12.11.09...1 PETER 1:22 (NIV)

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

Day by Day - Learn to be an inch wide and a mile deep with your love for one another!

12.10.09...JAMES 2:5 (NIV)

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

Day by Day - When you've been rejected by the world, remember God's love is promised to you!

12.09.09...ROMANS 12:9 (NIV)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Day by Day - Love causes you to choose sides...choose well!

12.08.09...ROMANS 13:9 (NIV)

The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Day by Day - God's love requires more from us, but we receive more of Him!

12.07.09...1 CHRONICLES 16:34 (NIV)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Day by Day - No other love but God's endures forever!

12.06.09...2 CHRONICLES 6:14 (NIV)

He said: "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth--you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way."

Day by Day - Follow God with your whole heart and know the depth of His love!

12.05.09...ROMANS 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Day by Day - Never be ashamed!

12.04.09...EPHESIANS 6:17 (NIV)

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Day by Day - Always wear your spiritual accessories!

12.03.09...ACTS 13:47 (NIV)

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth."

Day by Day - Out of darkness, God has given the ultimate gift to illuminate the world. If you haven't done so, receive His gift of salvation!

12.02.09...LUKE 3:6 (NIV)

And all mankind will see God's salvation.

Day by Day - Don't be fooled by the world. God reveals Himself to everyone. It's everyone's choice to receive God as He is!

12.01.09...ACTS 4:12 (NIV)

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

Day by Day - If no one on earth can provide an answer for sin, why don't more seek God for a solution?

11.30.09...PSALM 13:5 (NIV)

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

Day by Day - Those who rejoice over God's salvation know His unfailing love!

11.29.09...EXODUS 15:2 (NIV)

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.



Day by Day - Declare God's role in your life!

11.28.09...PSALM 100:4 (NIV)

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Day by Day - Thanks God for direct access to You and Your kingdom!

11.27.09...PSALM 35:18 (NIV)

I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.

Day by Day - Thanks God for believers assemblying together under the banner of praise!

11.26.09...PSALM 7:17 (NIV)

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Day by Day - Thanks God for the song of Your righteousness dwelling in our hearts!

11.25.09...ROMANS 14:6 (NIV)

He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Daby by Day - Thanks God as we strive to do things that give You honor!

11.24.09...ROMANS 6:17 (NIV)

But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.

Day by Day - Thanks God for Your teachings and our willingness to be obedient to them!

11.23.09...MATTHEW 14:19 (NIV)

And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

Day by Day - Thanks God for Your gracious and bountiful provision!

11.22.09...2 CHRONICLES 16:34 (NIV)

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

Day by Day - Thanks God for being so good!

11.21.09...1 THESSALONIANS 4:7, 8 (NIV)

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

Day by Day - It's the call and the choice that directs us to live a life holy and pleasing to God. And the true measure of its success is found in our acceptance of the Holy Spirit!

11.20.09...LUKE 6:22, 23 (NIV)

Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.

Day by Day - It may feel painful to rejoice in rejection. The world has some pretty vile things to say about God's people. But your acceptance does not come from the world. Find consolation in knowing rejection's reward reaps an eternal benefit.

11.19.09...PSALM 119:118 (NIV)

You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their deceitfulness is in vain.

Day by Day - Pray for those who have rejected God!

11.18.09...PSALM 94:14 (NIV)

For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.

Day by Day - God's word is our blessed assurance over rejection!

11.17.09...PSALM 27:9 (NIV)

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

Day by Day - It's right to feel as if God has rejected you, but not for the reason you think. When we willingfully walk outside of God's will, He responds. Only you know that to be the case. If you are walking in God's will and you sense Him rejecting you, chances are the enemy has you believing a lie. Trust God!

11.16.09...JOB 8:20 (NIV)

Surely God does not reject a blameless man or strengthen the hands of evildoers.

Day by Day - The world faces the perpetually-nagging dilemma - why does bad things happen to good people? Rest assured that although things do and will happen, God ultimately never rejects His own!

11.15.09...2 CHRONICLES 6:42 (NIV)

O Lord God, do not reject Your anointed one. Remember the great love promised to David Your servant.

Day by Day - God does not reject His anointed ones; accept the promise of who you are!

11.14.09...HEBREWS 6:17-19 (NIV)

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

Day by Day - Find hope in the anchor of God's promises. They are an encouragement to the soul and a compass ever pointing to one's truthful direction.

11.13.09...HEBREWS 6:11, 12 (NIV)

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Day by Day - The sure cure for hope is pursuing God daily, dutifully, diligently!

11.12.09...ROMANS 12:12 (NIV)

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Day by Day - May you always find joy in hope!

11.11.09...PROVERBS 13:12 (NIV)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Day by Day - Withholding what your body needs most causes problems in the long run. Want a heart that knows what it means to be healthy? Find hope!

11.10.09...PSALM 42:5, 6 (NIV)

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Day by Day - Discouragement comes. It is a human quality that may not be avoided, but can be curbed with hope in a loving, encouraging God.

11.09.09...PSALM 25:2 (NIV)

In you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

Day by Day - No one can put you to shame as long as your hope is inexcusably in God.

11.08.09...JOB 13:15 (NIV)

Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

Day by Day - The goal is hope, not a contingency plan based on one's circumstances!

11.07.09...PSALM 33:18 (NIV)

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him; on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.

Day by Day - Another reason to respect God is for His unfailing love. No where on earth will you find a love greater than God's. His love for you will never fail!

11.06.09...ISAIAH 43:1 (NIV)

But, now, this is what the Lord says -- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Day by Day - When the One who knows you calls you by name, you have absolutely nothing to fear. You are His beloved in whom He is well pleased!

11.05.09...PROVERBS 10:27 (NIV)

The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

Day by Day - Not all fear is defined as dread. Fear also means to respect one in authority. As God controls our lives, we find a healthy sense of respect for His authority. Those who refuse to adhere to God's authority have a great deal to dread!

11.04.09...PSALM 76:7 (NIV)

You alone are to be feared,. Who can stand before you when you are angry?

Day by Day - The only thing to fear is God's anger. Those who go their own way and do their own thing apart from God, they have everything to fear!

11.03.09...PSALM 27:1 (NIV)

The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear?

Day by Day - In the grand scheme of things, God shows us there is nothing to fear!

11.02.09....JAMES 1:17 (NIV)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Day by Day - Who is afraid of the shadows? Those things that lurk in the dark have no power over one who has been given good gifts from a Father illuminating dark places!

11.01.09...I JOHN 4:18 (NIV)

There is no fear in love: But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Day by Day - It's true that the world has a great many things to fear. But in Christ, we are given the choice to fear what the world fears or find comfort in the One who drives fear out!

10.31.09...JAMES 5:11 (NIV)

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Day by Day - When forgiveness is not instantaneous, God extends mercy in the form of perseverance. Great blessings can be found there!

10.30.09...PHILIPPIANS 2:1, 2 (NIV)

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Day by Day - We are asked to measure our motives by a higher standard than the world reflects. The character of Christ should be our character!

10.29.09...2 CORINTHIANS 1:9 (NIV)

Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

Day by Day - Even an unforgiving heart raised up God will pardon!

10.28.09...EPHESIANS 4:32 (NIV)

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Day by Day - Remember to forgive as Christ forgave!

10.27.09...PROVERBS 17:9 (NIV)

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

Day by Day - What are you promoting: separation or closeness?

10.26.09...PROVERBS 10:12 (NIV)

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

Day by Day - In a pot boiling over with hatred, love turns off the flame!

10.25.09...MATTHEW 18:21, 22 (NIV)

At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, "Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?" Jesus replied, "Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven."

Day by Day - Forgiveness is a gift that never gets old; people will never grow tired of receiving it!

10.24.09...PSALM 34:11-14 (NIV)

Come, my children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Day by Day - God gives great instructions on how to live a good life. Listen up!

10.23.09...JAMES 2:5 (NIV)

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love him?

Day by Day - It's not what's in your pocket that makes you rich; it's who you carry in your heart!

10.22.09...PSALM 34:18 (NIV)

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Day by Day - Every pain is known by God; He is closer than you think!

10.21.09...DEUTERONOMY 31:6 (NIV)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Day by Day - Find your core of confidence in God!

10.20.09...LUKE 12:6, 7 (NIV)

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Day by Day - You are of great worth to the One who knows the very number on your head!

10.19.09...EPHESIANS 1:4 (NIV)

He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.

Day by Day - You are chosen by God - holy and blameless in His sight!

10.18.09...1 SAMUEL 16:7 (NIV)

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

Day by Day - Outward beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but from within, you are a beautiful sight to behold in the eyes of our God!

10.17.09...JOB 2:11-13 (The Msg.)

Three of Job's friends heard of all the trouble that had fallen on him. Each traveled from his own country...and went together to Job to keep him company and comfort him. when they first caught sight of him, they couldn't believe what they saw - they hardly recognized him! They cried out in lament, ripped their robes, and dumped dirt on their heads as a sign of their grief. Then they sat with him on the ground. Seven days and nights they sat there without saying a word. They could see how rotten he felt, how deeply he was suffering.

Day by Day - The best gift we can give to the hurting is a listening and empathetic ear!

10.16.09...ISAIAH 55:1-3 (NIV)

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.

Day by Day - Give no excuse to God's invitation. He offers us the only elixir which satisfies the soul - an everlansting covenant with His Son!

10.15.09...HOSEA 2:23 (NIV)

I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called 'Not my loved one.' I will say to those called 'Not my people,' 'You are my people'; and they will say, 'You are my God.'

Day by Day - Even if we've sinfully strayed far from Him, God will call us His beloved people once again!

10.14.09...1 PETER 4:7-11 (NIV)

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Day by Day - Operating out of love is not a negotiable proposition for Christ followers. We are called to a deeper level, a higher standard. Be prayerfully self-controlled and clear minded in all you do!

10.13.09...ECCLESIASTES 9:11 (NIV)

I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.

Day by Day - Regardless of popular opinion, you do have a God who levels the playing field. Time and chance happens!

10.12.09...PSALM 51:1 (NIV)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

Day by Day - Our transgressions are like a poison without an antidote; left untreated, bitterness condemns us to death. God offers His mercy as a cure - receive its healing properties!

10.11.09...2 KINGS 3:14, 18 (NIV)

Elisha said, "As surely as the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or even notice you." This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; he will also hand Moab over to you.

Day by Day - Help us not to panic over the things God finds easy to do on our behalf!

10.10.09...2 TIMOTHY 2:16 (NIV)

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene.

Day by Day - Reminder number three: Keep your comments to yourself and your prayers for others lifted up to God!

10.09.09...2 TIMOTHY 2:15 (NIV)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Day by Day - Reminder number two: Be an approved piece of work for God!

10.08.09...2 TIMOTHY 2:14 (NIV)

Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

Day by Day - Reminder number one: stop quarreling!

10.07.09...ISAIAH 64:8, 9 (NIV)

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure O Lord; do not remember our sins forever.

Day by Day - Resist the urge to take credit for your own destiny. When that happens, repent and rest in God's handiwork. He doesn't create junk!

10.06.09...PROVERBS 8:10, 11 (NIV)

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Day by Day - Silver and gold may buy you things, but wisdom and God's instruction is priceless!

10.05.09...PSALM 105:4, 5 (NIV)

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, his miracles, and the judgments He pronounced.

Day by Day - God is our strength. Remember this always in the good and as well as not so favorable times of life!

10.04.09...COLOSSIANS 3:1-2 (The Msg.)

So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ -- that's where the action is: See things from His perspective.

Day by Day - Pursue the life God has for you and you will never be out of the loop of His plan and purpose!

10.03.09...PSALM 29:4 (NIV)

The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.

Day by Day - Listen to the voice of the Lord.

10.02.09...PSALM 27:14 (NIV)

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Day by Day - It is in the waiting we find strength!

10.01.09...2 CHRONICLES 32:26 (NIV)

Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore, the Lord's wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.

Day by Day - Pride prevents God's glory and His blessings.

09.30.09...ROMANS 10:1 (NIV)

Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.

Day by Day - Always remember to pray for God's people!

09.29.09...COLOSSIANS 1:9 (NIV)

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Day by Day - There is always someone praying. I pray God fills you up today!

09.28.09...EPHESIANS 5:1 (NIV)

Be imittors of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.

Day by Day - As a child mirrors the actions of his or her parent, reflect Christ in all you do.

09.27.09...TITUS 3:3-7 (NIV)

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Day by Day - This is why we remember -- God's mercy and grace!

09.26.09...TITUS 3:1, 2 (NIV)

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

Day by Day - Remember whose you are and what He commands!

09.25.09...ZEPHANIAH 3:17 (NIV)

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

Day by Day - We see the mighty love of God in action over us when we faithfully follow Him and obey His decrees.

09.24.09...ZEHANIAH 3:9 (NIV)

Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder.

Day by Day - There will come a day when we will have worship God as one voice, pure and strong!

09.23.09...LUKE 14:11 (NIV)

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Day by Day - It was once said that "humility is not self-degradation, but a realistic assessment of our sinfulness." We humble ourselves not expecting to be honored by man. We humble ourselves anticipating to be used by God for his directed service.

09.22.09...JOHN 16:5-7 (NIV)

"Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, "Where are you going?" Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you."

Day by Day - God's Son is good; but with God's gift of a Counselor, our lives are better for it!

09.21.09...GENESIS 1:1 (NIV)

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Day by Day - God's ultimate beginning is better than "once upon a time!"

09.20.09...RUTH 1:16 (NKJ)

But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you. For wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God."

Day by Day - Following God is more powerful than the promises of following the world. Follow God!

09.19.09...2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 (NKJ)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Day by Day - As God's creation, we are being formed daily into His image. Hope grounds anticipation of what we are becoming!

09.18.09...2 TIMOTHY 1:12 (NKJ)

For this reason, I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have commited to Him until that Day.

Day by Day - Suffering for the right reason is not wrong!

09.17.09...2 CHRONICLES 7:14 (NKJ)

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.


Day by Day - God provides a certain order to life and its consequences. Pray, seek and turn is our role; hear, forgive and heal is God's!

09.16.09...COLOSSIANS 3:16 (NKJ)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Day by Day - Make someone's day with a rich word and an even richer testimony of who dwells within!

09.15.09...JOHN 15:13 (NKJ)

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

Day by Day - The ultimate friend ultimately loves you!

09.14.09...ISAIAH 25:9, 10 (The Msg.)

Also at that time, people will say, "Look at what's happened: This is our God! We waited for him and he showed up and saved us! This God, the one we waited for! Let's celebrate, sing the joys of his salvation. God's hand rests on this mountain!"

Day by Day - Waiting doesn't have to be worrisome. God comes through...ALWAYS!

09.13.09...PROVERBS 18:10 (The Msg.)

God's name is a place of protection -- good people can run there and be safe.

Day by Day - The only name worth calling when you're afforded only one call!

09.12.09...PROVERBS 3:3 (NIV)

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart.

Day by Day...People come and go in our lives; but our love and faithfulness should remain constant, ever present to the next heartfelt opportunity.

09.11.09...2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 (NIV)

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Day by Day - More than enough. That's God's grace! In weakness, He...
Gives
Repeats
Again
Concerning
Everyone!

09.10.09...LUKE 18:40, 41 (NIV)

Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied.

Day by Day - It isn't enough to desire something. When the question is posed, will you be honest with God and answer Him? Tell Him what you want!

09.09.09...PROVERBS 15:14 (NIV)

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

Day by Day - God will always want your heart. His touch is gentle and His love is comforting. And when your heart breaks - and it will - He still wants your heart!

09.08.09...PROVERBS 31:30, 31 (NIV)

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Day by Day - In God's eyes, you are priceless. If you don't hear it enough, what you do for others is known by Him and our Lord is well pleased!

09.07.09...PSALM 118:28, 29 (NIV)

You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Day by Day - A thankful heart knows goodness!

09.06.09...PSALM 118:23, 24 (NIV)

The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Day by Day - Each day is a miracle. Share it with the world!

09.05.09...MATTHEW 5:14-16 (NIV)

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Day by Day - In a world living in darkness, never let your light grow dim nor flicker out because when the time comes, you will be called upon to bring illumination to obscurity. Therefore, shine bright!

09.04.09...MATTHEW 5:13 (NIV)

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

Day by Day - In a world hungry for something better, don't ever lose your ability to offer that certain something the world craves!

09.03.09...PSALM 71:9 (NIV)

Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.

Day by Day - God's only expiration date comes at the end of life. In the "dash" between life and death, live yours to the fullest. Our Savior has not discarded you!

09.02.09...ISAIAH 44:6, 7 (NIV)

This is what the Lord says -- Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty; I am the first and I am the last; apart from e there is no God. Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me.

Day by Day - Where doubt prevails over what is right and acceptable in the world, our God makes Himself known. He is our first response and He is the last word!

09.01.09...JOHN 16:7 (NIV)

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

Day by Day - Where God is concerned, there is always something better to come!

08.31.09...EPHESIANS 5;15 (NIV)

Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise,

Day by Day - Living each day in wisdom is easier than living each day without it!

08.30.09...JOHN 3:6, 7 (The Msg.)

When you look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can't see and touch - the Spirit - and becomes a living spirit. "So don't be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be 'born from above' - out of this world, so to speak.

Day by Day - The adage goes "you can't judge a book by its cover." When one comes to Christ, that book becomes a reprint autographed exclusively by the author and finisher of one's faith.

08.29.09...ECCLESIASTES 3:1 (NIV)

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

Day by Day - Time is a common denominator that connects life. Use time well; you've been given the exact amount needed to live life!

08.28.09...PROVERBS 19:11 (NIV)

A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

Day by Day - Patience is when life whizzes by and you remain at a steady pace!

08.27.09...ROMANS 12:13 (NIV)

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Day by Day - Embrace the intersected moments where you can be a blessing to God's people!

08.26.09...MATTHEW 9:36-38 (NIV)

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Day by Day - In today's unstable economy, there is one position always in need of workers. It's called an "Investment Broker." Learn to "invest" in the lives of those around you. They are in need of your experience as one who follows passionately after Christ!

08.25.09...JOHN 4:10 (NIV)

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

Day by Day - God's gift of living water is the best drink you'll ever want!

08.24.09...EPHESIANS 2:10 (NIV)

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Day by Day - What a creative piece of work you are to Christ!

08.23.09...ROMANS 8:28 (NIV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Day by Day - Through the good, the bad and the ugly, God works through it all with purpose and in love!

08.22.09...PSALM 77:1, 2 (NIV)

I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.

Day by Day - God sees your tears. God hears your cries. God understands. God answers "why's!"

08.21.09...JOHN 12:27, 28 (NIV)

"Now my heart is troubled and what shall I say, 'Father, save me from this hour?' No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!"

Day by Day - Whether troubled by the times or not, the purpose of our Savior from the very beginning was sure: His love for us and His love for the Father.

08.20.09...HEBREWS 10:35, 36 (NIV)

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Day by Day - God's promises are in His plan for you. Make your plans His plans!

08.19.09...EZEKIEL 37:18-23 (NIV)

When your countrymen ask you, "Won't you tell us what you mean by this?" say to them, "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am going to take the stick of Joseph - which is in Ephraim's hand - and of the Israelite tribes associated with him and join it to Judah's stick, making them a single stick of wood, and they will become one in my hand. Hold before their eyes the sticks you have written on and say to them, "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God."

Day by Day - Just like for Israel, we can reap the benefits of being one nation under God.

08.18.09...PHILIPPIANS 4:6, 7 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Day by Day - Place stress on a starvation diet. Feed life's requests healthy doses of prayer. Your body will reward you with peace when you stick to it!

08.17.09...LUKE 15:10 (NKJ)

Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Day by Day - If you don't think God cares for your unsaved loved ones, you only need look to scripture to put that lie to rest!

08.16.09... 1 SAMUEL 1:15 (NKJ)

But Hannah answered and said, "No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord."

Day by Day - The cry of your heart can be so great that it leaves one to wonder erroneously of your intent. No matter. Continue to pour out the truthfulness of your spirit to God. He does hear and He will answer.

08.15.09...PSALM 126:5, 6

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy carrying sheaves with him.

Day by Day - We've all weeped tears that fall like seeds to the ground over hard times and difficult circumstances. But those seeds will produce a harvest of joy!

08.14.09...PSALM 11:7 (The MSG.)

God's business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, setting us straight. Once we're standing tall, we can look him straight in the eye.

Day by Day - The only posture worth standing is one standing rightly before God.

08.13.09...ROMANS 12:19-21 (NIV)

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Day by Day - If it takes more muscles to frown than to smile, why work so hard at gaining nothing in return? But if it takes more muscles to smile than to frown, give your smile a workout by sharing it with the world!

08.12.09...ECCLESIASTES 3:7 (NIV)

A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.

Day by Day - There will come a time when one must make a choice...choose to speak out!

08.11.09...PSALM 100:1, 2 (The MSG.)

On your feet now - applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into His presence!

Day by Day - Everyday give God a standing ovation!

08.10.09...PSALM 43:5 (NIV)

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Day by Day - Hope is a precious commodity given by God for the hopelessness of the soul. Find great joy in spending it well!

08.09.09...ROMANS 15:13(NIV)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Day by Day - The power of hope is only accessed through the God of all power!

08.08.09...ISAIAH 41:8-10 (NIV)

But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Day by Day - As friends of God, you have received the benefits of being chosen - acceptance, companionship, consolation. Be encouraged for God is a friend of His word!

08.07.09...1 PETER 3:13-15 (The Msg.)

If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

Day by Day - When you're living the good life, people are curious about how you do it. But when you're living the God life, be ready to tell them how it's done!

08.06.09...PSALM 33:20-22 (NIV)

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.

Day by Day - The world would have us spinning out of control with impatience, mistrust and bitterness. In the aftermath, hopelessness is our only companion. Ah, but there is a name in which we can trust. In that name peace contols impatience, trust replaces mistrust and love conquers bitterness. But your hope in that name!

08.05.09...ISAIAH 40:31 (NIV)

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Day by Day - We are called to do many things. But when our strength is not enough, God calls us deeper into patience, perseverence, (the) process and peace.

08.04.09...GALATIANS 5:1 (NIV)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Day by Day - Freedom...a choice of the heart, a gift from the cross, a blessing from the Father!

08.03.09...PSALM 40:1 (NIV)

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.

Day by Day - Even in the waiting, it's hard to be heard. But it is through the waiting, your cries are always heard.

08.02.09...PSALM 122:1, 2 (NIV)

I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."

Day by Day - Our choice is to rejoice over or reject an invitation, but oh what an opportunity you'll miss rejoicing with others if you don't accept.

08.01.09...COLOSSIANS 3:12-14 (NIV)

Therefore, as God's chosen people; holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Day by Day - Clothe yourself in all God's fashioned. You'll find His wardrobe a better fit!

07.31.09...PSALM 72:1 (NIV)

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?

Day by Day - Your question to God: Whom do I fear? GOD's answer to you: No one, daughter!

07.30.09...ACTS 13:2-3 (the Msg.)

One day as they were worshiping God -- they were also fasting as thy waited for guidance -- the Holy Spirit spoke: "Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do." So they commissioned them. In that circle of intensity and obedience, of fasting and praying, they laid hands on their heards and stent them off.

Day by Day - You have been called, commissioned and covered for a good work. Go in obedience to do what you have been called out to do!

07.29.09...PSALM 118:23-24 (NIV)

The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Day by Day - Every day is a marvel viewed from God's vantage point!

07.28.09...1 KINGS 19:12-13 (NIV)

After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

Day by Day - Some things just call for drama. Don't be surprised to find that God may not be in the drama, but He is for you!

07.27.09...PSALM 139:17-18 (NASB)

How precious also are your thoughts to me...How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.

Day by Day - Loving thoughts precede loving actions...Love requires thoughtfulness!