Hebrews 4:12-16

The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of man's heart. There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything is all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves.

Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God--Jesus, the Son of God. Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. Let us be brave, then, and approach God's throne,where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.

Character - Choices

"Our lives are like icebergs. Only 15 percent is visible; that's reputation. The rest, our character, is below the surface, hidden. Character is what we think but never share. It's what we do when no one's watching. It's how we react to everyday aggravations. It's how we handle failure--and success. The thing that has made us what we are is our choices. At the end of a successful career, Joshua challenges the people of Israel: Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15) So the choice is yours!

("The Word for You Today", Summer 2008, pg. 11)

God Loves You

""My child, I love you. I love you." He emphasizes. "Do you mind if I hold you tightly for just a moment? You need to calm down. You've been running."

As I snuggle closer to Him, He gently probes, "Why do you think you are pleasing me only when you are actively accomplishing something for me? Don't you know I am much more interested in what you are becoming than in what you are doing for the advancement of my kingdom? Learn what it means to be still. Just be still---and get to know me. I am your Protector, your Provider, your Comforter and your Healer. And, my child, I dearly love you. Understand that.""

(A Moment A Day - Practical Devotions for Today's Busy Woman, Peg Rankin, page 38...see sidebar for book info)

Do You Want to be Whole?

"Life isn't going to get completely fixed. We're never going to experience wholeness this side of eternity. Someone once said, "In worshiping God we realize we were never created to be whole. What we were created to enjoy is fellowship with God, who alone is whole and complete. Nowhere in the Bible are we told that God wants to give us wholeness. What God wants to give us is himself."

Joni & Friends Daily Email Devotional

Magnify the Lord

"As Christians, our lives are a little like that jumbo screen. Through our actions and attitudes, we enable others to see God better. When we let the Lord showcase his grace and power in our lives, when we display his peace and patience and joy in our daily attitudes and circumstances, then we truly are magnifying him."


(Joni and Friends/Daily Email Devotional - communications@joniandfriends.org)

God's Work in Us

"Before every "showing" there's a "hiding." God gets us alone and does a work in us that cannot be accomplished any other way." ("The Word for You Today", Summer 2008, pg. 6)

For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7)

God's Grace Seeks Us Out

"The Psalmist said, You hem me in...you have laid your hand upon me...Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there...in the depths, you are there...on the far side of the sea...your hand will...hold me fast. (Ps 139:5-10). Isn't grace amazing? Peter said, God is patient...he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. (2 Pe 3:9). God will follow you to the ends of the earth to give you another opportunity to surrender your life to Him. How many opportunities has He already given you? Isn't it time you stopped running and surrendered your life to Him?"

("The Word for You Today", Summer 2008, pg. 6)