A Prayer from Paul

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”  
Ephesians 3:16-19

Come To Me

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus offers a most appealing invitation saying, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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.”

A physical yoke is designed to bind oxen together to carry heavy loads. In contrast, the spiritual yoke Jesus offers us is light, granting peace and a restful spirit. We simply weren't created to carry heartache and troubles on our own. Shoulder to shoulder with Him, every burden is eased.

~ Charles Stanley

My Hope

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.  May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

Psalm 33:20-22

Strength and Joy

Honor and majesty are in His presence; strength and joy are in His sanctuary."
1 Chronicles 16:27

Where Strength and Joy are Found
Do you need more strength and joy in your life? The Scripture tells us that in God’s presence there is fullness of joy, fullness of peace, fullness of victory—the most abundant and complete! That’s where you’re refreshed and restored. And when you have His joy, you have His supernatural strength. There’s nothing that can come against you when you are filled with the strength and joy of the Lord. Notice this verse says that strength and joy are found in His sanctuary. One translation says they are found “where He is.” And do you know “where He is?” His Spirit is alive in every believer, and in His Word, He promises that He inhabits, or manifests, in the praises of His people. That means when you begin to praise and worship God, either corporately in a church setting or privately in your personal time, God is there. You are in His sanctuary. Anytime you feel depleted or overwhelmed, just begin to sing a song of praise to Him. Declare His goodness and faithfulness. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. He’ll fill you with His joy and strength so that you can live as an overcomer all the days of your life!

~ Joel

God Is Our Source

God is Our Source for Peace and Joy

In times of uncertainty we tend to fear, worry and doubt. But the word of God gives us comfort, peace, strength, and joy during these times. If we seek His face we can experience these attributes, promises of God. Scriptures tells us that He is our comforter. Pslam 23:4 says even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me your rod and staff they comfort me. We must know that God is in control and He sees all and knows all we are facing. He gives us peace, Psalm 29:11 says The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord bless His people with peace, John 14:27 says Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, I don not give to you as the world gives, do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. The peace that God gives it not like the world gives. Its a knowing in your spirit/heart, a trusting in your spirit.

He is also your strength in troubled times. Nehemiah 8:10 So do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Don't grieve, worry, or cry for God Himself is your strength. Another scripture says Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall soar on the wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. See when your tired and worn out from worrying, God said He will left you upon eagles wings. He will carry you in other words. He is your joy. Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy in His dwelling place. In the presence of God is the fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore Pslam 16:11. All we need to do in the hard times of our faith walk is to run to the presence of God, there we will find all we need.

Our Daily Bread Devotionals

The Blessing

“The Lord bless you

and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26

“A blessing was one way of asking for God’s divine favor to rest upon others.  The ancient blessing in these verses helps us understand what a blessing was supposed to do.  It’s five parts conveyed hope  that God would...favor and protect, be pleased, be gracious, be merciful and compassionate, give His approval, and give peace.  When you ask God to bless others or yourself, you are asking Him to to do theses five things.  The blessing you offer will not only help the one receiving it, it will also demonstrate love, encourage others, and provide a model of caring to others.”

~ Life Application Study Bible

God’s Promise

Today we receive God’s promise of peace. Our Lord is all loving and wants for us to have the peace He offers us. Jesus said ask, seek, and knock and the door will be opened and He will be with us. As we reach out and share the peace of Christ with others He gives us peace. When we open our hearts to God, He gives us peace through His Holy Spirit and His Word, as we pray to Him and serve others with His love.

God’s Promise to You

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:6-9

Prayer for Today

Lord please help me to breathe out those thoughts that distract me from bringing my heart to you now and fill my thoughts with Your goodness and love.Thank you for giving me Your peace. I give you praise Almighty God and I know that you are all powerful. I ask that you fill me with hope and peace as I move forward with You today. In your name Jesus I pray. Amen.

~ Jim Marrequin 40 Day Prayer Challenge