No Excuse Aug. 31

Jesus reminded:

"If a close relative or friend wrongs you, you cannot use that as an excuse to give up patience, to give up on love, or to check the individual off as unworthy of your concerns. A specific wrong done to you does not justify your giving up on kingdom values. And you may not understand all now, but all humans are precious in the Father’s eyes and so are important in Mine. My love endures all things. Only one issue hurts my love: those that reject Me."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, today I pray for every single one of my family and extended family that each may receive your Grace and favor.

Enemies Aug.30

And Jehovah said:

"In My higher reality, I have no enemies. Evil is my enemy. Although people may treat Me as an enemy, I love all so that some will become My friends. You are to pray for and love your enemies, so they too might become my friends. If they do not respond, keep praying positively for them whenever they pop up in your mind. I will do the rest."

Prayer: Lord, it is so hard to love those unlovable who appear to be our enemies. But I want to do as you say.

The Unexpected Aug.29

And Jesus said:

"I may not be where you think I am. I am often in the unexpected. There ARE many things you can trust to be as you think, but I am also a surprise. All around you the resurrection principle stays active. Something dies, and something lives. This explains why I may astonish you as I did the disciples after I returned from the dead. The unexpected happens because the kingdom principles are not the same as those of this world. This is part of the reason you are to exercise your faith every chance you get. You live in the kingdom of service and surprise."

Prayer: Thank you Lord; I am grateful for your generous surprises and opportunities to serve.

The Unlikable Aug.28

And Jesus said:

"There will be people in this world you do not like and do not want to spend time. You still need to love them by loving the potential the Father can give to each one. You need to give them the heavenly love for what they can become. This does not mean you will like them because the ability to like is based on similar interests, talents, or journeys together. If you really want to like someone, you must spend the right kind of time with them."

Prayer: Lord I confess I do not like everyone, but I want to learn all I can about love that helps me like others.

Complete Forgiveness Aug.27

And the Holy Spirit said:

"Events will happen when people will misunderstand you, will hurt you, misuse you, and treat you unkindly. In My word I said that when others do not receive you well, you are to shake the dust from your feet and move on. I did not mean you should ignore them or forgive them only partially.  I mean do not let the dust of others cling to you in some form of unforgiveness. Forgive completely, and then move on. Turn your will over to God and do whatever it takes to experience the true forgiveness of your heavenly Father."

Prayer: Lord, help us remember we do not have to forgive all behavior of others. Help us learn to just forgive them as flawed humans.

Awareness Waiting Aug.26

And the Lord said:

"Remember, a time for talk always presents itself, but there is still a time for stillness. Make yourself acknowledge Me. Be still and know Me. The Holy Spirit will help you listen your way into new feelings. Even when it seems like nothing tangible comes through, know that I am here. Peace and rest I give you. Receive the gift. As uncomfortable as it seems, keep practicing and flow with the silence."

Prayer: Lord I pray for my own peace, for those around me and for parts of the world where it is so needed

Missed Faith Aug.25

And Jesus said:

"You may have occasions when your faith wavers, meaning you start to rely on worldly principles or possessions to get you through. During those seasons, you may be able to draw upon your resources, such as money or a friendship to solve some difficulty. This may not be wrong, but even after other resources seem exhausted, seek your special place; try to relax your mind and ask Me to remember who you are. Depend on Me to see you through any of your incidents of doubt. My faith can indeed move anything that seems like a mountain. Grab hold of faith, not fear."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your Son and for giving us faith to accept your word.