The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. Psalm 34:19
It has been a long week of pain, panic, and distress. With gratitude, I remember the kind people who are praying for me. And I also remember that Jesus knows the truth of human suffering and is walking with me, guiding me through this dark tunnel to the light at the other end.
Today I will trust the Holy One of God is leading me to new life.
Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord. Ephesians 5:15-17
Jesus teaches that it is God’s will that I love my neighbor as myself, forgive those who hurt me, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger. If I ignore Jesus and refuse to feed on his word and example, I am indeed foolish.
Today I will ask the Holy Spirit to fill me the wisdom and courage to embody God’s will of love and humble service.
And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Ephesians 4:32
Jesus, the bread of life, nourishes me with his example of loving service so that I become more like him in kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
Today I will give thanks to the One who feeds me on the Way of peace, reconciliation, and love.
So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” John 6:28-29
To follow the Way of Jesus Christ, to practice forgiveness, compassion, healing, and awareness of the needs of others, to surrender to the will of God: this is the work I am called to accomplish every day.
Today I will nourish myself with the Word of God and believe that Jesus was sent from God to show me how to live, love, and do the works of God.
[L]ive in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
Let us not waste any opportunity to treat all people with reverence. Let us feed each other with kindness and gentleness. Let us share peaceful words and be unified in God’s Spirit of love and mercy.
Today I will feed myself, my family, friends, and everyone I encounter with patience and kindness.
When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34
Let us follow the teaching of the Lord, our shepherd, and take care of each other in peace and love. Let us follow his teaching and forgive those who hurt us. Let us follow his teaching and love one another, even our enemies.
Today I will intentionally choose peace over conflict, reconciliation over revenge, and love over indifference.
Jesus answered them, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be.” John 12:26
To serve the Lord, I must empty myself of anything and everything that prevents me from following him on the Way of love, forgiveness, mercy, and kindness.
Lord, create in me a pure heart that I may let go of ego and serve you and my neighbors without fear.
The Lord said, “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.'” Luke 10:5
We are called by the Lord to be peace carriers. That is our mission and our privilege.
Lord, fill me with your peace that I may bless everyone I meet with peace.
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
Today I will do my best to embody honor, justice, purity, loveliness, graciousness, and excellence in all my relationships. I will give praise to God for our beautiful world and my family and friends. I will be a peaceful presence at home, in my community, and in the world.
Stikå Erik Hansson (1823-1897)
Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem, 1843
Jesus said, ““Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
We labor every day to follow Jesus, to love our enemies, forgive those who hurt us, feed the hungry, stay peaceful in the midst of conflict, seek justice for the abused and rejected.
The Lord’s humble presence, gentle guidance, and abiding love renews us for our daily mission to be like God in compassion, kindness, and mercy.
Mary Ann McSweeny 