August 20

Spiritual Check Up Day 2 by SGLY Ministry

LOVE for your neighbor
You shall love your neighbor as yourself”
Matthew 22:39 (NKJV)

Today’s Action:
Dear God, I know Jesus said this was the second commandment. He said it was like the first. I know this commandment is important also, so in order to stay spiritually healthy, I want to check myself and make sure I am obeying it daily.
However, first I need to be sure I am loving myself and so then I can love others the same.

Spiritual Exercise:
Look in the mirror, do you like what you see?
Do you love that person in the mirror?
If you have a natural, healthy love for yourself, you will have no trouble loving others as well. Work on loving yourself and then loving others will come naturally.

Memorize this scripture,“…I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are Your works.” Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)
Now…look in the mirror and repeat the verse daily to yourself.
Then, go out and love others–because they are wonderfully made by God also.

Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2

**********

Today’s Scripture: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1, NKJV)

Whom Shall I Fear?

With God on your side, there is nothing to be afraid of. There is a force in you that is more powerful than any opposition. No matter how big that enemy looks, greater is He that is in you than anything that comes against you. Refuse to give up, refuse to fall into fear, refuse to let it overwhelm you. When you have this warrior mentality, this “I can handle it” attitude, all the forces of darkness cannot keep you from your destiny.

Remember, the enemy doesn’t have the final say; God has the final say. And when you put your faith and trust in Him, He says, “I will always cause you to triumph.” Be strong and be of good courage. Keep God first place in your life and move forward in confidence knowing that He is working things out for your good.

A Prayer for Today: "Father, today I choose to put my trust in You, my light and salvation. Thank You for Your perfect love which casts out all fear in Jesus’ name. Amen."

Joel Osteen

**********

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (NLT) - Philippians 4:6

Do your best with the talents God has given you, and relinquish to Him the things over which you have no control. When you turn all of your worries to God, a sense of peace will set in. If you feel anxiety and worry building up in your thoughts, take a moment to ask your Heavenly Father to calm your fears. Remember to thank Him by acknowledging that He is the creator of this earth.

Daily Bible Devotion

**********

Today’s Scripture: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” (Matthew 19:26 NIV)

All Things are Possible

Are you facing something today that seems impossible? With man it may be, but with God, ALL things are possible! If you seem to be in an impossible situation, get with God! Sometimes it’s so easy to focus on our problems and try to solve them in our own strength. But remember, the battle belongs to the Lord. He has a plan for your victory. He has a plan to give you a way out. He is making the things that seem impossible, possible. You can trust Him today. The Bible says that He has plans for your good, not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Start believing and declaring, “I am with God, and with God, all things are possible!” Are your bills piling up? With God, all things are possible. Do your relationships need healing? With God, all things are possible. Is there sickness in your body? With God, all things are possible!

A Prayer for Today: “Father, thank You for making a way where there seems to be no way. I choose to trust You and believe that all things are possible! Show me Your power today. Work through me to encourage those around me to trust You more in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Joel Osteen

**********

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…. — Proverbs 23:7 (AMPC)

Don’t Sell Yourself Short by Joyce Meyer

Self-doubt makes us double-minded, and James 1:8 teaches us that a double-minded man is unstable. He really cannot go forward until he decides to believe in God and trust God’s plan for his life.

I encourage you to take a big step of faith and stop doubting yourself. As the old saying goes, “Don’t sell yourself short.” You have more capabilities than you think you do. You are able to do a lot more than you ever did in the past. God will help you if you will put your trust in Him and stop doubting yourself.

Like everyone else, you will make mistakes. But thankfully, God will allow you to learn from them and will actually work them out for your good if you will decide not to be defeated by them. When doubt begins to torment your mind, start speaking the Word of God out of your mouth—you will win the battle.

Prayer Starter: Father, I am so thankful that You can take even my mistakes and turn them into something good. I pray that You will help me put doubt aside and trust You completely. Thank You that in Christ I have everything I need; I never have to doubt again.

******************************

Bible Verses

2 Thessalonians 3:3 ‘The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.’

*****

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

*****

1 John 4:19 – We love because he first loved us.

*****

Psalm 51:1-2 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

******************************

Prayers

To Help Others This Day

Heavenly Lord, I pray that this day, you will continue to bless me, that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can’t find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don’t know you intimately. I pray that others will find your strength, so that they can love and help one another. I pray for those that don’t believe, that they may find you.

And when this world closes in on me, let me remember the example of my Lord and Savior: to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. Remind me, nudge me, let me remember to find you when I’m feel like I'm pushed beyond my limits. In Christ's name, I come to you, Amen.

*****

Confident in the Lord

O God, my heart is quiet and confident, and I can sing Your praises. When I’m in trouble I call on You, confident that You will answer. Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. Lord, You are my confidence, and You will keep my foot from being snared. I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, I am blessed because I trust in You; my confidence is in you. Hallelujah! Amen

Scripture Reading Psalm 27:3, 13 (NIV) Psalm 57:7 (Living) Psalm 86:7 (The Message) Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV) Proverbs 3:26

*****

Dear Lord, remind each of us that saying one is sorry is only the beginning of righting the wrongs we have committed. ... Repentance requires that we turn around and not repeat our careless or intentional sins. ... For any of us, turning around is the test of our sincerity, isn't it? ... We each set examples, whether we realize it or not, for we never know when our lives will be used as an example or excuse for someone else's behavior! ... Oh Lord, help us to realize this for Your sake and for ours!

In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

* (See Psalm 51:10-13; Prov. 28:13; Romans 6:1-4)

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

My Lord, I would remember to ask thee this morning for that of which I seem to have most need. May I have the will to keep my patience and realize the untold power of my words and actions. Give me thy peace, not only to rest in, but that I may have it to give to others. Amen.

*****

We thank you, Lord, for making us people of quality. We pray that we may use our gifts well and not keep them unused, unwrapped. We thank you that we are people of quality whom your hands have made. May you be blessed forever!

*****

Empowered to Serve

2 Timothy 1:3-10

Dear Father, seer of my inmost thoughts,

Give me a clear conscience in my service to you. Then fill my mouth with prayers to you as I intercede for those I love. Let my contacts with them be sources of great joy for all of us. Let the sincere faith of our mothers and fathers and other relatives take root in us and grow.

Whatever gift you have given me, help me rekindle it every day and fan it into a flame of service and love for you.

Help me live boldly for you, for you did not give me a spirit of timidity but a spirit of love and power and inward strength.

Don't let me ever be ashamed of bearing witness about our Lord. Let me take my share of suffering for the gospel and rely on your power.

In the name and power of Jesus I pray. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer For Basket-Holders”

Father, we’re thankful for the rope-holders who bear our burdens and encourage us in times of weakness and difficulty. You work through such human vessels to convey Your strength, comfort, protection, and challenge as we walk together in faith. Help us to be faithful in doing our part to encourage, pray, and offer support to those You lay on our hearts that we may be united and strengthened in our Christian journey. Amen.

*****

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1, NIV

Lord our God, grant that we may be your children who receive the Spirit and all they need from you. You strengthen us not only physically but also inwardly, in our hearts, enabling us to face the uncertainties of earthly life and whatever still needs changing in human society. Keep us from giving in to weakness. May your power be always with us. May we have patience and hope, because you are working for the good and we may wait for it in expectation. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, thank you for this day. As I start today please help me understand that it is okay to love. Give me the wisdom to know that it is okay to trust at least one person, and that having faith will me stronger as you are with me.

*****

Lord our God, grant that we may be your children who receive the Spirit and all they need from you. You strengthen us not only physically but also inwardly, in our hearts, enabling us to face the uncertainties of earthly life and whatever still needs changing in human society. Keep us from giving in to weakness. May your power be always with us. May we have patience and hope, because you are working for the good and we may wait for it in expectation. Amen.