Happy Independence Day

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
Courage for the Journey
But Jesus immediately said to them:
"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
Matthew 14:27

A storm rose quickly on the Sea of Galilee, and the disciples were afraid. Although they had seen Jesus perform many miracles, the disciples feared for their lives, so they turned to their Savior, and He calmed the waters and the wind.

Sometimes, we, like the disciples, feel threatened by the inevitable storms of life. And when we are fearful, we, too, can turn to Christ for courage and for comfort.

The next time you're afraid, remember that the One who calmed the wind and the waves is also your personal Savior. And remember that the ultimate battle has already been won at Calvary. We, as believers, can live courageously in the promises of our Lord . . . and we should.

The fear of God is the death of every other fear. - C. H. Spurgeon, 100 Days of Prayer

Down through the centuries, in times of trouble and trial, God has brought courage to the hearts of those who love Him. The Bible is filled with assurances of God's help and comfort in every kind of trouble. - Billy Graham

To fear and not be afraid, that is the paradox of faith. - A. W. Tozer

What is courage? It is the ability to be strong in trust, in conviction, in obedience. To be courageous is to step out in faith—to trust and obey, no matter what. - Kay Arthur

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, sometimes I face disappointments and challenges that leave me worried and afraid. When I am fearful, let me seek Your strength. Keep me mindful, Lord, that You are my God. With You by my side, Lord, I have nothing to fear. Help me to be Your grateful and courageous servant this day and every day. Amen

 

[Judy Harder]

 Daily New Life
     
Faith for Life
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.
And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
1 John 5:4 NKJV

Do you desire the abundance and success that God has promised?

The first element of a successful life is faith:

faith in God, faith in His Son, and faith in His promises. If we place our lives in God's hands, our faith is rewarded in ways that we—as human beings with clouded vision and limited understanding—can scarcely comprehend. But, if we seek to rely solely upon our own resources, or if we seek earthly success outside the boundaries of God's commandments, we reap a bitter harvest for ourselves and for our loved ones.

Trust God today and every day that you live. Then, when you have entrusted your future to the Giver of all things good, rest assured that your future is secure, not only for today, but also for all eternity.

Faith is seeing light with the eyes of your heart, when the eyes of your body see only darkness. - Barbara Johnson, 100 Days of Prayer

Just as our faith strengthens our prayer life, so do our prayers deepen our faith. Let us pray often, starting today, for a deeper, more powerful faith. - Shirley Dobson

Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ. - A. W. Tozer

Let your faith in Christ be in the quiet confidence that He will, every day and every moment, keep you as the apple of His eye, keep you in perfect peace and in the sure experience of all the light and the strength you need. - Andrew Murray

Today's Prayer
Father, in the dark moments of my life, help me to remember that You are always near and that You can overcome any challenge. Keep me mindful of Your love and Your power, so that I may live courageously and faithfully today and every day. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
Measuring Your Words
From a wise mind comes wise speech;
the words of the wise are persuasive.
Proverbs 16:23 NLT

If you seek to be a source of encouragement to friends, to family members, and to coworkers, then you must measure your words carefully. And that's exactly what God wants you to do. God's Word reminds us that "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18 NIV).

Today, make this promise to yourself: vow to be an honest, effective, encouraging communicator at work, at home, and everyplace in between. Speak wisely, not impulsively. Use words of kindness and praise, not words of anger or derision. Learn how to be truthful without being cruel. Remember that you have the power to heal others or to injure them, to lift others up or to hold them back. And when you learn how to lift them up, you'll soon discover that you've lifted yourself up, too.

Part of good communication is listening with the eyes as well as with the ears. - Josh McDowell, 100 Days of Prayer

Jesus Christ, in His infinite wisdom, used the words and idioms that were in use among those whom He addressed. You should do likewise. - St. Joseph Cafasso

We should ask ourselves three things before we speak: Is it true? Is it kind? Does it glorify God? - Billy Graham

Attitude and the spirit in which we communicate are as important as the words we say. - Charles Stanley

Today's Prayer
Lord, You have warned me that I will be judged by the words I speak. Keep me mindful, Lord, that I have influence on many people; make me an influence for good. And, may the words that I speak today be worthy of the One who has saved me forever. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
The Greatest of These
But now abide faith, hope, love, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 NASB

We are commanded (not advised, not encouraged . . . commanded!) to love one another just as Christ loved us (see John 13:34). The beautiful words of 1st Corinthians 13 remind us that love is God's commandment: Faith is important, of course. So, too, is hope. But, love is more important still. That's a tall order, but as Christians, we are obligated to follow it.

Christ showed His love for us on the cross, and we are called upon to return Christ's love by sharing it. Today, let us spread Christ's love to families, friends, and even strangers, so that through us, others might come to know Him.

The cross symbolizes a cosmic as well as a historic truth. Love conquers the world, but its victory is not an easy one. - Reinhold Neibuhr, 100 Days of Prayer

You can be sure you are abiding in Christ if you are able to have a Christlike love toward the people that irritate you the most. - Vonette Bright

Suppose that I understand the Bible. And, suppose that I am the greatest preacher who ever lived! The Apostle Paul wrote that unless I have love, "I am nothing." - Billy Graham

Christian love, either towards God or towards man, is an affair of the will. - C. S. Lewis

Today's Prayer
Lord, love is Your commandment. Help me always to remember that the gift of love is a precious gift indeed. Let me nurture love and treasure it, today and forever. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
God's Guidance
The steps of the Godly are directed by God.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Psalm 37:22 NLT

God is intensely interested in each of us, and He will guide our steps if we serve Him obediently.

When we sincerely offer heartfelt prayers to our Heavenly Father, He will give direction and meaning to our lives—but He won't force us to follow Him. To the contrary, God has given us the free will to follow His commandments . . .

or not.

When we stray from God's commandments, we invite bitter consequences. But, when we follow His commandments, and when we genuinely and humbly seek His will, He touches our hearts and leads us on the path of His choosing.

Will you trust God to guide your steps? You should. When you entrust your life to Him completely and without reservation, God will give you the strength to meet any challenge, the courage to face any trial, and the wisdom to live in His righteousness and in His peace. So trust Him today and seek His guidance. When you do, your next step will be the right one. - 100 Days of Prayer

A spiritual discipline is necessary in order to move slowly from an absurd to an obedient life, from a life filled with noisy worries to a life in which there is some free inner space where we can listen to our God and follow his guidance. - Henri Nouwen

Only He can guide you to invest your life in worthwhile ways. This guidance will come as you "walk" with Him and listen to Him. - Henry Blackaby and Claude King

I don't doubt that the Holy Spirit guides your decisions from within when you make them with the intention of pleasing God. The error would be to think that He speaks only within, whereas in reality He speaks also through Scripture, the Church, Christian friends, and books. - C. S. Lewis

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You always stand ready to guide me. Let me accept Your guidance, today and every day of my life. Lead me, Father, so that my life can be a tribute to Your grace, to Your mercy, to Your love, and to Your Son. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
His Promises
Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going.
He always keeps his word.
Hebrews 10:23 MSG

The Christian faith is founded upon promises that are contained in a unique book. That book is the Holy Bible. The Bible is a roadmap for life here on earth and for life eternal. As Christians, we are called upon to study its meaning, to trust its promises, to follow its commandments, and to share its Good News. God's Holy Word is, indeed, a transforming, life-changing, one-of-a-kind treasure. And, a passing acquaintance with the Good Book is insufficient for Christians who seek to obey God's Word and understand His will.

God has made promises to you, and He intends to keep them. So take God at His word: trust His promises and share them with your family, with your friends, and with the world.

We can have full confidence in God's promises because we can have full faith in His character. - Franklin Graham, 100 Days of Prayer

There are four words I wish we would never forget, and they are, "God keeps his word." - Charles Swindoll

We have ample evidence that the Lord is able to guide. The promises cover every imaginable situation. All we need to do is to take the hand he stretches out. - Elisabeth Elliot

The stars may fall, but God's promises will stand and be fulfilled. - J. I. Packer

Today's Prayer
Lord, Your Holy Word contains promises, and I will trust them. I will use the Bible as my guide, and I will trust You, Lord, to speak to me through Your Holy Spirit and through Your Holy Word, this day and forever. Amen

[Judy Harder]

 

Let the Celebration Begin
I've told you these things for a purpose:
that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature.
John 15:11 MSG

Oswald Chambers correctly observed, "Joy is the great note all throughout the Bible." C. S. Lewis echoed that thought when he wrote, "Joy is the serious business of heaven." But, even the most dedicated Christians can, on occasion, forget to celebrate each day for what it is: a priceless gift from God.

Today, let us be joyful Christians with smiles on our faces and kind words on our lips. After all, this is God's day, and He has given us clear instructions for its use. We are commanded to rejoice and be glad. So, with no further ado, let the celebration begin . . .

When we get rid of inner conflicts and wrong attitudes toward life, we will almost automatically burst into joy. - E. Stanley Jones 100 Days of Prayer

Joy is the direct result of having God's perspective on our daily lives and the effect of loving our Lord enough to obey His commands and trust His promises. - Bill Bright

When Jesus Christ is the source of our joy, no words can describe it. - Billy Graham

You have to look for the joy. Look for the light of God that is hitting your life, and you will find sparkles you didn't know were there. - Barbara Johnson

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You have given me so many blessings; let me celebrate Your gifts. Make me thankful, loving, responsible, and wise. Make me be a joyful Christian, a worthy example to others, and a dutiful servant to You this day and forever. Amen

 

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
Ultimate Accountability
Walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 NASB

For most of us, it is a daunting thought: one day, perhaps soon, we'll come face-to-face with our Heavenly Father, and we'll be called to account for our actions here on earth. Our personal histories will certainly not be surprising to God; He already knows everything about us. But the full scope of our activities may be surprising to us: some of us will be pleasantly surprised; others will not be.

Today, do whatever you can to ensure that your thoughts and your deeds are pleasing to your Creator. Because you will, at some point in future, be called to account for your actions. And the future may be sooner than you think.

The temptation of the age is to look good without being good. - Brennan Manning, 100 Days of Prayer

The Bible teaches that we are accountable to one another for our conduct and character. - Charles Stanley

We can always gauge where we are by the teachings of Jesus Christ. - Oswald Chambers

The best evidence of our having the truth is our walking in the truth. - Matthew Henry

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let my words and actions show the world the changes that You have made in my life. You sent Your Son so that I might have abundant life and eternal life. Thank You, Father, for my Savior, Christ Jesus. I will follow Him, honor Him, and share His Good News, this day and every day. Amen

[Judy Harder]

September 18, 2011   

Daily New Life
     
The Self-fulfilling Prophecy
May He grant you according to your heart's desire,
and fulfill all your purpose.
Psalm 20:4 NKJV

The self-fulfilling prophecy is alive, well, and living at your house. If you trust God and have faith for the future, your optimistic beliefs will give you direction and motivation. That's one reason that you should never lose hope, but certainly not the only reason. The primary reason that you, as a believer, should never lose hope, is because of God's unfailing promises.

Make no mistake about it: thoughts are powerful things: your thoughts have the power to lift you up or to hold you down. When you acquire the habit of hopeful thinking, you will have acquired a powerful tool for improving your life. So if you fall into the habit of negative thinking, think again. After all, God's Word teaches us that Christ can overcome every difficulty (John 16:33). And when God makes a promise, He keeps it.

Our hope in Christ for the future is the mainstream of our joy. - C. H. Spurgeon, 100 Days of Prayer

What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life. - Emil Brunner

Oh, remember this: There is never a time when we may not hope in God. Whatever our necessities, however great our difficulties, and though to all appearance help is impossible, yet our business is to hope in God, and it will be found that it is not in vain. - George Mueller

I wish I could make it all new again; I can't. But God can. "He restores my soul," wrote the shepherd. God doesn't reform; he restores. He doesn't camouflage the old; he restores the new. The Master Builder will pull out the original plan and restore it. He will restore the vigor, he will restore the energy. He will restore the hope. He will restore the soul. - Max Lucado

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, make me a hope-filled Christian. If I become discouraged, let me turn to You. If I grow weary, let me seek strength in You. In every aspect of my life, I will trust You, Father, today and forever. Amen

[Judy Harder]

September 19, 2011     Daily New Life
     
Infinite Possibilities
Is anything too hard for the LORD?
Genesis 18:14 KJV

Are you afraid to ask God to do big things in your life? Is your faith threadbare and worn? If so, it's time to abandon your doubts and reclaim your faith in God's promises.

Ours is a God of infinite possibilities. But sometimes, because of limited faith and limited understanding, we wrongly assume that God cannot or will not intervene in the affairs of mankind. Such assumptions are simply wrong.

God's Holy Word makes it clear: absolutely nothing is impossible for the Lord. And since the Bible means what it says, you can be comforted in the knowledge that the Creator of the universe can do miraculous things in your own life and in the lives of your loved ones. Your challenge, as a believer, is to take God at His word, and to expect the miraculous.

If we take God's program, we can have God's power—not otherwise. - E. Stanley Jones, 100 Days of Prayer

You can believe in the Holy Spirit not because you see Him, but because you see what He does in people's lives when they are surrendered to Christ and possess His power. - Billy Graham

The most profane word we use is "hopeless." When you say a situation or person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God. - Kathy Troccoli

There is Someone who makes possible what seems completely impossible. - Catherine Marshall

Today's Prayer
Dear God, nothing is impossible for You—keep me always mindful of Your strength. When I lose hope, give me faith; when others lose hope, let me tell them of Your glory and Your works. Today, Lord, let me expect the miraculous, and let me trust in You. Amen