Daily Spiritual Meditations - April 15

[bluidkiti]

Precious Promises – Day 15 by SGLY Ministry

Today’s Promise: JOY
Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

Today’s Thought:
The promise is strength for those who delight in the Lord.
Joy is a very glad feeling, happiness, or delight
This promise says that no matter what our situation is we can feel glad, happy and delighted that we have the Lord. If we focus on who and what we are in Him, we will not let the circumstances around us bring us down and we will have strength for the day.

Habakkuk said:
“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17,18 NLT

David said:
“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.”
Psalm 5:11 [NKJV]

Isaiah said:
“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,” Isaiah 61:10 [NKJV]

Paul said:
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess.5:16-18 [NIV]

Today’s Prayer:
Dear God,
No matter what my circumstances may be, I can choose to rejoice and be glad because I have You in my life and I know You will always be there for me. And no matter what I am going through You will give me the strength I need to face any situation.
So, I am going to choose to be joyful and rejoice, just as Nehemiah, Habakkuk, David, Isaiah, Paul and all those who went before me did.
I will trust in You Lord, rejoice in You and be joyful everyday!
Thank You Lord for Your word which strengthens me and uplifts me.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

**********

Strength and Courage

Thought for the Day

"With God by your side, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. He gives the strength, determination, and self-confidence to believe that mountains can be moved. It is this trust in God that you need to draw on in order to not give into feelings of self-doubt and defeat that can keep you from realizing your full potential."
_________________________________

Today's Word

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
_________________________________

Today's Prayer

Father, knowing that You are with me wherever I go and whatever I do gives me the determination to face, with courage and conviction, any challenges that may come my way. Amen.

The Whisper Of God

**********

Facing Ambivalent Emotions

Psalm 39:5-7: “Each man’s life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro; He bustles about, but only in vain… But now Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”

Many of us believe that we must always put on a “happy face” so that others will think we are fine spiritual people. Even when we are sad or discouraged, we smile and attempt to prove to our world that “all is right.”

Although there is nothing wrong with maintaining a positive outlook, we need not pretend that we never hurt. God knows that our human battles include victories and defeats. He does not abandon us when we feel discouraged or depressed. The inclusion of “downer” psalms in the Bible indicates that God acknowledges our daily struggles and invites us to share them with caring friends and with him.

Some days life feels fine, and we are eager to face any challenge. Other days we feel gloomy, wondering about the futility of it all. God remains the same regardless of our vacillating moods. He is our constant hope even when everything we do and say seems to count for nothing. With him by our side we can walk through the ambivalent feelings that often accompany confusing and hectic circumstances.

Lord, I realize I’ll never have
perfectly consistent emotions or reactions
to my daily difficulties.
You’re my hope for stability.

Joan C. WebbFacing Ambivalent Emotions

Psalm 39:5-7: “Each man’s life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro; He bustles about, but only in vain… But now Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”

Many of us believe that we must always put on a “happy face” so that others will think we are fine spiritual people. Even when we are sad or discouraged, we smile and attempt to prove to our world that “all is right.”

Although there is nothing wrong with maintaining a positive outlook, we need not pretend that we never hurt. God knows that our human battles include victories and defeats. He does not abandon us when we feel discouraged or depressed. The inclusion of “downer” psalms in the Bible indicates that God acknowledges our daily struggles and invites us to share them with caring friends and with him.

Some days life feels fine, and we are eager to face any challenge. Other days we feel gloomy, wondering about the futility of it all. God remains the same regardless of our vacillating moods. He is our constant hope even when everything we do and say seems to count for nothing. With him by our side we can walk through the ambivalent feelings that often accompany confusing and hectic circumstances.

Lord, I realize I’ll never have
perfectly consistent emotions or reactions
to my daily difficulties.
You’re my hope for stability.

Joan C. Webb

**********

…Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. — Matthew 5:44 (KJV)

A Very Powerful Prayer by Joyce Meyer

One of the most powerful prayers you can pray is a prayer for your enemies. If you want to see someone who is mighty in prayer, look for the person who will intercede for an enemy.

I believe that God blesses us tremendously when we intercede for those who have offended or betrayed us. Remember Job? He had to pray for his friends after they had really hurt and disappointed him. But immediately after he prayed, God began to restore his life. In fact, God gave him back twice as much as he had lost (see Job 42:10)!

Praying for someone who has hurt us is so powerful because, when we do, we are walking in love toward that person, and we are obeying the Word of God. We can hear God's voice in the verse for today. What does Jesus tell us to do in this verse? He instructs us to pray for our enemies.

When you think about the people who have used you, abused you, harassed you, and spoken evil of you, bless them; do not curse them. Pray for them. God knows that blessing your enemies is not easy and that you may not feel like doing it. But you don't do it because you feel like it; you do it as unto the Lord. Choosing to pray and bless instead of curse is very powerful in the spiritual realm, and God will do great things in your life as a result.

Prayer Starter: Lord Jesus, in Your name, I pray for and bless those who have used me, abused me, harassed or spoken against me. I ask You to shower them with blessings, rather than cursing them. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.