Today’s scripture: Galatians 5:22-25 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Julie Walsh):
Inspired by Max Lucado’s When God Whispers Your Name.
I Choose Love
No occasion justifies hatred. No injustice warrants bitterness. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I Choose Joy
I will invite God to be the God of circumstances. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I Choose Peace
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I Choose Patience
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray.
I Choose Kindness
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. I will be kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And I will be kind to the unkind, for that is how God has treated me.
I Choose Goodness
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse.
I Choose Faithfulness
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My partner will not question my love and my children will never fear that I will abandon them.
I Choose Gentleness
Nothing is won by force. If I raise my voice, may it only be in praise. If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I Choose Self-Control
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God.
Thought for the day: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek God’s grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.