August 20
You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.
Matthew 5:14
One of the very clear expectations in the scriptures is that we are to share our blessings with the world. When we are thankful, we are called to express it. When we have something good happen to us, we are to share it. When something wonderfully unexpected occurs, we are to tell about it. This is not about bragging or boasting. But it is about giving a witness to those around us that God is at work in us – enabling us to be strong, giving us what we need, guiding us to experience the wonder and goodness of this life. This is our life’s purpose: to shine a light whenever we can, to pierce the darkness wherever it is.
I know I can be a light to those around me, because you have given me so much to share. O God, thank you for the opportunity to brighten the world through my daily witness and activities. Amen.
August 21
Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth! Let the sea roar and all that fill it, the coastlands and their inhabitants.
Isaiah 42:10
Today, make a new start that brings you more hope than you had yesterday. Use this day to find a way to forgive where there is a grudge. Create a way to relax more. Find a way to laugh often. Love deeper than you have loved before. Do something that brings you intense joy. Complete a task you’ve long left undone. Resolve today to grow in some way. Confront a fear. Reprioritize where things are off-kilter. Begin a new chapter today and sing a new song of goodness and wonder with this day – this gift - you have been given.
I look to you today to understand in a deeper way the wonder you have planned for me. Dear God, I pray this day for wisdom and discernment to guide me in new and more hopeful ways. Amen.
August 22
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.
1 Peter 5:6
Humility. The lack of it is a constant human problem. We want to do things our own way. Yet our limited human way usually creates more trouble for us. But when we humble ourselves before God - respecting, looking to, waiting for, following God with an open mind and heart - we can find the solutions and guidance we need. When we approach God and loosen the grip on our preconceived notions we can experience greater help than we can ever imagine.
I bow before you with humility today, O God, knowing that too often I prescribe the answers and don’t truly consult you. Today I want to listen. I pray to hear your voice. Amen.
August 23
Pray in this way, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Matthew 6:9
When we go to God in prayer it is essential – always – to look to God as the one who can show us the way to authentic healing – that which uplifts us, changes us for the better and brings us the perfect peace and joy we need. In fact, when we look at the root for the word hallowed we see that it comes from the same place as holy and healing. Holy be God’s name. Healing be God’s name. Holiness and healing are essential to God’s nature. They cannot be separated. When we understand and accept that with our entire being, we begin to experience all the holiness and healing we need. The change in our lives will be miraculous.
Holy God, healing God, you are the source of all I need. I seek to be touched by your holy ways today. I ask to be surrounded by your healing goodness in every way. Amen.
August 24
Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
It is very easy to forget that God promises to be with us through every circumstance of our lives. When we feel threatened and vulnerable, trusting that we will be given the strength to face the tremendous challenges is hard to maintain. Trusting that we will find a better future is one of the first casualties when we are in distress. But today we are reminded once more – as the scriptures continuously do – that we need not fear this day or any day to come, because God is right here with us to hold us up through every struggle, through every dark night.
I give you thanks, O God, that even when I forget you are here, you stick with me. What a faithful foundation you are for my life. Amen
August 25
Ground that drinks up the rain falling on it repeatedly, and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.
Hebrews 6:7
God constantly reaches out to us to bless and guide us. Over and over again, God calls to us, responds to us and offers us the answers we need. God showers us with refreshing help and renewing energy, even when we don’t realize it. Our job is to have the open eyes, the listening ears, the willing hearts and the receptive spirits to absorb all the grace and goodness God pours down. With cancer it’s easy to feel as if God isn’t concerned about us. But with mindfulness and resolve to observe the tremendous blessings in our lives, we can see indeed that our thirst for healing and new life is truly quenched by God.
Gracious God, you are infinitely more generous than I can even begin to know. I forget that much too quickly. On this day help me to be reminded of your amazing love and care. Amen.
August 26
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.
II Samuel 22:3a
Our spiritual beliefs need to under gird all that we do on the cancer journey. They are paramount. They give us a spirit of triumph, a basis for hope. As important as medicine, attitude, a support system, diet and exercise are – and they are all essential and valuable components – holding onto a belief in a God who loves and actively cares for us is even more valuable. Knowing that we are held in the highest and most gracious regard by God can give us a confidence and resolve that only enhances the value of every other resource in our lives. The love and help of God never waver nor wane. God is a rock that never crumbles beneath us.
Dear God, you are the one thing in this world that never changes with time. You are always constant, always strong and always with us, no matter what. I really can depend on you anytime and in any situation and I am deeply grateful for that. Amen.
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