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Previous Words for the Week
There is innate value and inherent good in all people. A child born into this world is pure innocence. He or she is a unique expression of God.
I see goodness in each person I meet today, and I see good in myself. Just as children learn and grow from the events and adventures in their lives, so I have learned from the occurrences in my life. I choose to use my talents and skills, my attitude, love and willingness in ways that bless myself and others. Within me lies the power to brighten another's day, to help someone in need, to encourage someone who is discouraged.
I enjoy expressing the love of God in my own unique way.
Clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.--Ephesians 4:24
Comfort
Life may be difficult when faced with certain events. I may seek comfort when challenged by the loss of a job, a health crisis or the need to let go of a cherished dream. Temporarily, I may find comfort in things or people. However, true and lasting comfort comes from the love of God within.
In a quiet moment, I find a place for rest. I still my thoughts and empty my mind of the chaos of fear, doubt and pain. In the silence is the love, peace and comfort I seek. In the silence I remember I am forever the child of a loving Creator. Never abandoned or left alone, I am loved. Strengthened by the comfort of Spirit that is always available to me, I move through any challenge with grace.
So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands
and call on your name. --Psalm 63:4
Refresh
When I think of my health and the way I approach it, I ask myself if I am doing all I need to do to be healthy, whole and well. If I feel I can do more, I take this opportunity to refresh and perhaps adopt new healthy habits.
I may begin by spending more time in prayer and meditation, visualizing my body as a holy temple filled with divine, renewing life. I may start an exercise regimen that helps me get in tune with my body. I may try new, more healthful ways to prepare my food.
Of the many healthy practices available to me, I follow my inner guidance and find which ones are right for me. I am refreshed and renewed in mind, body and spirit.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,
which you have from God?--1 Corinthians 6:19
New Day
Each evening, I release any burdens from the day. Consciously letting go of judgment, resentment or expectation, I release them to be gently dissolved into the night. In the morning as I awake, I begin anew. I connect with God in gratitude. I am alive! I am aware! I am ready!
I see myself and others as one in Spirit. We are one; there is no separation. There is no judgment. There is only the realization that we are each made of the same "stuff" in our unfolding universe.
Today--in this very moment--is where life resides. I let go of yesterday. I do not worry about tomorrow. I enjoy the sweet and loving peace of now.
God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.--Genesis 1:5
Pray for Others
The power of prayer strengthens us all.
Knowing that someone is praying for me encourages me to believe that good is unfolding in my life. Whether I am heading out for a job interview, facing a health issue, or caring for a loved one, it is good to know I have a praying friend holding me up. This turns me away from worry and opens me to the power of affirmative prayer.
Positive prayer energy moves through us as a blessing. It feels good to be spiritually centered, affirming the power and presence of God in our lives. The power of prayer does not change God; prayer inspires and strengthens those who are praying and those who are held in prayer. In the partnership of prayer, all receive benefit from the affirmation of God's indwelling presence.
This is what we pray for, that you may become perfect.--2 Corinthians 13:9
Worry Free I release every concern and move forward with faith in God.
How often have I spent precious moments of my time worrying about something that never came to be? Worry is a conscious choice, but is it a constructive way to spend my day?
Today I choose to refrain from worry and live in faith. Faith is the opposite of worry for faith allows me to let go of what is troubling me and release it to God. Through faith in God, I experience the joy of the present moment. Through faith in God, I am free from stress or concern.
I cannot predict what will happen to me or my loved ones on any given day, but I can make the choice to be positive and worry-free. By doing so, I move forward in faith, living in the moment and trusting God for right outcomes.
Therefore I tell you, do not worry.--Matthew 6:25
Recovery
I am healthy and whole and continually renewed by the spirit of God within me.
Prayer is primary to my healing, whether I am recovering from an illness, surgery or even a broken heart. I begin each day with quiet moments of prayer. I give thanks for the life within me. I visualize the healthy, happy, energetic life I desire.
Healing takes time, and recovery takes many forms. A positive outcome will result if I give my body and mind the time they need. Patiently, I pray for the wisdom to know and do all I can to facilitate my recovery.
Turning my attention to the needs of others often helps my own recovery. Volunteering, even in a seemingly small way, renews me. Praying for others helps us all. Each prayer and every healthy activity supports my ongoing recovery.
Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it
and it will be yours. - Mark 11:24
Creativity
I allow creativity to express through me.
According to legend, Michelangelo insisted that his part in creating David - his masterpiece of sculpture - was only to carefully chip away at the marble, uncovering the David that lay within. Within me there is also a masterpiece awaiting expression. As I chip away at limiting thoughts that hnder my creativity, beauty and innovation flow forth.
Something within me is waiting to emerge. During my prayer time I listen for what is seeking expression; then I joyfully engage with whatever surfaces. Creativity takes many forms: writing, music, art, dance, business ventures and inventions. The possibilities are limitless. As I quiet my inner critic, I invite my creativity to come alive and I create my masterpiece.
Everything created by God is good. - 1 Timothy 4:4
Faith
All things work together for good.
Awakening early in the morning, I see the soft light of dawn announcing the rise of the sun. I have faith that every morning the sun will greet me, erasing the darkness of night with brilliant light and warmth.
When challenged by the darkness of fear or unknowing, I focus my faith on the light and warmth of the Holy Spirit. I feel and experience the Holy Spirit's presence, finding myself peaceful and calm, when moments earlier, I was uneasy.
I have fiath that I am always provided for, always loved. Just as day follows night, a dawning awareness come to me: All things work together for good in my life.
With positive anticipation and faith, I move forward into this day.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God. - Romans 8:28
Forgive
I choose to forgive and free myself to move forward.
The act of forgiveness is a conscious choice to let go, to move past feelings of resentment, and to move forward in light and love. Holding on to unforgiveness is like carrying a bucket of stones. With each step the bucket seems to get heavier and heavier until it is exhausing to bear.
Choosing a quiet time and place, I examine the stones of unforgiveness that fill my bucket. One by one, I take them out, lay them aside and release them to God. Without the stones of unforgiveness and resentment, I move freely and can now use the bucket to gather flowers of light, peace and freedom. I choose to forgive and release, to remain free of resentment.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. - Matthew 6:12
Empowered
I am energized and empowered as I rest in an awareness of God.
At times I may not feel empowered to do anything at all. Rather I may feel emotionally drained or unsure of myself. To remind myself of God's power within me, I stop and pray.
Releasing the burden of worry or self-criticism, I allow myself to feel the presence of God. As I pray, I realize that I am a spiritual being. I have powerful and unique gifts to give to the world. I have divine strength and energy to do what is mine to do.
Prayer empowers me. Moments of silence - spontaneous or planned - allow me to reaffirm my oneness with God. I emerge energized and enlivened, ready to face my responsibilities with renewed joy and confidence.
For we know, brothers and sisers beloved by God,
that He has chosen you. - 1 Thessalonians 1:4
Choice
Following inner guidnacem I make positive choices.
Every day I have decisions to make. With each choice, I experience both loss and opportunity. Each choice reveals expected and unexpected outcomes.
I treasure the gift of free will, and I make choices for the highest good of all concerned. As I prepare to make a decision, I go within for guidance. I get in touch with the still small voice within and let the flurry of my thoughts rest in a moment of silence. I find that the best choices ahve a sense of "rightness" to them.
It is comforting to know that the guidance of the Holy Spirit is with me. From a place of inner knowing, I make the right choice.
You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you,
and light will shine on your ways. - Job 22:28
Beloved
I live from the truth of who I am as God's beloved.
Whenever my spirit needs uplifting, I remind myself that I am a beloved creation of God. Whether I am seeking inspiration in a time of challenge or perseverance to accomplish a goal, I affirm the truth of my being: I am an expression of divine love and power.
My internal conversations reflect statements of truth -- affirmations that feed my soul: I accomplish all that is before me with ease and efficience. I am beloved of God and therefore capable of all the good I can conceive. I am strong and resilient.
As god's beloved, I have an open line to divine direction and support. I am empowered as I live frm this truth.
Nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:39
Forgiveness
I am at peace as I release the past and move forward.
Forgiveness is an act of release. Letting go of resentments from the past opens my heart to new experiences of joy. Believing that I have been wronged leads to anger, resentment and bitterness. But this belief does not serve me; it prevents me from being the person I was designed to be. I now choose to let those negative feelings go.
I realize true peace as I practice forgiveness. The slate is wiped clean and new life emerges - a life of freedom and inner peace.
Just as a leaf is gently carried away by the breeze, I release negativity and see it carried away. As I release my resentment and bitterness through forgiveness, I experience peace within.
Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another,
forgive each other. - Colossians 3:13
Clear Vision
I establish peace, love and abundance in my thoughts and in my life.
Just as I may allow clutter to accumulate in a closet or drawer, I may allow thoughts and feelings to accumulate in my heart and mind. Some of these thoughts may be useful, but some may be error thoughts that crowd out space for new ideas.
Today I do not delay the task of looking and seeing with clear vision what is true and what is error. I hold my thoughts up to the light of the Christ within me and claim only those thoughts that resonate peace, love and abundance. I discard and clear out any thoughts of fear, malace, disease or unworthiness. Clearing frees me. By establishing peace, love and abundance in my thoughts, I allow God's good to fill my mind and heart.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
- Psalm 51:10
Forgive
I forgive myself and others, and I find peace.
Forgiveness brings peace and healing to me and to my relationships. Beyond any fear, anger or resentment, I find peace through forgiveness. Troubled relationships are given freedom. Transformation is possible, which blesses and heals all concerned.
I forgive by letting love dissolve all bitterness in my heart, opening the way for peace, joy and love. When I utter, even silently, the words "I forgive," I invite love to enter the experience. In that moment, the hurt and pain slips away and love rushes in.
As I extend forgiveness to myself and others, I invite freedom. I release the burdens of my heart and settle into the love of God.
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. - Luke 7:47
Joy
I choose joy.
The greatest joy of an abundant life may siimply be the ability to choose my responses and co-create a life of fullness regardless of any outward appearance. In the midst of any circumstance, I can choose to be happy and joyful, even as I respond to the needs of the moment.
I choose to rejoice in the fullness of God's good in my life, giving thanks for a world of plenty. Looking beyond seeming lack and limitation, I recognize the spiritual abundance that is present.
I choose to express generosity and gratitude toward others, and life becomes more precious and abundant. I choose the joy of living the fullness of living in God's goodness, right now.
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy. - Psalm 16:11
New Endeavor
I seek God's guidance as I start anew.
Before I embark on a new endeavor in life, I take a few moments to engage in a visioning prayer. This type of prayer is an excellent tool for guiding me forward. I enter into a time of communing with God as I pray.
Dear God, I thank you for the opportunity to participate in this sacred enterprise. I feel the divine calling within me to step forward and take on new responsibilities. I ask specifically, "What is my role? What is mine to do?"
With these words resonating within me, I pause in silent reflection, I allow images to dance around my mind and ideas to leap from my heart about innovation, expertise or support I can bring to this endeavor. My mission and goals come into sharp focus. With God's guidance, I begin.
The Lord will guide you continually. - Isaiah 58:11
Grace
The grace of God is upon me, enabling me to meet every challenge and condition graciously. Knowing this, I rely on God's strength for the serenity to see me through every difficulty. It is God's power that gives me the ability to be gracious at all times, in all circumstances.
The grace of God is upon me, therefore, I no longer fear illness or accident, lack or limitation of any kind. The grace of God fills me with the assurance that God-life in me is perfecting every cell and every function of my body. My role is to believe and act accordingly.
The grace of God is upon me. In this knowing I am free from worry, free from discontent. I am free to be loving, kind and happy, free to enjoy every day of my life.
All of you share in God's grace. -Philippians 1:7
Hope
Hope is revealed in me.
Today begins the season celebrating the birth of the Christ child. Hope is revealed in us as we anticipate the unfolding good which is manifesting in the world and in our individual lives.
We hold hope for all humankind to enjoy lasting peace and prosperity and to live in harmony as brothers and sisters. We envision ourselves blessing one another with divine love, a love that lives eternally in our hearts as the Christ in us.
We hold hope tenderly and reverently in our hearts and allow it to grow and expand in our thoughts, feelings and actions. Hope is evidence of the Christ within us, stirring, moving, urging us to grow in faith and love.
Now, O Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you. --Psalm 39:7
Rest
As I surrender my cares to God, I enjoy a time of rest and renewal.
Day-to-day worries, and the belief that we need to do everything by ourselves, can interfere with the ability to rest and enjoy a good night's sleep. So instead of giving in to worry, I give in to God.
I keep in mind that in order to give the best of me, I must take care of myself. When I love and care for myself, I am able to experience the peace of mind and body that leads to a good night of rest and renewal, and a more joyful and productive life.
Spirit created a world of order, one that requires and encourages time for rest as well as action. From now on, every time I am tempted to give in to worry, I choose instead to release it to God and rest.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone,
O Lord, make me lie down in safety. -- Psalm 4:8
Preparation
I am prepared and ready for action.
Preparing a recipe with multiple ingredients and steps requires planning and preparation. Baking an apple pie requires peeling and seasoning the apples, preparing the crust and preheating the oven. Pie-making goes more smoothly when I have all the things I need at my fingertips.
The same can be said about my life with Spirit. When I am prepared, aligned and at one with Spirit, I easily and effortlessly achieve my goals. I am less stressed and more peaceful. I prepare myself through prayer, meditation and by listening to inner guidance. Because I am ready, I easily step into right action. I know that all is well, because I have prepared for it.
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
God is the Owner of Everything
If we belong to Christ, it's logical that everyting we have truly belongs to Him. When we give to God, we are just taking our hands off what already belongs to Him.
The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it. - Psalm 24:1
God is the provider of every good thing in your life
As thunder follows lightning, giving follows grace. When God's grace touches you, you can't help but respond with generous giving.
Give to God what's right - not what's left!
You will give us prosperity, Lord; everything that we achieve is the rsesult of what You do. - Isaiah 26:12
Your role is to be the trustee, manager and steward of 100% of what God entrusts to you during your lifetime
People go through three (3) conversions: the conversion of their head, their heart and their pocketbook. Unfortunately, not all at the same time.
Have you gone through all three (3) conversions yet?
None of us lives to himself/herself alone and none of us dies to himself/ herself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. - Romans 14:7
Don't trust your riches, but trust in God
Are you rich?
Did you realize that if you personally make more than $1,500 per year you are richer than 75% of the world's 6+ billion people!
I have never trusted in riches or taken pride in my wealth. I have never worshiped the sun in its brightness or the moon in all its beauty. I have not been led astray to honor them by kissing my hand in reverence to them. Such a sin should be punished by death; it denies Almighty God.
- Job 31:24-28
