EVERLASTING

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children. - Psalm 103:17

We leave a wake behind us.  Our living today impacts not only our own tomorrow's, but the next generation, and the one after that.  If we see today in the light of responsibility for our children's children, how might that change what we do?  HOW we do it?  WHY we do it?  Take a moment to pray and ask for wisdom that we might invest our lives in what matters most. 

ThoughtSong: Sanctus Real's "Legacy"

WAIT

I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."  The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him. - Lamentations 3:24-25

Waiting can be frustrating.  It can also build reliance on God.  Too many times we want to fast forward through to "the next thing" and miss out on what God has to teach us in the holding pattern.  It's important to remember that each step of the journey is part of God building us into the people He wants us to be.  God made today to be lived to it's fullest.  Don't miss out.

ThoughtSongs: Lincoln Brewster's "Today is the Day" or "Everlasting God"

HIDDEN

I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you. - Psalm 119:11

So much to be said for memorizing Scripture.  Allowing God's word to "slow cook" in your heart provides fertile ground for life change.  Ask God today to point out a specific verse that you might internalize for the next week or so.  Write it on a card and carry it around with you.  See how many times this verse becomes applicable during the week.  It is often amazing.

ThoughtSong: Robin Mark's "Ancient Words"

HIS

Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. - Psalm 100:3

What we do and say flows out of who we are - how we perceive ourselves.  What defines you?  What is your source of identity?  When we define ourselves by something other than our relationship to God (success, status, position, wealth, etc), we live a life that Brennan Manning calls "The Imposter".  We need to reconize that we are HIS -  Abba's (Daddy's) children.  Take a moment to assess where your worth is coming from.  Reorient yourself as a true child of God.

ThoughtSong: David Crowder Band's "Everything Glorious"

ThoughtRead: Brennan Manning's "Abba's Child"

EXAMPLE

In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. - Titus 2:7

No matter who we are, someone is watching us.  Our lives set an example for others not merely by what we say, but more importantly by what we do.  When people "see our good works", God is ultimately glorified.  What is one thing that you can do today to set an example for others to follow?  Is there a habit that you need to leave behind?

Keith Green's "Because of You"

KNOWN

The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. - Psalm 98:2

The fact that God has chosen to reveal Himself is cause for celebration.  God came to us, the incarnation, in order that we might find a way to Him.  Today, think of ways to give God thanks for His saving work.  Journal, sing, pray - let the Spirit lead you in gratitude.

Hillsong United "Salvation is Here"

RESCUE

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. - 2 Timothy 4:18

The enemy attacks us where our defenses are weakest.  Building up these defenses is a great way to be preemptive rather than reactive to attack.  Consider going into training using a spiritual discipline (i.e. fasting, meditation, solitude) that counters the attacks that you most frequently encounter.

Shane & Shane's "Embracing Accusations"

TRUST

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. - Jeremiah 17:7-8

Part of trusting is letting go of control.  What is one situation that you need to let go of and let God be your "hope and confidence"?  Whenever the temptation to retake control returns, consider repeating a phrase (like, "I trust You.") in your heart to release control once again.

Natalie Grant's "I Will Not Be Moved"

TALK

The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words. - Proverbs 10:19

As we listen we gain a greater ability to discern.  Today, consider fasting from having to speak first.  Observe how this affects your ability to really hear what others are saying.  Listen, even now, to what the Holy Spirit might be whispering to you.

NUMBER

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

Every day there are chances to assess if our lives are on the right path.  Each day is a step toward Christ or away from Him.  Ask God to point out any course corrections that you may need to make today.

Andrew Peterson's "The Chasing Song"

CONTENTMENT

"But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6:6-8

The discipline of fasting is a great tool to learn contentment.  Consider fasting (food or otherwise) from the "must haves" in your life for a period (coffee, chocolate, videogames, etc).  As you fast, envision letting go of those things that seem to take control.

Evensong Rising's "Satisfied"

FIRST

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

Are there things, people, tasks that are crying out to be first in your life?  Are YOU trying to be first in your life?  Take a moment to breathe and reaffirm Christ's lordship.

Daniel Kirkley's "Give Me Jesus"

Sunday

OneThought:

FIRE

"Do not put out the Spirit's fire." 1 Thessalonians 5:19

If I am to bear the Spirit's fire to this world, what is one practical way today that I can fan the Spirit's flame in me?  Is there something I need to engage in?  Is there something I need to abstain from?

Britt Nicole's "Set the World On Fire"

Saturday

OneThought:

SILENT

"In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." Psalm 4:4

If we practised silence a little bit more, then when we did speak we'd have something to say. - John Skinner

Consider today what it means to really listen.  Many words often lead to sin.  Have courage to live in the Godly silence that gives peace.  Spend a time today in complete silence.  Journal on how that time felt.

Dave Lubben's "Speak to Me"

Friday

OneThought:

LEAD

"I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble." Jeremiah 31:9

In what specific circumstance do you need Christ to take the lead?  As you give him control, how does that change your perspective on your situation?

Phil Wickham's "Sailing on a Ship"

Thursday

OneThought:

UNDIVIDED

"Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11

Instead of being scattered today, center your heart and mind on God by using a short phrase from this verse like "Teach me" or "Your way" (or make up your own).  Pray this throughout the day, especially when distractions come.

Charlie Hall's "Center"

Wednesday

OneThought:

ANXIOUS

"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." Philippians 4:6-7

Story B Side's "Be Still"

Tuesday

OneThought:

HEART

"I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord.  They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart." Jeremiah 24:7

33Miles "Apologize"

Monday

OneThought:

GOLD

"Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear." Proverbs 25:11

Saturday

OneThought:

GREATER

"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30

Matt Redman's "You Must Increase"

Thursday

OneThought:

WORK

"Whatever you do, work at with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving."  Colossians 3:23-24

downhere's "Live for You"

Wednesday

OneThought:

DO

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

The Turning's "For You"

Tuesday

OneThought:

REST

"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16

Old School a cappella: Take 6's "Come Unto Me"

Monday

OneThought:

REMEMBER

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds." Psalm 77:11-12

Telecast's "Remember"

Saturday

OneThought:

WHATEVER

"Finally, brothers, 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." Phillipians 4:8

Friday

OneThought:

STEADFAST

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind if steadfast, because he trusts in you."  Isaiah 26:3

Thursday

One Thought:

FATHER - SON - SPIRIT

"Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" Galatians 4:6

Chris Tomlin's "Praise the Father, Praise the Son" - HIGHLY ENCOURAGE THIS DOWNLOAD!

Wednesday

OneThought:

ARISE

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.  Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." Isaiah 60:1-3

Robbie Seay Band's "Shine a Light on Us"