Each breath I take is a sign of God’s Spirit within me. No matter what is happening, my breath reminds me I am always in the presence of the Lord, at home in the heart of God.
Today I will remember to breathe when I am anxious or upset. God is here.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Psalm 16:8
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And you taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are righteous must be kind. Wisdom 12:19
Today I will grow God’s kingdom of love and kindness by intentionally welcoming everyone with a pleasant greeting and smile.
Jesus said to his apostles, “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” Matthew 10:40
May I never ignore or reject anyone. When I welcome you, I welcome God.
Today I will receive all people with kindness and reverence. I will remember to look for God in everyone.
Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
God cares about us. God watches over us. God is with us through times of distress, grief, and persecution. God’s grace overflows into our hearts to give us the courage and faith we need in every moment. We have nothing to fear.
Today I will pray to the Lord for guidance in every situation and know that he will answer me with kindness and compassion.
At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36
When we feel lost and abandoned, troubled and anxious, we need to remember the Lord is our shepherd. He always welcomes us into his heart of compassion and gives us peace.
Today I will receive the Lord’s gift of love and peace with gratitude, and I will freely give to others what I receive from the Lord.
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May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all. 1 Thessalonians 3:12
My capacity to give and receive love dips and rises and mostly seems to plateau at a level that feels most comfortable for me. What would it feel like to continually increase in love, to greet the world and everyone in it with an abundance of joy, compassion, kindness, respect, encouragement, and delight?
Today I will ask God to widen and deepen my heart to increase my capacity for love.
“For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” John 18:37
Jesus came into the world to remind us of the truth: God made us in God’s own image of love and goodness.
Every day we have the opportunity to testify to God’s love and goodness by treating each other with the dignity and respect due to God’s beloved children.
Today I will listen to the voice of the Lord and tell the truth of who I am. I will testify to God’s love and goodness with my words, actions, behaviors, and attitudes.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:31-32
The words of Jesus — love of God, neighbor, and self — will not pass away.
Today if I am frightened, worried, or distressed by events in the world, I will remember that God is in charge. I will nurture love and kindness in my heart so that my words, actions, attitudes, and behaviors may reassure others of God’s holy, lasting, and love-filled presence.
Mary Ann McSweeny 