The Inner Voice

 September 1, 2021 (Wednesday)
Merciful Heart

“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on the one who starts it rolling.”

– Proverbs 26:27

Memory Verse: “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on the one who starts it rolling.” (Proverbs 26:27)
                           
Let us not have evil thoughts for others. Let us be pure and live our lives, doing what is good for others even though they may have hurt us and rejected us. If we have evil thoughts within our heart, they will darken our minds and we will be destroyed by them.
 
Lord, fill my heart with your mercy. Amen.

 September 2, 2021 (Thursday)
Be Humble and Thankful

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

– Proverbs 27:1

Memory Verse: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” (Proverbs 27:1)
                           
God made our future unknown so that we may always be humble. It is foolish to boast about our wealth, our health, and our success. We simply don’t know what tomorrow will bring to us. Let us always live humbly and thankfully, leaving our life in God’s hands. Let us not worry about our tomorrow. God will give us strength and wisdom to deal with our tomorrow no matter what it may bring to us.
 
Lord, I leave my life in your hands. Amen.

 September 3, 2021 (Friday)
Change

“He also told them a parable: ‘No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new wine, but says, “The old is good.”

– Luke 5:36-39

Memory Verse: “New wine must be put into fresh wineskins.” (Luke 5:38)
                           
It is hard to become a new person. Our desire to want to change is not enough. We have to understand what is holding us back and not letting us move on. The real change happens slowly and therefore it cannot happen spontaneously. There is no other way but to work on ourselves every day. Let us be mindful and bring about changes within us concretely every day.
 
Lord, give me your strength when I work on myself every day. Amen.

September 4, 2021 (Saturday)
Holy and Blameless

“And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him— provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel.”

– Colossians 1:21-23

Memory Verse: “He has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him.” (Colossians 1:22)
                        
Jesus’ desire is to present us holy and blameless before God. Our sins are forgiven by Jesus through his death. Forgiven sins do not have power over us anymore. Do not let sins take your hope away and lead you into self-condemnation. Let us trust in the power of Jesus’ forgiveness. Let us seek his forgiveness and he will grant it to us. We will become holy and blameless through his forgiveness.

Lord, please forgive my sins. Amen.

 September 5, 2021 (Sunday)
Faith

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill’, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.”

– James 2:14-17

Memory Verse: “Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” (James 2:17)
                        
Faith does not exist in isolation. Faith is deeply connected with our life itself. When there is faith, life changes. Faith transforms our thinking, our lifestyle, and our attitude. When there is faith, there is a desire to serve God and to take care of those who are in need. Let us cultivate our faith. That is the best way to cultivate our life.
 
Lord, please help me with my faith. Amen.

September 6, 2021 (Monday)
Calmness

“For God alone my soul waits in silence,
   for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
   my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honour;
   my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.”

– Psalm 62:5-7

Memory Verse: “For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.” (Psalm 62:5)
                           
We need calmness. In God, we can experience calmness. Calmness is peace we experience when we feel secure. God will keep us safe even in the storms we face. God will hold us tight and so we will not be shaky.
 
 
Lord, in silence, I look to you and you alone. Amen.

 September 7, 2021 (Tuesday)
Process

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

– Colossians 2:6-7

Memory Verse: “…rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:7)
                          
Life needs a process for it to bear fruit. First it needs to be rooted in God. When it is rooted in God, it will be built up with God’s nourishment. That is when our faith becomes established. Through this process, life will bear fruit, the fruit of thankfulness. Life that is filled with thanksgiving is a blessed life.
 
Lord, every morning, I come to you. May my life be rooted in you. Amen.

 September 8, 2021 (Wednesday)
How We Should Live

“1 O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
   Who may dwell on your holy hill?
2 Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
   and speak the truth from their heart;
3 who do not slander with their tongue,
   and do no evil to their friends,
   nor take up a reproach against their neighbours;
4 in whose eyes the wicked are despised,
   but who honour those who fear the Lord;
who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
5 who do not lend money at interest,
   and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
Those who do these things shall never be moved.”

– Psalm 15

Memory Verse: “O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1)
                           
Do what is right. Speak the truth from our heart. Watch our tongues. Do no evil to our friends. Fear the Lord. Do not take advantage of others financially. This is how we should live. God will give the eternal peace and joy.
 
Lord, may my life reflect your glory and truth. Amen.

Memory Verse: “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14)

Aggressiveness is vexation to our soul. Be gentle and patient. Instead of complaining about each other, forgive as Jesus has forgiven us. This will create a beautiful harmony. When we clothe ourselves with love, we will achieve perfect harmony.

Lord, fill me with your love so that I may live a life of forgiveness. Amen.

September 10, 2021 (Friday)
Path of Life

“I keep the Lord always before me;
   because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
   my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
   or let your faithful one see the Pit.
You show me the path of life.
   In your presence there is fullness of joy;
   in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.”

– Psalm 16:8-11

Memory Verse: “You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
                          
Let us keep the Lord always before us. He will make us strong and therefore, we will not be shaky. He will show us the path of life and as we walk on the path of life, we will be filled with joy and gladness. He will not give us up to the darkness but guide us to the path of eternal life.
 
Lord, I will keep you before me. Guide me to the path of life. Amen.

 September 11, 2021 (Saturday)
Good Life

“‘No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.”

– Luke 6:43-45

Memory Verse: “The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)
                           
Our heart, our behavior, and our mouth are all connected. When they are divided, we experience conflict. When we live in disharmony, we cannot grow and bear good fruit. Good life and fruitful life are possible when we find harmony in our heart, our behavior, and our mouth.
 
Lord, please help me to find harmony in my words, my actions, and my heart. Amen.

September 12, 2021 (Sunday)
Confidence

“He who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
   Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
   Let them confront me.
It is the Lord God who helps me;
   who will declare me guilty?
All of them will wear out like a garment;
   the moth will eat them up.”

– Isaiah 50:8-9

Memory Verse: “God who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?” (Isaiah 50:8)
                           
Confidence comes from God, not from ourselves. Our confidence is our understanding that God helps us and takes care of us. Nothing in the world can destroy us. No evil power will prevail over us. God is for us, not against us. Let us trust God and God alone.
 
Lord, I trust only in you. Amen.

September 13, 2021 (Monday)
Spiritual Life

“Blessed be the Lord,
   for he has heard the sound of my pleadings.
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
   in him my heart trusts;
so I am helped, and my heart exults,
   and with my song I give thanks to him.
The Lord is the strength of his people;
   he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
O save your people, and bless your heritage;
   be their shepherd, and carry them for ever.”

– Psalm 28:6-9

Memory Verse: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him” (Psalm 28:7)
                          
When we trust God, we experience his power. When we experience his power, we experience joy. This uplifts us and our hearts will be exalted. From this spiritual condition, thanksgiving comes from our mouth. This is how the spiritual life works.

Lord, I trust in your power. Amen.

September 14, 2021 (Tuesday)
No Condemnation

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

– John 3:16-17

Memory Verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
                         
Condemnation darkens our life. It takes away the light from us when we are condemned. We lose hope. God saw the hopelessness in the world and sent his Son Jesus Christ so that he may give us a new hope. He didn’t come to condemn the world but give light to the world. In Christ, we find light and hope.

Lord, thank you for giving me a new hope. Amen.

 September 15, 2021 (Wednesday)
Deep Compassion

“To what then will I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the market-place and calling to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
   we wailed, and you did not weep.’
For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!’ Nevertheless, wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

– Luke 7:31-35

Memory Verse: “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.” (Luke 7:32)                            Spirituality makes everything alive. When we are spiritual, we are very much in touch with our emotions. We dance with those who are happy. We cry with those who are sad. We get connected with our emotions and also with our environment. Deep compassion is the hallmark of mature spirituality.    Lord, please allow deep compassion to grow within me. Amen.

 September 16, 2021 (Thursday)
God’s Forgiving Love

“One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.’ Jesus spoke up and said to him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ ‘Teacher,’ he replied, ‘speak.’ ‘A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered, ‘I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the greater debt.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You have judged rightly.’ Then turning towards the woman, he said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.’ Then he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, ‘Who is this who even forgives sins?’ And he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’”

– Luke 7:36-50

Memory Verse: “The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” (Luke 7:47)
                          
Our love for God is our response to God’s love. We cannot love God first. God loves us first. When we don’t experience God’s forgiveness, we cannot truly understand and appreciate God’s love that is shown in his forgiveness. Now when we struggle with our sins, we don’t fall into guilt. We experience God’s love.
 
Lord, thank you for your forgiveness. Amen.

September 17, 2021 (Friday)
Be Content

“For we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.”

– 1 Timothy 6:7-10

Memory Verse: “But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:9)
                       
As far as money is concerned, we should learn to be content. We started with nothing and we will end up with nothing. Whatever we have is gain. Let us learn to be thankful for the abundance God has provided for us. Let us not fall into our greed. Greed will take joy away from us and we will not be able to enjoy even what we have.
 
Lord, thank you for the abundance you have provided for me. Amen.

 September 18, 2021 (Saturday)
God Is Our Lord

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
   Worship the Lord with gladness;
   come into his presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God.
   It is he that made us, and we are his;
   we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
   and his courts with praise.
   Give thanks to him, bless his name.
For the Lord is good;
   his steadfast love endures for ever,
   and his faithfulness to all generations.”

– Psalm 100

Memory Verse: “Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:3)
                        
Knowing that God is our Lord is very important. We are not alone. We are God’s children. God takes care of us and shows his goodness to us. God does not change his mind about his love and goodness for us. God is different from any other human being. His love and his faithfulness last forever.
 
Lord, you are my Lord. I have confidence in you. Amen.

September 19, 2021 (Sunday)
The Wisdom From Above

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.”

– James 3:17. 18

Memory Verse: “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.” (James 3:18)
                          
The wisdom from above is pure. It has no partiality or hypocrisy. It is full of truth. It brings reconciliation and peace. Let us pursue the wisdom from above. It is a gift of God that is given to those who seek it and desire it. When we pray for it, God will grant it to us.

O Lord, please grant me the wisdom from above. Amen.

 September 20, 2021 (Monday)
Be the Light

“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.”

– Luke 8:16-18

Memory Verse: “Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.” (Luke 8:18)
                           
The more desire we have to be the light, the more light will be given to us. Life is about seeking to be the light. Jesus called us to be the light of the world. God will shine his light upon us so that we may be the light of the world. When we have desire to be the light, God will shine upon us and we will be able to let the light shine brightly.
 
O Lord, please shine on me so that I may let the light shine brightly. Amen.

September 21, 2021 (Tuesday)
God’s Ways

“It is good for me that I was humbled,
   so that I might learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is better to me
   than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”

– Psalm 119:71-72

Memory Verse: “It is good for me that I was humbled,    so that I might learn your statutes.” (Psalm 119:71)                           Suffering makes us humble and when we are humbled, we can appreciate God’s ways. When everything goes well, we trust in our own ways but when things are not going very well, we seek God’s ways. Let us not wait until we are humbled. Let us seek God’s ways every day of our lives. O Lord, please show me your ways. Amen.

 September 22, 2021 (Wednesday)
God Who Knows How We Were Made

“The Lord is merciful and gracious,
   slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
 He will not always accuse,
   nor will he keep his anger for ever.
 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
   nor repay us according to our iniquities.
 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
   so great is his steadfast love towards those who fear him;
 as far as the east is from the west,
   so far he removes our transgressions from us.
 As a father has compassion for his children,
   so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.
 For he knows how we were made;
   he remembers that we are dust.”

– Psalm 103:8-14

Memory Verse: “For he knows how we were made;
   he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:14)
                           
We are small and insignificant and yet we forget how weak we are. It is not that we happen to forget; we willfully forget who we really are. This creates anxiety and insecurity. It takes away our peace. That is what sin does in our lives. God knows how we were made and remembers how weak we are. He does not deal with us according to our sins. He loves us and has removed our sins from us. Now we don’t have insecurity because of our weaknesses. We find peace and freedom in God.

O Lord, thank you for your forgiveness. Amen.

 September 23, 2021 (Thursday)
When Life Is Hard

“You have sown much, and harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and you that earn wages earn wages to put them into a bag with holes.”

– Haggai 1:6

Memory Verse: “You have sown much, and harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and you that earn wages earn wages to put them into a bag with holes.” (Haggai 1:6)
                           
Sometimes we experience the fruitlessness of life. We feel that nothing is going well. We experience one failure after another. That was what the Israelites experienced in the wilderness. They experienced a new challenge after another. Unfortunately, they complained to God instead of praying. When we experience these challenges, let us pray. God will show us a way out.
 
O Lord, please have mercy and show me your way. Amen.

September 24, 2021 (Friday)
God Is Near To Us

“Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
   against an ungodly people;
from those who are deceitful and unjust
   deliver me!
For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
   why have you cast me off?
Why must I walk about mournfully
   because of the oppression of the enemy?
 O send out your light and your truth;
   let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
   and to your dwelling.
 Then I will go to the altar of God,
   to God my exceeding joy;
and I will praise you with the harp,
   O God, my God.
 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
   and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
   my help and my God.”

– Psalm 43

Memory Verse: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.” (Psalm 43:5)
                           
Sometimes we feel God’s silence and his absence. That is what suffering does to us. It takes away the joy of having God near to us. But God never leaves us alone in our suffering. Suffering hides God from us but God is near to us and helps us. Let us not lose hope in our suffering. Let us cry out to God. God will listen to us and help us.
 
O Lord, thank you for being near to me. Amen.

 September 25, 2021 (Saturday)
Slow Down

“Desire without knowledge is not good, and one who moves too hurriedly misses the way.”

– Proverbs 19:2

Memory Verse: “Desire without knowledge is not good, and one who moves too hurriedly misses the way.” (Proverbs 19:2)
                         
We need to slow down. There are a lot of benefits in slowing down our life. When we slow down, we will be able to see things that we have missed. We will be able to clearly know what is important. We will be able to understand our desire. Start breathing slowly, being aware of our breaths. Breathe in and breathe out. Slowly. You will find peace and calm confidence. Don’t go ahead of Jesus. Follow Jesus.

O Lord, help me slow down and see what you are doing in my life. Amen.

September 26, 2021 (Sunday)
Good Times and Bad Times

“Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise.”

– James 5:13

Memory Verse: “Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise.” (James 5:13)
                          
Ecclesiastes said, “On the day of prosperity be joyful, and on the day of adversity consider.” That is the wisdom of life. That is what James also said. When things are going well, we should be joyful and sing songs of praise. But when things are tough, we need to think about our life again and pray. In this way, we can handle good times and bad times and find a balance in the ups and downs of our life.
 
O Lord, life is unpredictable but help me find peace in any circumstances. Amen.

 September 27, 2021 (Monday)
Wonderfully Made

“An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.’”

– Luke 9:46-48

Memory Verse: “The least among all of you is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48)
                           
Desiring to be great means that we are not great. We desire something because we don’t have it. We are already great because God made us that way. We are God’s wonderful creation. We don’t need to live with the insecure desire to be great. Let us enjoy the greatness God has wonderfully made within us.

O Lord, thank you for making me your child. Amen.

 September 28, 2021 (Tuesday)
God Is Our Refuge

“He (God) will cover you with his pinions,
   and under his wings you will find refuge;
   his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
   or the arrow that flies by day,
or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
   or the destruction that wastes at noonday.’”

– Psalm 91:4-6

Memory Verse: “He (God) will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:4)
                
We all need refuge. We receive so many attacks in life. We cannot handle all of them with our own strength. We will get tired and exhausted. We need to find refuge. God is our refuge. God covers us under his wings. We will find true safety and rest in God’s wings.
 
O Lord, thank you for being my refuge. Amen.

 September 29, 2021 (Wednesday)
God Speaks To Us In Our Dreams

“Now that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.’ Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it!’ And he was afraid, and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.’ So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called that place Bethel.’”

– Genesis 28:15-19

Memory Verse: “Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it!’” (Genesis 28:16)
                         
God spoke to Jacob in his dream. That is what God does sometimes. Jacob was so lonely and devastated that he could not hear what God had to say to him. So God appeared to him in his dream. When our life is hard and we are completely drowned in our fear, God gives us sleep and lets us know that God will be with us and will never leave us.
 
O Lord, thank you for speaking to me in my dream. Amen.

September 30, 2021 (Thursday)
God’s Word

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
   reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
   making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
   rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
   enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is pure,
   enduring for ever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
   and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
   even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
   and drippings of the honeycomb.”

– Psalm 19:7-10

Memory Verse: “the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring for ever” (Psalm 19:8)
                          
God’s word revives our soul. It enlightens our existence. As we meditate on the word of God, it cleanses our soul and gives us a new perspective. When we cannot control ourselves, let us let God’s word help us. It will calm our anxiety and give us peace. We will be able to deal with our uncontrollable situation.
 
O Lord, please purify me with your word. Amen.

August 3, 2021 (Tuesday)
Living With Faith

“And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’.”

– Matthew 14:25-31

Memory Verse: “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31)
                          
Living with doubts makes us weak. It is like living with a divided mind. On the contrary, living with faith is like living with a very clear focus. Living with faith is to give our full commitment to what we are doing, leaving everything in God’s hands. We will experience God’s wonderful power. Let us see every day wonderful things that our faith can do in our lives.
 
Lord, I will fix my eyes on you. Amen.

August 4, 2021 (Wednesday) 
A Willing Spirit

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
   and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
   and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
   and sustain in me a willing spirit.”

– Psalm 51:10-12

Memory Verse: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:12)
                           
We can only come to God with a willing spirit. How can we have the willing spirit? When we experience the joy of our sins being forgiven, a willing spirit is created within us. That is a clean heart and a right spirit. God blesses those who come to him with a willing spirit. From the willing spirit, true worship is possible.
 
Lord, please forgive my sins and create in me a willing spirit. Amen.

 August 5, 2021 (Thursday)
Setting Our Mind On God

“From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’”

– Matthew 16:21-23

Memory Verse: “You are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” (Matthew 16:23)
 
When we set our mind on human things, we don’t see things clearly. We will see only a temporary solution. We will become weak and shaky. When we set our mind on divine things, we will be able to see that God is working behind us. We will be able to see that God has a key to all our problems. We will become strong and confident. Let us set our mind on divine things.
 
Lord, help me not to look for easy answers because of my fear but help me set my mind on you. Amen.

 August 6, 2021 (Friday)
The Spirit Gives Life

“Such is the confidence that we have through Christ towards God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

– 2 Corinthians 3:4-6

Memory Verse: “For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6)
 
We receive confidence not from the letter we read but from the Spirit that the letter points to. We need to encounter the Spirit that the Word of God points to. Let us not just read the Word of God; let us meditate on it with fervent desire. Let us trust that God will use his Word to give us confidence so that we can live with competence.
 
May the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord. Amen.

August 7, 2021 (Saturday)
Faith

“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there”, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

– Matthew 17:19-20

Memory Verse: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
                           
The secret of living a powerful life is to have faith. Faith gives us strength. Faith keeps us going. Without faith, we will become weak and shaky. Without faith, we will give up. With faith, we never give up because we will see what God can do, not what we can do.
 
O Lord, grant me faith the size of a mustard seed. Amen.

 August 8, 2021 (Sunday)
Waiting

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
   and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
   more than those who watch for the morning,
   more than those who watch for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the Lord!
   For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
   and with him is great power to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel
   from all its iniquities.”

– Psalm 130:5-8

Memory Verse: “O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.” (Psalm 130:7)
                           
Waiting is hard. We don’t like to wait; we want quick answers. However, waiting is the art of living. Our waiting is not in vain. God works in our waiting. In our waiting, we learn to hope in God. In our waiting, we cultivate our desire for God. In our waiting, a new life is formed within us.
 
O Lord, I wait for you. My soul waits for you. Amen.

 August 9, 2021 (Monday)
God Our Rock

“In you, O Lord, I take refuge;
   let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
   incline your ear to me and save me.
Be to me a rock of refuge,
   a strong fortress, to save me,
   for you are my rock and my fortress.”

– Psalm 71:1-3

Memory Verse: “Be to me a rock.” (Psalm 71:3)
                          
Let God be our rock. Let us stand on the rock who will sustain us. When we have God as our rock, we will not be shaky. We will be firm and solid. God will give us strength to our feet and with our strong feet, we will stand tall. We will be able to march forward.
 
O Lord, be to me a rock of refuge. Amen.

 August 10, 2021 (Tuesday)
When We Feel Lost

“What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.”

– Matthew 18:12-14

Memory Verse: “So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.” (Matthew 18:14)
                           
Sometimes we feel lost. We don’t see what is ahead of us. We don’t know where to go. Let us not panic. God will come and find us. He never leaves us stranded. Once God finds us, He will show us the way. Seek God and you will be able to find Him and the way for you to take.
 
O Lord, I seek you. Amen.

 August 11, 2021 (Wednesday)
Seeking Wisdom

“If you indeed cry out for insight,
   and raise your voice for understanding;
if you seek it like silver,
   and search for it as for hidden treasures—
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
   and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
   from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
   he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly,
guarding the paths of justice
   and preserving the way of his faithful ones.”

– Proverbs 2:2-8

Memory Verse: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
                           
We all need wisdom. Wisdom can save us from many troubles. Wisdom can protect us from hurt and pain. Wisdom is God’s gift. We can receive the gift of wisdom when we seek it. Our desire for wisdom brings deeper understanding of life and God. The secret of having wisdom is to seek it with fervent desire.
 
O Lord, I need your wisdom and I seek it. Please grant me your wisdom. Amen.

 August 12, 2021 (Thursday)
Forgiveness

“Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.”

– Matthew 18:21-22

Memory Verse: “‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:22)
                        
Forgiveness is at the core of Jesus’ teaching and his ministry. Forgiveness is the most important thing in our life. Jesus knew that. Without forgiveness, our life will be in darkness. Forgiveness brings joy and happiness. Forgiveness restores our relationships. Forgiveness is the best gift we can give each other.
 
O Lord, thank you for your forgiveness. Amen.
 

August 13, 2021 (Friday)
God’s Steadfast Love

“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.
O give thanks to the God of gods,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever;
who alone does great wonders,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.”

– Psalm 136:1-4

Memory Verse: “‘O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever.” (Psalm 136:1)
                          
Everything changes around us. Nothing stays the same. Our body changes, our relationships change, and our circumstances change. People who were close to us pass on. What we have built firmly collapses. There is nothing that stays the same. But there is one thing that does not change and that is God’s steadfast love. Let us trust God’s unchanging love. His steadfast love endures for ever.
 
O Lord, thank you for your steadfast love. Amen.

August 14, 2021 (Saturday)
Naivete and Vulnerability

“Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.”

– Matthew 19:13-15

Memory Verse: “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” (Matthew 19:14)
                          
Naivete and vulnerability go together. Children are both naïve and vulnerable. Naivete and vulnerability are generally considered as negative qualities in our society but Jesus sees them as requirement for the kingdom of heaven. God wants to see who we are in the most naked form. We don’t need to present ourselves to be somebody who we are not for the sake of God’s approval. God already knows who we are.
 
O Lord, thank you for loving me and accepting me as I am. Amen.

 August 15, 2021 (Sunday)
Freedom

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.”

– Galatians 4:4-7

Memory Verse: “So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God” (Galatians 4:7)
                           
We are no longer a slave to others, to ourselves, to punishment, and to fear. We are a child of God and we are free. In God, we have total freedom. Nothing can enslave us. Let us enjoy the freedom and use it not for our selfish desire but for the good of humanity.
 
O Lord, thank you for the freedom you have granted me. Amen.

 August 16, 2021 (Monday)
Wisdom

“Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away
   from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
   love her, and she will guard you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
   and whatever else you get, get insight.”

– Proverbs 4:5-7

Memory Verse: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever else you get, get insight.” (Galatians 4:7)
                           
Wisdom will guard our life. Seek wisdom and listen to her guidance. Do not follow what makes us feel good; follow the wisdom. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Listen to God’s word. We will get insights about life and these insights will guide us to a good place.

O Lord, please grant me your wisdom. Amen.

 August 17, 2021 (Tuesday)
The Path of the Righteous

“The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
   which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
   they do not know what they stumble over.”

– Proverbs 4:18-19

Memory Verse: “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” (Proverbs 4:18)
                           
When we live a righteous life, God will shine a light on us. The light will guide us and show us where to go. It is not so with the wicked. They will wander in darkness. They will not know where to go and what problems lie ahead of them. God blesses the path of the righteousness.
 
O Lord, help me follow the way of the righteousness. Amen.

 August 18, 2021 (Wednesday)
God’s Wings

“You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
   who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
   my God, in whom I trust.’
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
   and from the deadly pestilence;
he will cover you with his pinions,
   and under his wings you will find refuge;
   his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
   or the arrow that flies by day,
or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
   or the destruction that wastes at noonday.”

– Psalm 91:1-6

Memory Verse: “God will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:4)
                           
Find refuge under God’s wings. Under his wings, we find security and safety. He takes us under his wings and soars up to the sky. There God lets us fly. If we fall, God will catch us with his wings. With God, we are not only protected but we will also be able to fly high.
 
O Lord, please cover me with your pinions. Amen.

August 19, 2021 (Thursday)
Our Mouth

“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
   but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Hatred stirs up strife,
   but love covers all offences.”

– Proverbs 10:11-12

Memory Verse: “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” (Proverbs 10:11)
                           
What is in our heart comes out of our mouth. If there is hatred within our heart, our words become like poison and destroy the souls of others. If there is love within our heart, our words will cover all offences. The words of the righteousness bring salvation but the words of the wicked bring violence.
 
O Lord, may your love fill my heart. Amen.

August 20, 2021 (Friday)
The Humble and the Proud

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace;
   but wisdom is with the humble.
The integrity of the upright guides them,
   but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
   but righteousness delivers from death.”

– Proverbs 11:2-4

Memory Verse: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble.” (Proverbs 11:2)
                          
Proud people bring disgrace to themselves. They become blind to their own faults and always seek faults in others. They are not able to see what they ought to see. It is not so with the humble. God gives the humble wisdom and through this wisdom, they see the needs of others and build them up.
 
O Lord, help me to follow the way of the humble. Amen.

August 21, 2021 (Saturday)
Wise Words and Rash Words

“Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
   but a false witness speaks deceitfully.
Rash words are like sword thrusts,
   but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Truthful lips endure for ever,
   but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”

– Proverbs 12:17-19

Memory Verse: “Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)
                          
With our words, we can save people or destroy them. Our words are like swords. If they are given to the wicked and the foolish, they will kill people. But if they are given to the wise, they will bring healing. Wise words are priceless and endure forever but rash words bring sadness and pain.
 
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you O Lord. Amen.

 August 22, 2021 (Sunday)
Fools and the Wise

“Fools think their own way is right,
   but the wise listen to advice.
Fools show their anger at once,
   but the prudent ignore an insult.”

– Proverbs 12:15-16

Memory Verse: “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15)
 
Fools assert themselves because they don’t have confidence in themselves. When they are proven wrong, they get angry because their ignorance is exposed. The wise have confidence in themselves. They are not affected by insults but they listen to good advices.
 
Lord, help me follow the way of the wise. Amen.

 August 23, 2021 (Monday)
Be Prepared

“Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

– Ephesians 6:13

Memory Verse: “Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:13)
                           
To stand firm, we need the whole armour of God. Without preparing ourselves, we will not be able to resist the evil. We will fall into temptation. Darkness will poison our soul. As we face darkness, let us be ready to face it with God’s light.
 
Lord, may your light shine brightly on me. Amen.

 August 24, 2021 (Tuesday)
Serving

“A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

– Luke 22:24-27

Memory Verse: “I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27)
                      
To be great is to serve. Jesus did not come to be revered as a great person. Jesus came to serve. Being great is not the goal of spiritual people. Their goal is to serve. Find greatness in service. Great minds are characterized by their desire to serve.
 
Lord, help me to live my life humbly as a servant. Amen.

 August 25, 2021 (Wednesday)
Sowing Seeds

“May those who sow in tears
   reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
   bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
   carrying their sheaves.”

– Psalm 126:5-6

Memory Verse: “May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.” (Psalm 126:5)
             
Our effort is not in vain. We sow in tears and we will reap with joy because God will help us. Good life we live is not in vain. It will always bear beautiful fruit. God honors those who do their best for the good of humanity.
 
Lord, I will sow today. Amen.

August 26, 2021 (Thursday)
Abound In Love

“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”

– 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

Memory Verse: “May he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” (1 Thessalonians 3:13)
                          
Love covers over a multitude of sins. The best way to be holy and blameless is to fill our heart with love. Without love, our holiness becomes empty piety and our words become meaningless rhetoric. Holiness can be achieved when we abound in love. 

Lord, help us to abound in love. Amen.

 August 27, 2021 (Friday)
God Who Knows Us

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
   you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
   and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
   O Lord, you know it completely.”

– Psalm 139:1-4

Memory Verse: “O Lord, you have searched me and known me.” (Psalm 139:1)
                           
 
 
God knows us. God knows what is in our heart. God knows what we are thinking and what we are desiring. Knowing us so well, he still loves us. That is a miracle. That is God’s grace. There is nothing to hide before God. Let us learn to come to God with honesty and sincerity. That is the best way to build relationship with God. 
 
 
Lord, I come to you as broken as I am. Amen.

 August 28, 2021 (Saturday)
God Our Keeper

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—
   from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
   who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
   he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
   the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
   nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil;
   he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
   your going out and your coming in
   from this time on and for evermore.”

– Psalm 121

Memory Verse: “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore.” (Psalm 121:8)
                         
God is our keeper. He watches over us and keeps us safe. We have nothing to worry about. Nothing will be able to destroy us. When we have this confidence, we can live our lives boldly. We can dare to live, challenging ourselves. There is no challenge too big for us to face. Let us believe that God will keep our going out and our coming in and live boldly 
 
Lord, thank you for keeping me in your arms. Amen.

August 29, 2021 (Sunday)
Greed

“Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.”

– James 1:12-15

Memory Verse: “When that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:15)
                          
Temptation comes from our greed. Wanting to become better is a good desire. It gives us motivation to work harder. We enjoy the process of becoming better. That is not greed. Greed does not respect the process. It wants to achieve the goal by any means. It wants to skip the process if necessary. It gives a false image about ourselves. It blinds us and that is sin. 

Lord, I will work harder to become better. Amen.

 August 30, 2021 (Monday)
Life Not In Vain

“Unless the Lord builds the house,
   those who build it labour in vain.
Unless the Lord guards the city,
   the guard keeps watch in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
   and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
   for he gives sleep to his beloved.”

– Psalm 127:1-2

Memory Verse: “Unless the Lord builds the house,
   those who build it labour in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
                           
Our life is in vain if God is not with us. With God our life becomes meaningful. Let us not be a fool to try to build things on our own. God can make everything beautiful and meaningful. With God everything comes alive. 
 
Lord, without you, my life is in vain. May your blessings be upon me. Amen.

August 31, 2021 (Tuesday)
Wait for the Lord

“The Lord is my light and my salvation;
   whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
   of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me
   to devour my flesh—
my adversaries and foes—
   they shall stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
   my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
   yet I will be confident.
One thing I asked of the Lord,
   that will I seek after:
to live in the house of the Lord
   all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
   and to inquire in his temple.
Wait for the Lord;
   be strong, and let your heart take courage;
   wait for the Lord!”

– Psalm 27:1-4, 14

Memory Verse: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)
                          
There is nothing for us to fear. God is the stronghold of our life. Problems may surround us. We may feel life’s threats at times. But nothing can destroy us. God holds us in his strong arms. Let us not fear but take courage and wait for the Lord. Be strong.
 
Lord, every morning, I wait for you. Amen.

July 1, 2021 (Wednesday)
Simplicity

“Then I called on the name of the Lord:
   ‘O Lord, I pray, save my life!’
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
   our God is merciful.
The Lord protects the simple;
   when I was brought low, he saved me.”

– Psalm 116:4-6

Memory Verse: “The Lord protects the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.” (Psalm 116:6)
                           
God protects the simple. Simplicity is one of the most beautiful qualities we should cultivate within us. God knows everything about us. There is nothing we can hide from God. God demands simplicity from us. That is the only way we can have relationship with God. We cannot manipulate God. When we have relationship with God in that way, simplicity will be cultivated within us.
 
Lord, please cultivate simplicity within me. Amen.

 July 2, 2021 (Friday)
Confidence

“Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet
‘in a very little while,
   the one who is coming will come and will not delay;
but my righteous one will live by faith.
   My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.’
But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.”

– Hebrews 10:35-39

Memory Verse: “Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward.” (Hebrews 10:35)
                           
Confidence is very important in life. With confidence, we can endure hard times. Without confidence, we will lose hope and strength to fight. Our confidence is in God who will come to us to help. When times are difficult, let us not lose confidence. We will see a great reward.
 
Lord, please provide me with confidence. Amen.

 July 3, 2021 (Saturday)
I Am Not Alone

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.”

– Ephesians 2:19-22

Memory Verse: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19)
                           
Sometimes we feel like a stranger in our own land. We feel alone. We feel like we belong nowhere. Jesus came to us to let us know that we belong to God. We are God’s children. As we belong to God, we belong to each other. We are one family. We are not strangers to each other but we are sisters and brothers. Let us care for each other.
 
Lord, thank you for letting me know that I belong to you and that I am not alone but connected with others. Amen.

 July 4, 2021 (Sunday)
The Power of Christ

“He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.”

– 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Memory Verse: “The power of Christ may dwell in me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
                           
The most important thing in life is to let the power of Christ dwell in us. Ultimately that power will raise us from the dead. The power of Christ will dwell in our vulnerability, not in our invincibility. The more we try to control ourselves, the less the power of Christ can dwell in us. The more we let go of ourselves, the more the power of Christ can dwell in us.
 
Lord, I leave myself in your hands. Please come and dwell in me. Amen.

 July 5, 2021 (Monday)
God In the Centre of My Heart

“You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
   who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
   my God, in whom I trust.’
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
   and from the deadly pestilence;
he will cover you with his pinions,
   and under his wings you will find refuge;
   his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
   or the arrow that flies by day,
or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
   or the destruction that wastes at noonday.”

– Psalm 91:1-6

Memory Verse: “You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday.” (Psalm 91:5, 6)
                           
Danger that comes from the outside attacks our inner core. It takes away our confidence and fills our heart with fear. We have to deal with this fear. Danger from the outside will pass but the fear remains within us. When we have God within us, he will give us the strength to overcome our fear.
 
Lord, I invite you. Please come into my heart. Amen.

 July 6, 2021 (Tuesday)
Being Righteous

“Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;
   give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
From you let my vindication come;
   let your eyes see the right.
If you try my heart, if you visit me by night,
   if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me;
   my mouth does not transgress.”

– Psalm 17:1-3

Memory Verse: “Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.” (Psalm 17:1)
                           
Righteousness is our strength. Righteousness gives us confidence to approach God. God will listen to the prayers of the righteous. Let us pursue what is good and pleasing to God. Let us be pure and honest before God. God will listen to the prayers that come from lips free of deceit.
 
Lord, please hear my prayer. Amen.

 July 7, 2021 (Wednesday)
Aroma

“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?”

– 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

Memory Verse: “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 2:15)
                           
We exude the aroma of Christ because Christ dwells within us. Let us be pleasant aroma of Christ. Our existence should be pleasant smells to those around us. Our life should manifest the character of Christ. Let us not be artificial smell of perfume but genuine aroma of Christ.
 
Lord, may your character be manifested in my life. Amen.

 July 8, 2021 (Thursday)
Live In Harmony

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

– Romans 12:14-18

Memory Verse: “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18)
                           
Living in harmony with others gives us tremendous happiness. Our arrogance disturbs peace and harmony in our relationships. Let us always humble ourselves and treat those around us with respect. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Pay attention to those around us. We will blessed to live in peace and harmony with one another.
 
Lord, thank you for the gift of beautiful relationships that I have. Amen.

 July 9, 2021 (Friday)
What Is Eternal

“So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.”

– 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Memory Verse: “Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
                           
What is visible decays. What is invisible lasts forever. Let us not just build what is visible but let us cultivate what is invisible. Our characters, our values, our faith, our hope, and our love are invisible. When we cultivate these things, we will be renewed. We will be clothed with what is eternal.
 
Lord, create in me a clean heart. Amen.

 July 10, 2021 (Saturday)
Never Be Destroyed

“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling— if indeed, when we have taken it off we will not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.”

– 2 Corinthians 5:1-4

Memory Verse: “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
                           
We will never be destroyed. When everything we have is destroyed, God will clothe us with what is beautiful and eternal. Let us not mourn because we have lost many things in life. God will furnish us with more beautiful things.
 
Lord, thank you for being my God. Amen.

July 11, 2021 (Sunday)
Connected With God

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”

– Ephesians 1:3-6

Memory Verse: “He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will.” (Ephesians 1:5)
                           
We are deeply connected with God. God has chosen us before the foundation of the world. He made us his children. We are not orphans. We are not alone. We are connected with God. There is nothing we need to fear. Our destiny is not in our hands; it is in God’s hands.
 
Lord, thank you for choosing me as your child. Amen.

 July 12, 2021 (Monday)
Welcome

“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

– Matthew 10:40-42

Memory Verse: “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” (Matthew 10:40)
                           
A welcoming heart is a beautiful heart. When we welcome others, we accept them as they are. We don’t expect anything from them. We simply welcome them with open arms. We provide a place where they feel at home. They will rest there and find comfort. They will gain strength to go on their life journey. Let us live with a welcoming heart.
 
Lord, thank you for welcoming me. Amen.

 July 13, 2021 (Tuesday)
Godly Grief

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.”

– 2 Corinthians 7:10

Memory Verse: “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)
                           
There are two kinds of grief: godly grief and worldly grief. Godly grief comes from understanding one’s sins in the context of God’s grace and therefore it leads us into light. Worldly grief comes from seeing one’s sins in the context of one’s own guilt and therefore it leads us into darkness. Godly grief brings about change within us but worldly grief only causes more grief without changing us.
 
Lord, please forgive my sins. Amen.

 July 14, 2021 (Wednesday)
Be Renewed

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
   and all that is within me,
   bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
   and do not forget all his benefits—
who forgives all your iniquity,
   who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
   who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live
   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

– Psalm 103:5

Memory Verse: “(God) satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
                           
In God, our youth is renewed. When God is with us, we are renewed. Our life is tainted with mistakes and regrets. God forgives our sins and gives us a new life to start again. Every day we can start a brand-new life. Every day we are born again. Our old day is gone and the new day has come.
 
Lord, thank you for renewing me every day. Amen.

 July 15, 2021 (Thursday)
Humility

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

– Matthew 11:28-30

Memory Verse: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29)
                           
Gentleness and humility go together. From humility comes gentleness. The heart of the proud produces anger, violence, and hatred. The heart of the humble produces gentleness, peace, and love. Let us learn humility from Jesus. 
 
Lord, please teach me your humility. Amen.

July 16, 2021 (Friday)
Generosity

“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.”

– 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Memory Verse: “The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)
                           
A life of abundance is a life of giving. The more generous we are, the more abundant we become. Life is not about gathering up things for ourselves. Life is about giving out things for others. The more you give, the more you receive. That is the secret of an abundant life. God made our life that way. Jesus gave everything, including his life, and yet he was the richest person in the world.
 
Lord, help me to follow your life of abundance. Amen.

 July 17, 2021 (Saturday)
What Pleases God

“His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
   nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
   in those who hope in his steadfast love.”

– Psalm 147:10-11

Memory Verse: “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” (Psalm 147:11)
                           
What pleases God is our desire to seek God. God’s delight is not in our strength and our ability. God is happy to help us when we humbly seek God’s help. When we face problems, let us not depend on our own wisdom and strength. Let us seek God and ask him to help us. This will please God and he will be delighted to help us.
 
Lord, thank you for desiring to be with me. Amen.

July 18, 2021 (Sunday)
Hostility

“For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.”

– Ephesians 2:14-18

Memory Verse: “He is our peace.” (Ephesians 2:14)
                           
Deep within us there is hostility. This hostility takes away peace from us. When we have no peace within us, we cannot have peace with others. Jesus came and crucified that hostility. Now we can be free from our hostility. People around us are our friends, not our enemies. Let us love them and be kind to them. In whatever situation we may be in, let us be loving.
 
Lord, thank you for helping me with hostility within me. Amen.

* Inner Voice will take a break from July 19^th to August 2^nd for two weeks. It will resume on August 3^rd.

June 1, 2021 (Tuesday)
Our Thoughts

“Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”

– 1 Peter 1:13-16

Memory Verse: “Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13)
                           
A discipline of our thoughts and desires is very difficult. We should not let evil and negative thoughts control our heart. We should create a good path that our thoughts may follow. By thinking about hopeful things, we create a path that leads to hope. The Spirit will help us. The Spirit will expand our minds. We will be able to see greater things.
 
Lord, may your Spirit guide my thoughts. Amen.

 June 2, 2021 (Wednesday)
God’s Love

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.”

– Roman 5:6-8

Memory Verse: “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6)
                           
Christ sacrificed his life not for the godly but for the ungodly. This is God’s love. God showed the true nature of God’s love. It is radically different from human love. Human love is often a response or a reaction to the attitude of people we love. But God’s love flows from the very nature of who God is. God is love.
 
Lord, thank you for loving me with your unconditional love. Amen.

 June 3, 2021 (Thursday)
Ask, Search, and Knock

“‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

– Luke 11:9-10

Memory Verse: “For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:10)
                           
Asking, searching, and knocking should be our attitude towards life. Every problem we face, every challenge we confront, every situation we encounter, demands us to respond. Let us not back down. Let us ask God to help us. We will know how to respond. God will open the door for us.
 
Lord, grant me the courage to live my life, asking, searching, and knocking. Amen.

 June 4, 2021 (Friday)
God’s Faithfulness

“So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”

– 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Memory Verse: “So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)
                           
We can never be too confident with ourselves. There may come times when we are tested. When we are tested, we experience our weaknesses. Our confidence loses its power and it cannot help us go through our trials. Let us remember that God is faithful. God will not let us be tested beyond our strength and will provide the way out.
 
Lord, thank you for being faithful to me. Amen.

 June 5, 2021 (Saturday)
Validation

“As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’”

– Mark 12:38-40

Memory Verse: “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places.” (Mark 12:38)
                           
Let us build confidence within us with God’s love. Our confidence should come from the fact that God has accepted us. We don’t need to have the desire to show off. We don’t need to prove how important we are. Our importance doesn’t need to be validated by others. We are precious children of God. We are very important to God as we are.
 
Lord, thank you for accepting me as your child. Amen.

 June 6, 2021 (Sunday)
Be Renewed Day By Day

“So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.”

– 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Memory Verse: “Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
                           
Let us focus on what cannot be seen. As we get older, we see wrinkles and white hairs. We see our weak body. That is what we see but we don’t see what is going on within us. Let our inner nature be renewed day by day. Let us focus on what is within us. Love, joy, hope, faithfulness, inner passion, humility – these things will never grow old. They are renewed day by day.
 
Lord, thank you for renewing me day by day. Amen.

 June 7, 2021 (Monday)
God’s Consolation

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation.”

– 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Memory Verse: “For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:5)
                          
The more sufferings we experience, the more consolation we receive. Our God is God of consolation. The power of consolation is greater than the power of sufferings that oppress us. We are not afraid of sufferings anymore because we know that there will be consolation. God touches our wounds with his hands and heals them. That is God’s consolation.
 
Lord, thank you for your consolation. Amen.

 June 8, 2021 (Tuesday)
Come To the Light

“‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

– Matthew 5:14-16

Memory Verse: “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.” (Matthew 5:15)
                           
We are called to be the light of the world. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it. When darkness comes and surrounds us, let us not be drowned in the darkness. Let us come to the source of the light, God. God will shine his light upon us and darkness cannot engulf us. Come to the light.

Lord, help me to come to the light whenever darkness surrounds me. Amen.

 June 9, 2021 (Wednesday)
Love

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

– Matthew 5:17-2

Memory Verse: “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)
                           
The greatest commandment is love, Jesus taught us. The greatest righteousness is love. Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill its essence, that is love. Our world is suffering from hatred, violence, intolerance, and prejudice. We need to uphold the importance of love that Jesus showed us through his life. Love is the essence of human life and the necessity of our survival.
 
Lord, please teach me and fill me with your love. Amen.

 June 10, 2021 (Thursday)
Power

“But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.”

– 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Memory Verse: “But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
                           
Power comes from God. God empowers those who believe. We don’t get discouraged when things do not work out as well as we want. It is power not to lose our focus. It is power to persevere. When we follow the truth, we will encounter many oppositions. These oppositions prove that we are doing something that matters. God will give us power to carry out what we believe. 
 
Lord, empower me with your spirit. Amen.

 June 11, 2021 (Friday)
Knowing God

“Thus says the Lord: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.”

– Jeremiah 9:23-24

Memory Verse: “Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth.” (Jereimah 9:23)
                           
Knowing Christ is the most important thing in life and everything else is simply rubbish, St. Paul said. Ultimately what remains at the end is knowing God and everything else will disappear. Our goal in life is knowing God and being known by God. When we have that knowledge, we will not be shaken in any circumstances. 
 
Lord, I want to know you. Please show me your way. Amen.

 June 12, 2021 (Saturday)
Knowing God

“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”

– Matthew 5:33-37

Memory Verse: “Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)
                           
We use our words not only to defend ourselves but also to disguise ourselves. When words become tools to disguise ourselves, we become lost in those lies. Let our words come from our heart. May our words become expression of our heart. Then we will be on the journey to find the truth and the truth will set us free. 

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord. Amen.

 June 13, 2021 (Sunday)
Walk By Faith

“So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.”

– 2 Corinthians 5:6-9

Memory Verse: “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
                           
Let us walk by faith, not by sight. When life is dark and therefore we cannot see anything that is ahead of us, our faith will be our light. It will guide us through the darkness. Faith shines brighter in darkness when sight becomes dimmer in darkness. We will be confident when we walk by faith even in times of trouble and crisis.
 
Lord, I will walk by faith, not by sight. Amen.

 June 14, 2021 (Monday)
The True Strength

“We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labours, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honour and dishonour, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.”

– 2 Corinthians 6:3-10

Memory Verse: “(We are treated) as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” (2 Corinthians 6:10)
                           
How we look to others is not as important as who we really are. Let us build inner character. This will give us strength to persevere through all kinds of situations. When people insult us, don’t let the insult destroy us. Instead of looking strong, let us be strong.
 
Lord, in you, I find the true strength. Amen.

 June 15, 2021 (Tuesday)
Be Perfect Through Love

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

– Matthew 5:43-48

Memory Verse: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)
                           
Being perfect does not mean to be flawless. Only love makes us perfect. When we love even our enemies who hate us, we are close to perfection. We don’t decide who to love. Love does not discriminate people we love. God’s grace falls on everyone, both on the good and the evil. That is what God’s love is like. Let us love with God’s love. That love will make us perfect.
 
Lord, teach me your love. Amen.

 June 16, 2021 (Wednesday)
Emmanuel

“But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

– Matthew 6:6-8

Memory Verse: “But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
                           
God knows what we need before we ask him. So, we realize that the ultimate purpose of prayer is not to get what we need. The ultimate purpose of prayer is to be with God, talk with God, and enjoy time with God. God sees what is deep within our heart. As we interact with God, God will let us see what is deep within our heart. God will give us the confidence of Emmanuel (God-with-us).
 
Lord, thank you for always being with me. Amen.

 June 17, 2021 (Thursday)
Not To Be Shaken

“For God alone my soul waits in silence;
   from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
   my fortress; I shall never be shaken.
For God alone my soul waits in silence,
   for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
   my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”

– Psalm 62:1-2-5-6

Memory Verse: “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:2)
                           
Let us wait in silence. In stillness, know that God alone is our rock and our fortress. We will not be shaken.
 
Lord, thank you for being my rock and my fortress. Amen.

 June 18, 2021 (Friday)
Treasures

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

– Matthew 6:19-21

Memory Verse: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19)
                          
The more we try to possess, the more we will be anxious. The more we let go of what is important to us in God’s hands, the more we will feel secure. God knows what is important to us and he will take care of it for us. When we leave our children, our health, and our well-being in God’s hands, God will keep them safe. Being generous with those who are in need is to store our wealth in heaven.
 
Lord, thank you for taking care of what is important to me. Amen.

 June 19, 2021 (Saturday)
The Power of Christ

“Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.”

– 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Memory Verse: “I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
                           
Humility is our strength. Our weaknesses make us become humble and through our humility, the power of Christ will dwell in us. But our pride makes us hide our weaknesses. Our pride allows room for our weaknesses to dominate and paralyze us. When we humbly acknowledge our weaknesses before Christ, he will allow his power to dwell within us.
 
Lord, thank you for your power that dwells within me. Amen.

 June 20, 2021 (Sunday)
God Among Us

“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:
‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
Gird up your loins like a man,
   I will question you, and you shall declare to me.
‘Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
   Tell me, if you have understanding.”

– Job 38:1-4

Memory Verse: “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” (Job 38:4)
                           
God is beyond our comprehension. God works among us but we do not perceive it. God is behind us and we do not see him. Even when we feel God’s absence, God is not absent. God is right here with us and takes care of us. Let us trust God even in our most vulnerable moment.
 
Lord, I praise your greatness. Amen.

 June 21, 2021 (Monday)
Judgment

“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.”

– Matthew 7:1-5

Memory Verse: “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)
                          
Judgment blinds our eyes. When we judge others, we become blind to our own faults. It takes away our ability to see ourselves. It takes away the opportunity to grow out of our shortcomings.
 
Lord, I present myself before you. Please mould me in your image. Amen.

 June 22, 2021 (Tuesday)
Appreciation

“‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.”

– Matthew 7:6

Memory Verse: “Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.” (Matthew 7:6)
                           
Being able to appreciate what is precious is a special gift. We have learned to take things for granted and we often forget the value of what we have until we lose them. Let us appreciate precious things in our lives: our family, our friendship, health, and peace. More than anything else, let us appreciate God who always loves us and cares for us.
 
Lord, thank you for all the precious things you have granted in my life. Amen.

 June 23, 2021 (Wednesday)
A Good Tree

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.”

– Matthew 7:15-20

Memory Verse: “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7:18)
                           
Fruit does not exist for itself; it exists for others. Our existence that makes other lives abundant is fruitful existence. As we care for other people, God will give us wisdom to help those who are in need. This is a way to become a good tree. Being mindful of others’ needs should be our spiritual discipline.
 
Lord, help me always to be mindful of the needs of others. Amen.

 June 24, 2021 (Thursday)
God’s Righteousness

“Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
   that his glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
   righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
   and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The Lord will give what is good,
   and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him,
   and will make a path for his steps.”

– Psalm 85:9-13

Memory Verse: “Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.” (Psalm 85:9)
                           
For those who seek God’s righteousness, God’s glory will dwell in them. Let us seek God’s righteousness. God’s righteousness will go before us and pave a path for us. Lord will give what is good and our life will be abundantly blessed. 
 
Lord, I seek first your righteousness and your truth. Amen.

 June 25, 2021 (Friday)
Desire of Our Heart

“The night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us live honourably as in the day, not in revelling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”

– Romans 13:12-14

Memory Verse: “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14)
                           
Trying to gratify desires of the flesh is foolish because we can never achieve full gratification. As we pursue gratification of the flesh, we become empty and unhappy. Human greed brings about war and death. Let us put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us pursue what is right and good. Our heart will find happiness and satisfaction will fill our heart. 
 
Lord, may my heart be filled with your goodness. Amen.

 June 26, 2021 (Saturday)
Do Not Judge

“Why do you pass judgement on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgement seat of God. For it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.’ So then, each of us will be accountable to God.”

– Romans 14:10-12

Memory Verse: “Why do you pass judgement on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister?” (Romans 14:10)
                           
No one is good enough to judge others. When we judge others, we don’t simply see their flaws but we paint them with the flaws they have and despise them. We do not have the ability to see a whole person. Only God can. Let us humbly accept each other.  
 
Lord, fill me with your compassion and mercy. Amen.

 June 27, 2021 (Sunday)
Generosity

“Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”

– 2 Corinthians 8:7-9

Memory Verse: “For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)
                           
The core of Jesus’ ministry was to be giving. He gave his life to make our life abundant. He came to give us life, life of fulness. There is power hidden in giving. Our giving makes others enriched. In return, we become enriched. That is the economy of salvation.  
 
Lord, help me to live a life of generosity. Amen.

 June 28, 2021 (Monday)
Desire of Discipleship

“Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. A scribe then approached and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ Another of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’”

– Matthew 8:18-22

Memory Verse: “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” (Matthew 8:19)
                           
Our journey is a journey to follow Jesus. To follow Jesus is our desire but the desire alone is not enough. There is a cost to following Jesus. God will give us the strength to overcome hardships that come with discipleship. God will give us the wisdom to know what to do. But if our desire to follow Jesus is genuine, it will not remain simply as desire. God will use our desire to make us a disciple.
 
Lord, I desire to follow you. Amen.

 June 29, 2021 (Tuesday)
Pursue What Is Right

“For it is to your credit if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, where is the credit in that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.”

– 1 Peter 2:19-21

Memory Verse: “If you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval.” (1 Peter 2:20)
                           
Suffering for doing what is right is noble. When we suffer for doing what is right, God will give us confidence not to be discouraged. He will give us strength to persevere. This kind of suffering will build character within us. Let us pursue what is right and let us not be discouraged when we face hardships in doing what is right.
 
Lord, help me to follow your footsteps of the cross. Amen.

 June 30, 2021 (Wednesday)
God, My Refuge

“Because you have made the Lord your refuge,
   the Most High your dwelling-place,
no evil shall befall you,
   no scourge come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
   so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.”

– Psalm 91:9-12

Memory Verse: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11)
                           
Let us make God as our refuge. God will send his angels to guard us in everything we do. Let us honor God and do what is good. We will be protected. Seeking God’s righteousness gives us confidence. Let us not try to please mortal human beings. Let us please God who cares for us and protects us.

Lord, thank you for being my refuge. Amen.

May 1, 2021 (Saturday)
God’s Work

“Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”

– John 14:11-14

Memory Verse: “The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these.” (John 14:12)
                          
Jesus did not do God’s work with his own power. He did it with the help of God. Jesus wants us to do the same. Let us do God’s work with the help of God. Let us believe in God’s power. Jesus said that we would do greater works than what he did. Jesus put a very high value on what we can do. That is the power of belief. When we trust in God and do God’s work with the help of God, we can do amazing things. We will experience the wonderful things in life.
 
Lord, help me. I trust you. Amen.

May 2, 2021 (Sunday)
Abide In Christ

“‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.”

– John 15:1-4

Memory Verse: “Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4)
                           
When we abide in Christ, God gets rid of things that are unnecessary and strengthens things that we need. That is how God prunes us. God cuts away things that eat us up such as pride, greed, anger, and anxiety and strengthens things that help us bear fruit such as faith, hope, passion, love, and patience.
 
Lord, please cut away things that are unnecessary and strengthen things that I need. Amen.

May 3, 2021 (Monday)
Being Chosen

“You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.”

– John 15:16

Memory Verse: “You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.” (John 15:16)
                           
Knowing that we are chosen is a great discovery. It is purely God’s grace that he chose us. We don’t know particularly why we are chosen. We are just thankful. Jesus said that those who are chosen will go and bear fruit. The fruit is not for ourselves but for those who need it. Let us pray that our life may be fruitful. God will give us whatever we ask. 
 
Lord, thank you for choosing me. Help me to live a fruitful life. Amen.

May 4, 2021 (Tuesday)
Peace

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

– John 14:27

Memory Verse: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
                           
Jesus gave us peace. Worries and fear are not in our control. It is not possible to get rid of them by our effort or our will. When we abide in Christ, he will give us peace. When this peace fills our heart, the power of worries and fear subside and we will be free from them. 
 
Lord, I want to abide in you. Please fill my heart with peace. Amen.

May 5, 2021 (Wednesday)
Purity

“Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation.”

– 1 Peter 2:1-2

Memory Verse: “Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk.” (1 Peter 2:2)
                           
Purity is what God wants from us. God sees our pure desire to drink the spiritual milk. God will fill our hunger and quench our thirst. From the purity, we get power and focus. We will be able to see God in our lives. 
 
Lord, I desire you and you alone. Amen.

May 6, 2021 (Thursday)
Freedom

“As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil.”

– 1 Peter 2:16

Memory Verse: “As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil.” (1 Peter 2:16)
                           
When freedom is connected with evil, it will bring corruption. When freedom is connected with the truth, it will bring joy. We can find joy in everything we do. We will find joy in a life of serving. Let us not use freedom as a pretext for evil but use it to live as a servant of God.
 
Lord, thank you for the freedom. Amen.

May 7, 2021 (Friday)
Tongue

“For ‘Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

– 1 Peter 3:10-12

Memory Verse: “For those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit.” (1 Peter 3:10)
                           
Let us be careful with our tongues. What comes out of our mouth can cause a lot of problems and difficulties. If we desire life and desire to see good days, we should keep our tongues from evil and our lips from speaking deceit. Let us be aware of what we are going to say before the words leave our lips. Let us be careful, especially when we are emotional.

Lord, please give me wisdom and power to discipline my tongue. Amen.

May 8, 2021 (Saturday)
Clear Conscience

“Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.”

– 1 Peter 3:13-16

Memory Verse: “Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:16)
                           
Live with a clear conscience. We will become bold. When we do what is good with a clear conscience, our suffering will bring God’s blessings. When we do what is good with a clear conscience, nothing will be able to stop us. God will keep us. God sees our conscience and values it.
 
Lord, thank you for always being with me and keeping me strong. Amen.

May 9, 2021 (Sunday)
Mother

“‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”

– John 15:12-14

Memory Verse: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
                           
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends, Jesus said. That is exactly what our mothers did for us. That’s why their love is great. Their love has made us who we are. Let us not forget their love for us. Let us keep it deep in our heart and practice that love for others.
 
Lord, thank you for the love you have shown through my mother. Amen.

May 10, 2021 (Monday)
Be Merciful

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

– Luke 6:32-36

Memory Verse: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)
                           
We cannot react in every situation. There will always be people who make you upset and frustrated. There will always be people who don’t like us and criticize us for no good reason. Let us not be influenced by them. Let us not harbor hatred and anger within us because of them. Let us always keep God’s mercy within our hearts. God will give us wisdom to deal with every situation we face.
 
Lord, help me always remember your mercy and keep it in my heart. Amen.

May 11, 2021 (Tuesday)
Be Considerate

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

– Luke 6:37-38

Memory Verse: “For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38)
                           
Our life will be shaped by how we treat others. If we judge others, we will be judged. If we forgive others, we will be forgiven. If we are generous to others, we will experience abundance of life. Let us be kind to others. Let us always be considerate of others. We will experience the goodness of God.
 
Lord, help me to be considerate of others. Amen.

May 12, 2021 (Wednesday)
Be Examples

“Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.”

– 1 Peter 5:1-4

Memory Verse: “Be examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3)
                           
The best leadership is by example. This does not mean to try to impress others. Be an example to yourself. Live out what you believe. Give everything you have for what you believe. You will inspire others whether you are aware of it or not. 
 
Lord, Jesus, help me to have your character formed within me. Amen.

May 13, 2021 (Thursday)
Be Enlightened

“I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.”

– Ephesians 1:16-19

Memory Verse: “I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him.” (Ephesians 1:17)
                           
Unless God opens our eyes, we cannot see what we need to see. When our eyes are enlightened, we can see the hope of life, the abundance of God’s blessings, and the power that overcomes our troubles. Let us pray that God may give us a spirit of wisdom and revelations so that the eyes of our heart may enlightened. 
 
Lord, open my eyes so that I may see. Amen.

May 14, 2021 (Friday)
A Good Tree

“You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.”

– Matthew 7:16-20

Memory Verse: “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7:18)
                           
A tree and fruit cannot be separated. They are one and the same. Good fruit comes from a good tree and not vice versa. Don’t focus on bearing good fruit. Focus on being a good tree. Let us cultivate genuine love within us, we will be able to see the beautiful fruit of love in our lives. 
 
Lord, fill me with your love. Amen.

May 15, 2021 (Saturday)
Prayer

“On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.”

– John 16:23-24

Memory Verse: “Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” (John 16:24)
                           
Let us pray and then leave everything in God’s hands. We will be able to see how God works in our lives. God will answer our prayer in a way we could never imagine. God expands our heart and deepens our understanding about life. This will give us joy that the world cannot give.
 
Lord, thank you for answering my prayer. Amen.

May 16, 2021 (Sunday)
Be Sanctified

“I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.”

– John 17:15-19

Memory Verse: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
                           
We are in the world but we do not belong to the world. Don’t let the world mould you, shape you, and change you. Be sanctified by the truth. When we are sanctified by the truth, we will have the power to resist our tendency to conform to the world. Let the truth transform you.
 
Lord, help me not to be conformed to the world but be transformed by your truth. Amen.

May 17, 2021 (Monday)
Take Courage

“I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”

– John 16:33

Memory Verse: “In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33)
                           
Problems come to us from many directions. They intimidate us and make us paralyzed. They cloud our judgment. Let us take courage. Peace will come. In our peaceful state of mind, we will be able to see what to do.
 
Lord, please give me your peace. Amen.

May 18, 2021 (Tuesday)
Our Burdens

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”

– Psalm 68:19

Memory Verse: “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” (Psalm 68:19)
                           
God daily bears our burdens. If we have heavy burdens, let us lay them down before God daily. That is what God wants from us. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” What are our burdens that oppress us? Let us leave them in God’s hands. God will lighten our burdens.
 
Lord, I lay down my burdens before you. Amen.

May 19, 2021 (Wednesday)
Generosity

“In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

– Acts 20:35

Memory Verse: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
                           
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We should always remember this principle in our life. Generosity is a quality that is hard to come by, but once we have it, it is like having a key to God’s blessings. Life of giving is the best kind of life. That is what discipleship is all about.
 
Lord, help me live my life generously. Amen.

May 20, 2021 (Thursday)
Unity

“As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

– John 17:21-23

Memory Verse: “The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one.” (John 17:22)
                           
Jesus’ last prayer before he died was for the humanity to be one. We should always remember Jesus’ last wish. We Christians should always strive for unity. Unity is not uniformity. Uniformity is for the powerful to absorb the powerless. Unity is possible when the powerful let go of their pride and greed and empower the powerless.

Lord, may the leaders of this world respect the importance of unity. Amen.

May 21, 2021 (Friday)
Praise

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
   and all that is within me,
   bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
   and do not forget all his benefits—
who forgives all your iniquity,
   who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
   who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live
   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

– Psalm 103:1-5

Memory Verse: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” (Psalm 103:1)
                           
We praise God neither with our mouth nor in our thoughts. All that is within us praise God and that is true praise. When all that is within us praise God, everything that is within us will come alive. The part that is sick will be healed. The part that is parched will be satisfied. That is when we become new. Our praise renews us.
 
Lord, all that is within me praise you. Amen.

May 22, 2021 (Saturday)
Being Thirsty

“On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

– John 7:37-39

Memory Verse: “As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)
                           
Being thirsty is a condition of our heart. When we sincerely seek God, we become thirsty. It is a strong desire to experience God, feel God, and know God. When we come to Jesus with this thirst, Jesus will give us the Spirit who will quench our thirst. Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.
 
Lord, with thirst, I come to you. Grant me your Spirit. Amen.

May 23, 2021 (Sunday)
Live with the Spirit

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

– Romans 8:26-27

Memory Verse: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.” (Romans 8:26)
                           
The Spirit helps us in our weakness. The Spirit is with us. We are not alone. Even when we cannot pray, the Spirit prays for us. Even when we cannot search for God, God searches for us. Let us live our life with the Spirit. We will see amazing things in life. 
 
O Spirit, come, fill me, and stay with me. Amen.

May 24, 2021 (Monday)
Deceitfulness

“Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
   whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity,
   and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away
   through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
   my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
   and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’,
   and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

– Psalm 32:1-5

Memory Verse: “Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1)
                           
Sin is covering our wrongdoings. Happy are those in whose spirit, there is no deceit. Deceitfulness keeps us in the dark. Let us come to the Lord and confess our sins. God will cover our sins. When we cover our own sins, we will live in guilt. When God covers our sins, we will experience forgiveness.
 
Lord, I come to you as I am without deceit. Please cover my sins with your loving grace. Amen.

May 25, 2021 (Tuesday)
Come to God

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

– James 4:8-10

Memory Verse: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
                           
The more desire we have to come to God, the more intimately God will come to us. If we seek God, we will find him. When we meet God, we will be able to see who we really are. We will see our own hypocrisy. Empty joy that comes from our own blindness will turn into mourning for perceiving our own shortcomings. We will become humble but God will exalt us, take away our mourning, and give us true joy. 
 
Lord, I open my heart and humbly come before you. Please come into my heart and uplift my soul. Amen.

May 26, 2021 (Wednesday)
Fearlessness

“Truly the thing that I fear comes upon me,
   and what I dread befalls me.
I am not at ease, nor am I quiet;
   I have no rest; but trouble comes.”

– Job 3:25-26

Memory Verse: “Truly the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me.” (Job 3:25)
                           
“Truly the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me.” This is what Job said after all the tragedies he experienced. We can see that Job lived with fear before he experienced tragedies. He tried his best to be righteous but he had fear. Our suffering forces us to confront fear within us. We can overcome this fear only through God’s grace. Now he became a fearless man. It does not mean that he has no fear but means that he can confront his own fear.
 
Lord, help me confront my own fear with courage. Amen.

May 27, 2021 (Thursday)
God’s Voice in the Morning

“Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning,
   for in you I put my trust.
Teach me the way I should go,
   for to you I lift up my soul.”

– Psalm 143:8

Memory Verse: “Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8)
                           
Every morning let us hear God’s steadfast love. God will show us the way we should go. When we pay attention to God, we will be able to hear God and he will show us the way. Empty your thoughts, calm down your emotions, and simply wait. God will speak to our heart. Trust in God.
 
Lord, I will hear your voice every morning. Amen.

 May 28, 2021 (Friday)
A Positive Attitude Towards Life

“Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, “Be taken up and thrown into the sea”, and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

– Mark 11:23, 24

Memory Verse: “So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)
                           
Prayer gives us a positive attitude towards life. What you pray will be answered. What you envision will be fulfilled. What you desire will be granted. Let us pray, envision, and desire what is good for the whole humanity. In that way, God’s will shall be done.
 
Lord, may your desire be my desire. Amen.

May 29, 2021 (Saturday)
The Prayer of Faith

“Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”

– James 5:13-16

Memory Verse: “The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.” (James 5:15)
                           
The prayer of faith is powerful. It will heal us and forgive us. Do not let anything discourage you and throw you in despair. Don’t let your sickness scare you and make you feel anxious. Pray with faith and wait with confidence. God will lift us up from our own abyss.
 
Lord, please listen to my prayer. Amen.

May 30, 2021 (Sunday)
Not Shaken

“Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendour. May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!”

– Psalm 29:1-2, 11

Memory Verse: “May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!” (Psalm 29:11)
                           
God gives us strength and peace. Strength that comes from peace is not shaky. Our life will be stable when we have that kind of strength. It is the kind of strength that holds us up in storm. Let us thank God and let us worship God with all our heart. We will not be shaken.
 
Lord, please accept my worship. Amen.

May 31, 2021 (Monday)
Genuine Love

“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.”

– Romans 12:9-13

Memory Verse: “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good.” (Roman 12:9)

Genuine love is hard to come by. It is one of the keys to a happy life and yet people don’t seek it. People pursue power, thinking that it is the only way to survive. We live in deception because of our fear. Fear seeks power but love casts out fear. Love makes all of us survive together. It brings peace, harmony, and happiness.

Lord, please fill me with your love. Amen.