Matthew 22:36-40

"You must love your neighbor as you love yourself"

Heavenly Father as I approach this day it is easy to become distracted from your goodness amidst the ager and discord in this world. However Father may I remember you greatest commandment, "love". Father, you sent your only Son to show us how to love and we have strayed so far from that but in the moments of turmoil, it is the display of love that shines brightest. May we build off of those moments and choose that path, your path forward.

Acts of the Apostles 1:8

"Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth"

Like the disciples, we often go astray from our mission purpose. We are often scared and lack the courage to carry out the work God has planned for us to do. If that is you today, calm your heart, ask the Holy Spirit to come upon you and lead you to carry out the mission Jesus set out for all of us to do.

Phillipians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Like Paul, we are all leaders, if we are Christ-like followers. and it is through the mission of Jesus, through walking in His footsteps daily, by being intentional with our thoughts and actions, that we too may find the strength that He had on that cross. That display of strength did not stop that day, it will go in to eternity through us.

2 Corinthians 4:6

"god said that light should shine out of darkness. He is the same one who shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ"

When we look to Jesus for salvation and follow His teaching, we're restored in relationship with God our Heavenly Father and He gives us new power and purpose. his transforming life and love - "the light of all mankind" - shines in us and through us and out to a dark and sometimes dangerous world. As believers in Jesus, we become "keepers of light". May others see His light shine from us and discover th life and hope that He alone can give.

Matthew 7:24-25

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock"

Who do you place your trust in? Do you trust in fallible mend and women of this earth or do you place your faith in God's perfect wisdom? Listen to the quiet voice of our Heavenly Father. Be confident in his Word. Talk with him, listen to Him, trust Him.

Romans 3:23

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus"

Despite our shortcomings, or perhaps because of them, God sent His Son so that we may be redeemed for our sins. In doing so, our Heavenly Father demonstrated His infinite love and mercy. We have received countless gifts but none compare with the gift of salvation and His grace.For that we owe Him the ultimate thanksgiving. We return His love by accepting Him into our hearts and sharing His message and His love.

1 John 4:16

"God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him"

The Bible makes this promise: God is love. It's a sweeping statement, a profoundly important description of what God is and how God works. God's love is perfect. When we open our hearts to His perfect love, we are touched by the Creator's hand, and we are transformed.Today, open your heart to His presence and His love.

Psalm 66:10-12

"For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined...we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment"

Everywhere we turn, or so it seems, the world promises fulfillment, contentment, and happiness. But the contentment that the world offers is fleeting and incomplete. Thankfully, the fulfillment that God offers is all encompassing and everlasting. May we seek first a personal, transforming relationship with Jesus, and then claim the joy, the fulfillment, and the spiritual abundance the He offers.

2 Timothy 1:1

"So, my son, throw yourself into the work for Christ"

God's love for you is deeper and more profound than you can imagine. God's love for you is so great that He sent His only Son to this earth to die for your sin and to offer you the priceless gift of eternal life. So, accept God's gift now and allow His Son to reign over your heart, your thoughts, and your life.

Proverbs 15:30

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones"

Today, may we be like Barnabas, the "Son of Encouragement". May we become a source of encouragement to those who cross our paths. We we do, we will quite literally change the world, one person-and one moment-at a time.