, enduring judgments leads us along the path of righteousness. By accepting and following His teachings, we find hope in His love, truth, and unbreakable promises and develop a closer relationship with Him and a more purposeful life.

Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth.
Your righteous decisions are eternal.

Psalm 119:160 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and Your word. We know Your word is true and lasting. Help us accept Your teaching and grow closer to You. Guide us in Your truth and light. Like the recurring sunset and sunrise, let us trust Your unbreakable promises and truth. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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With Us—Psalm 121:7-8

8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;

Psalm 121:7-8 (NIV)

These verses are a comforting reminder of God’s love, protection, and care for us. He will watch over our comings and goings, not just today, but forevermore. The verses affirm God’s promise to protect us from harm and to keep watch over our lives, guiding and protecting us through life’s trials. In moments of uncertainty, we can find solace in the knowledge that we are never alone; His presence surrounds us like a gentle shield.

God is with us. His continuing protection and constant presence afford us confidence; we are able to face life’s challenges, trusting in God’s supreme power. His unwavering support encourages us to face challenges with courage and faith, trusting in His divine plan.

God is faithful; as we trust in Him, we can look forward to His steadfast love and care now and forevermore. We can live without fear and worry, knowing our Almighty God is looking after us. This assurance enables us to navigate even the most turbulent times with hope and resilience.

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Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love, guidance, and protection. Help us bring our worries and troubles to You, and lead us on Your path. Remind us to reach out to You when we are troubled, knowing You are always with us and we are never alone. Just as flowers bring beauty and joy, Your protection brings us comfort and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Praise and Thanksgiving – Psalm 95 1:7a

1 Come! Let’s sing for joy to the Lord!

Let’s shout out praises to our protector who delivers us!

2 Let’s enter his presence with thanksgiving!

Let’s shout out to him in celebration!

3 For the Lord is a great God,

a great king who is superior to all gods.

4 The depths of the earth are in his hand,

and the mountain peaks belong to him.

5 The sea is his, for he made it.

His hands formed the dry land.

6 Come! Let’s bow down and worship!

Let’s kneel before the Lord, our creator!

7 For he is our God;

we are the people of his pasture,

the sheep he owns.

Psalm 95:1-7a (NET)

Yes, let us enter God’s presence with thanksgiving, shouting our praise and singing with joy, glorifying His holy name. Our Lord is mighty; He formed the earth, creating the ocean, mountains, flora, and fauna. God is great; He loves us and is powerful, merciful, and forgiving. In prayer, let’s be thankful and sing praises, bowing down in thanks and worship. Let us honor the Lord’s greatness and be open-hearted with gratitude as we follow His path for us.

95 1-2 Come, let’s shout praises to God,
raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!
Let’s march into his presence singing praises,
lifting the rafters with our hymns!

3-5 And why? Because God is the best,
High King over all the gods.
In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns,
in the other hand grasps the high mountains.
He made Ocean—he owns it!
His hands sculpted Earth!

6-7 So come, let us worship: bow before him,
on your knees before God, who made us!
Oh yes, he’s our God,
Psalm 95:1-7a (MSG)

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🌺 Happy Thanksgiving!

Wait – Psalm 130:5

I rely on the LORD, I rely on him with my whole being; I wait for his assuring word. Psalm 130:5 (NET)

With all my heart, I am waiting, LORD, for you! I trust your promises. Psalm 130:5 (CEV)

During our lifetime, we do a lot of waiting in doctors’ offices, in traffic, for repair people, and on hold. Waiting on God is a unique kind of waiting. It is an expectant waiting, a deliberate choice to wait, a waiting with hope, and trusting in God’s mercy, grace, and promises.

Different versions of the Bible describe the waiting on the Lord: with my whole being, with all my heart, and my soul waits. All of these show a strong, full-body desire for God’s help and guidance. This kind of waiting invites us to cultivate patience and deepen our faith, allowing us to find peace amid uncertainty.

During challenging times or when facing uncertainties, it is essential to turn to God in prayer, trusting in Him and finding strength in His promises. This trust not only fortifies our spirit but also opens our hearts to receive the wisdom and comfort that come from a close relationship with Him.

Faith, hope, and patience all play a part in waiting for God’s divine guidance, assurance, and intervention. This journey of faith encourages us to remain steadfast, even when the path ahead seems unclear.

I pray to God—my life a prayer—
and wait for what he’ll say and do. Psalm 130:5 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace and guidance. You are our hope and strength during difficult times. Teach us to patiently wait on You. To wait, with our whole heart and soul, trusting in Your promises and guidance. Like New Guinea impatiens blossom all summer, let us blossom in faith and always rely on You. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Call on Me – Jeremiah 33:3

2“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: 3‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:2-3

During the time of the prophet Jeremiah, the nation of Judah was in turmoil. The people had turned away from God, and they were under threat of a Babylonian invasion. God chose Jeremiah to send a message of warning to the people of Judah, urging them to repent. The message was also one of hope.

For the Lord says, “Call on me in prayer, and I will answer you. God is asking us to have faith, rely on Him, and go to Him in prayer. It is an invitation to communicate with God, stating that He is willing to listen and answer you. When we rely on God and His infinite wisdom, it encourages us to open our hearts and have a deeper connection with Him.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how fathomless his ways! Romans 11:3 (NET)

If we put our faith and trust in God, He will answer our prayers and show us things we could never imagine. God reveals wonders beyond what we can understand. Because He cares for us, when we call on Him, He gives us wisdom, guidance, and help when we need it most.

1While Jeremiah was still locked up in jail, a second Message from God was given to him: ^2-3“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ Jeremiah 33:2-3 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, thank You for listening to and answering our prayers. Help us to grow in faith and to follow Your divine guidance. Teach us to go to You with our concerns and problems and trust in Your infinite wisdom. Like the bright, colorful vinca flowers spread and flourish on summer days, let us shine bright with Your light and flourish in Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Light in the Darkness – Psalm 112:4

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. – Psalm 112:4 (ERV)

Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness. Those who are upright are those who are pious, compassionate, and merciful. Even in the darkness of trouble, for Christians, light arises: the light of hope, God’s light in the darkness illuminating their path.

But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light, growing brighter and brighter until full day. Proverbs 4:18 (NET)

The upright know God is good, they have faith in Him, and trust His promises. They reflect God’s character by being gracious, merciful, and righteous, even in times of adversity. Remaining steadfast in their faith, shining in His light, they become beacons of hope for others, demonstrating that true strength lies not in the absence of trials but in unwavering trust in God.

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace and mercy toward us. You are our light in the darkness, guiding us on our path. Help us to become more Christlike in our actions. Like the sunflower blossom follows the sun, let us blossom in your love and follow Your Son. Amen.

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Lord’s Glory – Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14 (ASV)

The prophet Habakkuk is living in a time of turmoil and injustice. He is worried that wickedness is triumphing; the Babylonians were oppressing the people of Judah.

The glory of God refers to His majesty and holiness. The splendor of God is displayed in the earth and heaven, revealing His glory.

Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!. – Psalm 72:19 (NLT)

Habakkuk receives a vision. In this vision, the glory of God covers the earth, like water covers the sea. A vision of the future when the knowledge of the glory of God will be universally recognized and acknowledged. A world that is renewed and restored, free from sin and injustice. This vision instills a deep sense of anticipation and purpose, encouraging believers to live out their faith with confidence. As they strive to embody this glory, they become instruments of God’s love and grace, reflecting the promise of a brighter future.

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Our Heavenly Father, you are our hope and our salvation. The knowledge of Your glory, Lord, brings us hope. We are in awe of Your majesty and goodness. We give thanks to You for Your guidance, grace, and love. May we carry this spirit of love and service into every interaction, spreading kindness and understanding to those around us. Like the beautiful open blossom of the water lilies, let us open our hearts to you and blossom in faith. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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