August 14

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:14,20

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7

Psalm 119:2 - 2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 — ...pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

August 15

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

Joshua 1:5 - 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

2 Thessalonians 3:11-13 — We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

August 16

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. James 2:13

Joshua 1:9 - 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Deuteronomy 30:11-14 — Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

August 17

But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Psalm 103:13

Philippians 2:3-4 - 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

August 18

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

James 1:17 - 17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. - Hebrews 10:23

Thought: As God promised, He is there for you!

August 19

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:12

But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. Psalm 13:5

Psalm 40:5 - 5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.

Colossians 3:15 — Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

August 20

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. Proverbs 16:20

2 Corinthians 12:10 - 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 4:8 — Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.
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What we put into our minds determines our words and our actions. God's Word tells us to program our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, the Internet, books, conversations, movies, and magazines. Replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God's Word and pray. Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28

Thought: Rest is exactly what the "Doctor" ordered.

August 21

By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:8

O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

Ecclesiastes 7:14 - 14 Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.

Matthew 6:9-10 — This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

August 22

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. Psalm 146:5

Isaiah 40:31 - 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Colossians 1:21-23 — Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation — if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows. - Luke 12:7

Thought: Be comforted. God is on the watch!

August 23

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:18-19

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalm 9:10

Daniel 12:3 - 3 Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.

August 24

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2

Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4

Job 11:18 - 18 Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety.

Psalm 64:1-2 — Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy. Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers.
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We may believe that God wants to hear only certain requests from us. While it is true that we should offer praise confession, & respectful petitions, it's also true that God is willing to listen to anything we want to tell him. David, the psalmist, expressed himself honestly, knowing that God would hear his voice. God will always listen to us, and He will fully understand what we say.

August 25

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, "You are my God!" Psalm 31:14

Psalm 107:1 - 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.