Day 30, August 6, 2012

You have abundant and eternal life in Me. Both of these aspects of life began the moment you entered into a relationship with Me through Jesus. The abundant life is not a problem-free life with great wealth; it is much better than that. The abundant life I bring involves a personal and loving relationship with Me. I will walk with you through all the problems you encounter. I will provide all you need. Eternal life is twofold—it is about quality of life as well as quantity of life. Eternal life is about knowing My Son and about knowing Me. Eternal life provides a quality of life that is better than anything this world has to offer—an everlasting life with Me, a love relationship that has no end. Enjoy the abundant and everlasting life I have for you as you walk with Me today. Share with others how they can have eternal life in Me.

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 17:3

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

Dear God,

You are my life. I do not have physical life or spiritual life without You. Make me ever aware of this beautiful truth. As I continue to pray for those in my life who do not yet know You, I commit to You today that I will also share with them how they can have eternal life in You.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 29: August 5, 2012

Are you shining brightly for Me? My Son is the light of the world. I have designed My children to be the light of the world as My Son lives His life in and through you. Lights are meant to shine, to stand out in the darkness. When lights are hidden, they are not serving their purpose. You are not meant to be hidden from the world either. You are to be a light to those who are surrounded by darkness. Shine brightly for Me so others will see what you are doing and will praise Me as your Father. Your bright light brings Me glory. Shine brightly at home, work, school, church, and everywhere else you go. Shine with your words. Shine with your attitude. Shine with your actions. Say and do everything for My glory.

Matthew 5:14-16

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

1 Corinthians 10:31

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Dear God,

The world appears to be growing darker every day. Live in me so that I shine brightly for You. I do not want the attention to be given to me; rather, I want others to see You in me. I pray that our church will also be a bright and shining beacon for You in our community and around the world.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 28: August 4, 2012

Do you make others thirsty for Me? You are on this earth because I have a purpose for you. I want you to lead others to Me. Sometimes you will do this in overt ways, and sometimes you will do this in subtle ways. Salt makes people thirsty for water. I am the Living Water people need for abundant and everlasting life. Help make people thirsty for Me. Show them how refreshing I am to you and how refreshing I will be for them. Show them how I quench your thirst. Let them see that you are indeed satisfied with Me. Many who claim to follow Me and be My children appear to be the most miserable of all people. Be an example of someone who is fully satisfied in Me. Make someone thirsty for Me today.

Matthew 5:13

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

John 4:14

But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

John 7:37-38

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

Dear God,

I want to lead others to You. Help me live so that my life makes others thirsty for You. You are the only One who quenches my thirst, and You are the only One who can quench the thirst of others. Forgive me when I live in a way that does not honor You and make others desirous of You. Give me the same passion You have for those who do not yet know You.

In Jesus name,

Day 27: August 3, 2012

I love to bless you. I will never forget you. When you face persecutions because of your faith in Me, I am always watching with a smile on My face. While it breaks My heart to see you mistreated, it gives Me joy to see you standing for Me. My promise for you is My kingdom in heaven. When others do evil to you because of your faith in Me, it is a sign that you really are My obedient child. They treated My Son the same way when He walked on the earth, and they will treat any true follower of Mine that way too. See this as a badge of honor. I have chosen you. I love you. When others see Me so clearly in you, it brings honor and glory to My name. Never lose heart. I see everything you do, and I am so proud of you.

Matthew 5:10-12

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

John 15:20 

Remember the words I spoke to you: “No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”

2 Timothy 3:12

Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Dear God,

I am willing to be persecuted and insulted for You. If the best way for someone to come to know You is through my being mistreated, persecuted, or even killed, I am willing for that to happen. I am Your servant, and I am here for You alone. Please use my family, our Grace family, and me to bring honor to You in and through every situation of life.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 26: August 2, 2012

I am a peacemaker and a reconciler. As you live the life of a peacemaker, others will recognize you as My child. To live as a peacemaker you must be committed to helping others overcome the differences they have with one another and to live in unity. The life of a peacemaker is difficult because of the many fights, arguments, and quarrels. Be My representative who helps bring peace to those who are at odds. You cannot be a peacemaker for everyone in the world, but you can be one for those I have placed around you. Focus on bringing peace to those who are in your circle of influence. Be My ambassador, My representative, and share My peace so others will know Me. As My ambassador, you are called to help lead others to Me so they can experience peace and reconciliation. As you help others find peace and reconciliation, set the example by being a peacemaker yourself. Overlook offenses toward you and forgive them as I have forgiven you.

Psalm 133:1

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Dear God,

Thank You for allowing me to live at peace with You through Your Son Jesus. I want to lead others to You. I want to be Your faithful minister and missionary with a global commitment for sharing the gospel. Help me be a peacemaker with other people. I want everyone to see You in me.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 25: August 1, 2012

Many people say they want to see Me, and I have provided a way for you to do so. When you live with a pure heart, you are able to see Me. I am the only one who can make you pure in heart. When you come to Me by faith, I make you pure and holy. My desire is that you have a heart of integrity. People will see Me in you as you live a pure life. Talk in a pure way. Act in a pure way. Think in a pure way. When you become aware of impurities in your life, take the necessary steps to remove them. I am the strength you need to live the pure life to which I have called you. As you do, you will see Me and others will see Me in and through you.

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Philippians 2:14-15

Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

Dear God,

I know that I do not always have a pure heart. More often than I would like, I complain and argue. Make my heart clean and pure so that I will shine for You in this dark world in which I live.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 24: July 31, 2012

My mercy is never-ending. Although you have sinned against Me, when you came to Me by faith, in repentance and in acceptance of My Son, I chose not to give you what you deserved. Although your sin had to be paid for, My Son paid that debt on your behalf. That is mercy—not giving you what you rightfully should have received. Now that you have received this mercy, demonstrate mercy to those who offend you and your loved ones. It is not easy in your natural human self, but it is possible as you allow Me to live in you. As you express this mercy to those around you, you will discover that you are experiencing My mercy in more ways than ever realized before. I have more blessings of mercy for you as you share mercy with others.

Matthew 5:7

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Titus 3:5

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Dear God,

Thank You for Your never-ending mercy. I am a broken and unclean vessel as I come before You today. I ask You to cleanse me from my sin. I am so thankful that Your Son gave His life for me and that You have showered your mercy and grace on me. I commit to be merciful to those I encounter so that through me they may see You. Glorify Yourself through my family, our church, and me.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 23: July 30, 2012

Are you hungry and thirsty? I’m not asking you if your stomach is growling for food; rather, is your spirit growling for Me? I want you to desire Me like you desire your next meal. I want you to crave Me like you crave a cold glass of water after hours in a desert. I am righteous, and I want you to hunger and thirst after Me and My righteousness. I will fill you. The mistake so many make is that they attempt to fill their spiritual hunger and thirst themselves with temporal, earthly things. Some of these things are not necessarily bad things, but they can never bring true fulfillment. I am the only One who can fill the void in your heart and life. Begin to hunger and thirst for Me and My righteousness and you will begin to be filled like you have never been filled before. I eagerly await your coming to Me. My food and My drink are available for you at all times. Come to Me; eat, drink, and be filled!

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

John 4:14

But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

Dear God,

I am so thirsty for You, but I want to be even more thirsty. I am hungry for You, but I want to be even more hungry. Help me desire You more than anyone or anything. My prayer for our Grace family is that we will hunger and thirst for You more than we ever have and that You will do a work in us like You have never done. As I come to You hungering and thirsting, I do so thanking You in advance for filling me.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 22: July 29, 2012

The world teaches you to promote yourself and to demand your own rights. I am calling you to live with a meek heart and attitude. Meekness is not weakness, although many misunderstand it to be that. Meekness is living with an understanding of who you are in Me and the power you have in Me. Meekness is living with the strength and power you have received from Me in a controlled manner. When you know who you are and whose you are, you don’t have to promote yourself and demand your rights because you know I will provide for you and recognize you for who you are and what you do. I am able to see that your rights are taken care of and that you are lifted up in due time. Your role is to walk closely beside Me with a meek heart, and I will provide for you.

Psalm 118:14

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Dear God,

There is such a temptation to attempt to live independently and to promote myself for future gain. Forgive me when I give in to these temptations. I know that I am nothing without You and that I need to walk closely by Your side. Help me to stop trying to live in my own strength and to live dependent on You. I pray that our church will resist trying to do things ourselves and will instead allow You to do the seemingly impossible through us also.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 21: July 28, 2012

Most people want to be happy and carefree. There is a time for that, but it can only come after there has been a time of mourning. Learn to mourn for the sin you have committed. When you have a heart of mourning over your sin, you will experience My comfort and blessings. I am the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. Too many people try to provide their own comfort and compassion rather than relying on Me. The temptation is to deny your sin rather than admit and repent of your sin. When there is no admission and repentance, there is no mourning. Without mourning, you miss My promise of comfort, which includes forgiveness and refreshing. When you come to Me with a heart of mourning, you gain comfort, joy, and peace.

Psalm 85:8

I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints— but let them not return to folly.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

2 Corinthians 1:4

[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Dear God,

As I bow before You today, I do so mourning my sin and shortcomings. I know that my sin and the sin of my family and the sin of our church family has sickened You and prevented all of us from living in victory. Forgive us, O God, and comfort us through Your forgiveness and refreshing.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 20: July 27, 2012

I have all the wealth you will ever need. This is true of earthly possessions as well as eternal possessions. My desire is that you become poor in spirit. This does not mean I desire for you to be poor financially, although there likely will be times when that is the case for you. My desire focuses around your being poor in a spiritual sense so that you rely on Me to make you wealthy in a spiritual sense. I want you to realize how poor you are without Me and how much you desperately need Me. It is only as you understand how spiritually poor you are without Me that you will live with a realization of how important I am to you. When you live with this kind of spiritual poverty, this kind of humility, I make you spiritually wealthy in this life and in the life to come in heaven. Remember, I have all you will ever need, because I am all you will ever need. Find your wealth in Me today and forever.

Psalm 149:4

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

Matthew 5:3-16

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Dear God,

Sometimes I live with pride and self-reliance, which keeps me from being close to You and from being the vessel You want to use. Forgive me, Father, and humble me before You today so that I am utterly dependent on You. Please our church and me as Your tools for revival.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 19: July 26, 2012

In the midst of the turmoil and pain you face each day, know that I am your constant refuge. When you are tired, I am here to provide rest. When you are overwhelmed, I am here to help put everything into perspective. When the pressures of life are more than you can handle, I am here to carry your burdens. When you need security from those who are pursuing you, I am your Protector. Just as a cave cut out from the side of a mountain can provide shelter from dangerous storms, I provide the shelter you need. I am your shelter. I am all you need. Turn to Me. Lean on Me. Walk close beside Me. Storms will certainly come your way; but do not fear, I am with you through the storms.

Psalm 7:1

O Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me.

Psalm 16:1

Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.

Matthew 11:30

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Dear God,

Thank You for being my constant refuge. Thank You for reigning high and above all the storms and struggles I face. I trust You and rest in You. Please stir my heart and the heart of our Grace family so that we will walk with You day in and day out.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 18: July 25, 2012

Be careful what you allow into your mind and heart. There are many dangerous messages the Devil is trying to put into the minds of My children, and most have no idea these messages are even being sent. Attacks by the Evil One are usually subtle. If you are not paying close attention to the things you watch, read, and listen to, you will open the door of your mind and heart to ideas and philosophies that contradict My Word. You would never allow trash to be mixed into the food you and your family eat, so why would you allow trash to be mixed into the messages you and your family view and listen to? Be on the alert for these attacks that are coming toward you. Have the courage to take a stand. Eliminate the dangerous messages being sent to you and to your family.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

1 Peter 5:8-9

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Dear God,

I want my mind and heart to be clean and pure for You. You are so much more powerful than the Devil, and I come before You praising You today. I will put on the armor You have provided for me. I will resist the Devil and run to You.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 17: July 24, 2012

I have set you apart from the world and for Myself. You are My child, and I want you to be different from those who do not belong to Me. I am holy, and I want you to be holy as well. With My Spirit living in you, you are able to live a holy life. You have a purpose in life, and that purpose begins with your knowing Me and living in Me and Me living in you. You cannot belong to this world and belong to Me at the same time. To be separated from the world means you are not consumed by and controlled by the things of the world. It means you talk differently from those who are of this world talk. You act differently from the way they act. Your worldview is different from their worldview. To be separated unto Me means you allow your heart, your mouth, your feet, your hands, and every other part of you to be under My control and to be used for My glory. Be different. Let Me live in you.
Ephesians 1:4
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

2 Peter 3:11
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.
Dear God,
Thank You for allowing Me to be Your child. It is amazing that I have been made righteous in You. Help me to live a life of righteousness so that my life will bring glory to You. I surrender myself to You, dear God. I am Yours. May Your will be done in, through, and around our church and around me.
In Jesus’ name,

Day 16: July 23, 2012

Whatever is distracting you from Me needs to be removed. It may be your television, radio, I-pod, computer, or it may even be a person; but if something or someone is keeping you from concentrating on Me as you should, you must avoid that distraction. In some cases you need to temporarily remove it, and in other cases you need to permanently remove it from your life. Some of the things that take your attention away from Me are not bad things—some of them may actually be good. The problem is they are not the best. Good things can be some of the most dangerous things in your life because you are tempted to settle for good and never know the best. So turn off whatever you need to turn off and spend time with Me. Let’s go on a walk together. Sing to Me. Listen to Me. Share your heart with Me. Simply be with Me.

Psalm 88:13

But I cry to you for help, O Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you.

Mark 1:35

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray continually.

Dear God,

Please forgive me for allowing distractions to keep me from You. Help me to see the distractions I have the power to remove and help me remove them so I can be closer to You. Help me and all of Grace be focused on You and remain focused on You so we can experience the revival and awakening we need.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 15: July 22, 2012

What are you running after? Look around and notice what most people seem to be running toward. You will soon discover that most are desperately seeking things such as money, possessions, and the basic necessities of life. As My child, you should be different. I promise to take care of you and provide for you the things you need, but I have a requirement of you. Seek Me and My righteousness first and foremost. Run after Me. As you make Me your focus and desire, I promise to take care of the basic necessities of life for which many spend their lives striving. The difference between others and you is that they are seeking the temporal things of life and you are seeking Me and My eternal things. Those who seek the temporal things temporarily get what they can provide for themselves, but you get all that I can provide for all eternity.
Matthew 6:28-33
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Dear God,
I confess that sometimes I run after the same things the world runs after rather than running after You. Please forgive me for this sin. I commit to You today to run after You and Your righteousness. Please use me as an instrument of revival in the life of my family and our Grace family.
In Jesus name,

Day 14: July 21, 2012

I love you more than you can ever imagine. You are very special to Me. It blesses Me when we spend time together. I already know you completely, but the more time you spend with Me, the better you know Me. I want you to have a passion for Me. I want you to desire to know Me better today than you did yesterday. I want you to love and seek Me with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. You could add up all your achievements and all your credentials and they would amount to absolutely nothing compared to knowing and loving Me. Today My assignment for you is simple: Love Me. As we spend time together today loving each other, you will find the fulfillment and joy for which you have been longing.

Mark 12:30

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

Philippians 3:7-9

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

Dear God,

I now understand that for me to experience a revival I must be in, and remain in, a passionate love relationship with You. I have focused more on “doing” things for You than I have focused on “being” in love with You. I realize that I am nothing without You. I pray that You will be glorified in me as I live in this close love relationship with you.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 13: July 20, 2012

You live in a time when there are many types of communication available, and most of these are instant in nature. Years ago people had very few options for communicating with someone who was not with them physically. The limited options were anything but instant in nature. One thing that has never changed, however, is the opportunity for you to communicate with Me at any time and any place. I am always available for you because I am living in you. Communication with Me is instantaneous for those who choose to participate through listening, talking, meditating, journaling, or writing letters to Me. I love spending time with you. My desire is for you to have a similar passion for spending time with Me. You never have to worry about waking Me because I never sleep. You never have to worry about bothering Me because My children are never a bother to Me. I am here, and I eagerly await your calling.

Psalm 121:4

Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Jeremiah 33:3

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Romans 8:11

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

Dear God,

Thank You for always being available. Thank You for living in me. It brings me such joy to know that whenever I call on You, You are available. It humbles and amazes me when I consider that You, the only true God, desire for me to communicate with You. I commit to being faithful to You and to strive to remain in constant communication with you. Please show me how You want to use me as Your instrument to help bring revival.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 12: July 19, 2012

Are you afraid? Feelings of fear engulf people each day. As My child, you have been given a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind, not a spirit of fear. My power is unlimited, My love is unending, and My mind is unequaled. As My precious son or daughter, you have all you will ever need. I understand there are times you are tempted to focus on your problems and struggles rather than on My strength. The chains of fear need not bind you. I have adopted you. You are mine. I have given you the privilege of calling Me Daddy. Come to your Daddy and experience the peace I have for you. Allow Me to embrace you, surround you, and engulf you with My love rather than being controlled by fear.

Romans 8:15

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Dear God,

I bow before You today acknowledging that often I am overcome with fear. I confess that worrying and living in fear is a sin against You because it demonstrates a lack of faith. I want to focus on You rather than on my problems and me. I lift my family to You and place them in Your hands. I will trust You rather than worry. I lift our Grace family to You and ask You to work in and through us. Bring an awakening to my heart and to Grace.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 11: July 18, 2012

When people go on a trip to a location they have never been, it is important to have good directions. With a dependable map or GPS it is usually easy to find out exactly how to get to your final destination. It is silly for someone to have access to a directional source and not take advantage of it. Only stubborn people wander around in confusion when a tool is readily available to assist them. It breaks My heart that so many of My children spend years wandering around when they have My Word, the Bible, and My Holy Spirit available to guide them. Learn to listen to Me. Learn to humbly follow My directions. My Word is a lamp for you and a light to show you where to step. My Spirit is within you to speak to you and guide you; let Me fill you each moment. I love you and want you to know where to go and how to get there. Faithfully follow Me.

Psalm 25:8-9

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Ephesians 5:18

Be filled with the Spirit.

Dear God,

Please forgive me when I try to direct my own life instead of willingly following You. To truly experience the life You desire for me, I know I must remain in Your Word and allow Your Holy Spirit to lead me. I come before You today humbling myself and choosing to faithfully follow You.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 10: July 17, 2012

Are you going through life, or are you living? Every person exists, but not everyone truly lives. My purpose for you is that you live and thrive. You have been made to enjoy a successful life, not a life of defeat. There is a real enemy who exists to kill, steal, and destroy the abundant life I have planned for you. Do not give in to the enemy, and do not miss the real reason you are here. You are not here to make more money so you can pay more taxes and buy bigger toys to satisfy your desires. You are here to live in relationship with Me, preparing for eternity together in heaven. Live! Start now! Stop playing religion and live. Stop going at it in a halfhearted fashion; dive into My presence with all you are and all you have. Here I am; come join Me.

John 10:10

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Revelation 21:3-4

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Dear God,

Thank You for loving Me and creating me to know and love You for all eternity and for helping others know and love you too. Help me to live with an eternal focus, and help me refuse to simply play religion. Please revive our church family and revive me. I am Your servant; do in and through me whatever You desire.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 9: July 16, 2012

Have you ever wondered what it was like for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? The phenomenal elegance of the man and woman, not to mention the plants and animals were beyond what any human can imagine. The effect of sin on the world has changed not only humankind but also nature itself. What sin destroyed in that beautiful garden My Son came to restore. When your distant relatives sinned against Me, separation occurred; but I sent My beloved Son to reconcile you to Me. The closeness Adam and Eve experienced prior to their sinful fall is possible for you as I live in you through My Holy Spirit. Do not allow sin to cause a break in your fellowship with me. Confess your sin and repent of it as soon as you realize what you have done and receive the refreshing cleansing I have for you.
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Genesis 2:8-9
Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.

John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Dear God,
I come to You today confessing my sin, and I now repent of my sin. Thank You for the forgiveness You provide. Help me always live with a repentant heart so I can experience revival.
In Jesus’ name,

Day 8: July 15, 2012

Do you feel rested? Often you remain so busy with the everyday responsibilities of life that you forget to be still and know that I am God. I love you far more than you will ever understand while on this earth. Slow down and enjoy time with Me. Many around you pressure you to do more and achieve more every day, but I want you to know that being is much more important than doing. I want you to be with Me more than I want you to do something for Me. I do not need anything; however, I want to spend time with you because I love you. You are My child, created by Me and for Me. Rest in Me and I will give you a peace that is beyond human understanding. As you draw close to Me, you can rest assured I will draw close to you. Here I am— come to Me.

Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Dear God,

Please show me areas where I need to slow down and be still before You. I pray You will bring revival to my life, my family’s life, and the life of my Grace family. I come to You today to rest in You.

In Jesus’ name,

Day 7: July 14, 2012

Deep roots allow trees to receive the water and nutrients they need to flourish. Those same roots also provide the necessary security for trees to withstand the strong winds that come their way. I have created you in much the same way, for you too need deep roots. You need to be deeply rooted in My Word so you will receive the spiritual nutrients you require. There is no substitute for My Word when it comes to providing the sustenance needed for a successful life. There is no substitute for My Word when the strong winds of strife come to you and to your family. When you are deeply rooted in My Word and in Me, you are able to withstand the strongest winds the world or the Devil can bring your way.

Psalm 1:3

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 33:4

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

Matthew 7:17-20

Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Dear God,

You are the very nutrition I need for life. I will never be mature spiritually without continuing to be watered and fed by You and Your Word. I commit to You today that I will spend more time with You so I can grow and glorify You. Set my heart on fire for You, I pray. Set the heart of Grace on fire for You.

In Jesus’ name,