Daily Quote, Bible Verse and Prayer - January
 

January 1

Quote:
When you are reading a book in a dark room, and find it difficult, you
take it to a window to get more light. So take your Bible to Christ.
~ Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Isaiah 34:16 NKJV
Search from the book of the Lord, and read.

Prayer:
Father,
When reading the scriptures seems dry or I just don't "get it," remind me
to pray and ask for guidance and for the Holy Spirit to shine light on
my understanding. Amen.

January 2

Quote:
When I was young I was sure of everything; in a few years, having been
mistaken a thousand times, I was not half so sure of most things as I
was before; at present, I am hardly sure of anything but what God has
revealed to me. ~ John Wesley

1 Corinthians 2:10 NIV
But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches
all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men
knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him?
In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the
Spirit of God.

Prayer:
My Lord,
I laugh when I remember how sure I used to be of everything.
Now I see clearly that there is only One that is sure, One Who
can be trusted and One Who loves me unconditionally. You are
the Author and Creator of all things. I praise You at all times and
in all circumstances. Amen.

January 3

Quote:
The strength that comes from confidence can be quickly lost to conceit.
{submitted by Rev. Nancy}

Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more
significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own
interests, but also to the interests of others.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Cleanse me of all conceit, excessive pride and vanity. Help me to
dig deep into my inner being and see things clearly so I may make
the needed changes. Make me a more godly person that I may be
a blessing to others and bring joy to You. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

January 4

Quote:
Disaster only brings the Christian closer to God. Nasty surprises or
twists and turns of plot do not deter us from the path we tread. Because
of the cross, we may march through earthly jungles, deserts, gardens,
cities, but we are on a heavenly trek. No matter what our journeys lead
us through, we always end up in God. From where we stand now, our
future may look dreadful, exciting, boring, but we may rest assured that
we are in better hands than our own if we simply give our future to Christ.
~ Leslie Williams, Night Wrestling

John 10:27-28 ESV
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will
snatch them out of my hand."

Prayer:
O God,
The path is not easy but it is the heavenly trek. I give this day and all coming
days to Christ that I may follow in His footsteps. Amen.

January 5

Quote:
Some think Christ so distant and their prayers so
ineffective that they describe it this way, “I feel like
my prayers are reaching only the ceiling and bouncing
back to me.” However, since Christ is in us, that bounce
means he hears our prayer twice! Great efficiency. ~ Gayle Erwin

John 16:24
Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Prayer:
O Lord,
When I think my prayers are bouncing off of the ceiling
remind me that they are indeed being heard twice! Amen.

January 6

Quote:
God often comforts us, not by changing the circumstances
of our lives, but by changing our attitude towards them.
~ S. H.B. Masterman

Psalm 51:12 ESV
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Prayer:
Gracious Lord,
You have shown me time and again that it is
not my circumstances that need changing but
instead my attitude toward them. I will hold this
truth in my heart as I face adversity. Amen.

January 7

Quote:
The arrow has to draw back to fly ahead. {submitted by Rev. Nancy}

Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And
the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

Prayer:
Lord,
Remind me that sometimes I have to draw back before I can be
powerfully launched forward. Amen.

January 8

Quote:
The temptation to disconnect from that deep place in you
where God dwells and to let yourself be drowned in the
praise or the blame of the world always remains. ~ Henri J. M. Nouwen

Mark 8:36-38
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange
for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and
of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also
shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory
of his Father with the holy angels.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Lead me to put You, Your Word and Your Will first and foremost
in my life. All things must be measured by You. The praise and
blame of the world is fleeting and means little in comparison. Amen.

January 9

Quote:
Whatever trial you are experiencing today, cling to God
and He will restore you completely! ~ Chaplain Michael Clark

Joshua 22:5
Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the
law that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you,
to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways and
to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve
him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Prayer:
My Lord,
I will hold on to You tenaciously just as a little child clings to its
mother. And just as child follows closely behind, I shall walk in
all of Your ways and keep Your commandments. Amen.

January 10

Quote:
The individual is capable of both great compassion and
great indifference. He has it within his means to nourish
the former and outgrow the latter. ~ Norman Cousins

1Peter 3:8 ESV
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy,
brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Prayer:
O God,
Indifference can lead quickly to apathy. Stoke the fires of my
heart and soul that I become passionate about others and burn
to help when I am able. And may I do this all in the name of Jesus. Amen.

January 11

Quote:
Obstacles are those frightening things we see
when we temporarily lose our faith. {submitted by Rev. Nancy}

Deuteronomy 31:8
And the LORD, He it is that doth go before thee;
He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither
forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Something becomes an obstacle when I believe I have to remove it,
I have to surmount it or I have to circumvent it. Obstacles melt when
I realize that You are the One Who enables me to overcome. Amen.

January 12

Quote:
A judicious friend, into whose heart we may pour
out our souls, and tell our corruptions as well as
our comforts, is a very great privilege. ~ George Whitefield

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one; because they have a
good reward for their labour.For if they fall, the
one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is
alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to
help him up.

Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for my believing friends in whom I can confide.
Their willingness to listen to me and their patience in
guiding me is a true blessing. May I in turn bless others
who need a helping hand. Amen.

January 13

Quote:
Build a little fence of trust around today,
Fill the space with loving deeds and therein stay;
Look not through the sheltering bars upon tomorrow,
God will help thee bear what comes of joy or sorrow.
~ Mary Frances Butts {submitted by Rev. Nancy}

2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of
power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Prayer:
Father,
Help me to build a fence of trust around today and to find
rest and peace within. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

January 14

Quote:
We must make the choice to rejoice. I am saying that God is good, and even
when things are not good, He works them for our good. If you believe this
is true, your faith in God will relieve you from a host of dark and dangerous
attitudes. God is Who He says He is. Even if we don't know all the details
along the way, we trust that He is good. ~ Francis Frangipane

Ezra 8:22
"The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him..."

Prayer:
Father,
May my faith always
bubble forth in rejoicing as I trust in You and never doubt.
In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

January 15

Quote:
The man who gazes upon and contemplates day by day
the face of the Lord Jesus Christ, and who has caught
the glow of the reality that the Lord is not a theory but
an indwelling power and force is his life, is as a mirror
reflecting the glory of the Lord....He has caught the glow
and is reflecting it. We all reflect as in a mirror. Has
anything been getting through to your life? - any light,
any reflection, any glow? ~ Alan Redpath

John 1:45 ESV
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The
light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not
overcome it.

Prayer:
Lord Above,
You are the Light of life and all men. May I be a mirror
that reflects Your glory to others who are in darkness.
And if my glow starts to dim, lead me to ponder Your
face and infill me ever more with Your Holy Spirit. Amen

January 16

Quote:
One of the ways that our faith expresses itself is
by our ability to be still, to be present, and not to
panic or lose perspective. God still does his best
work in the most difficult of circumstances. ~ Tim Hansel

Psalm 4:3-5
But know that the LORD hath set apart him
that is godly for himself:
the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
Stand in awe, and sin not:
commune with your own heart upon your bed,
and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
and put your trust in the LORD.

Prayer:
Gracious Father,
If I start to worry or fret, remind me WHO You are.
May I meditate on Your glory, power and grace
that melt away all fears. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

January 17

Quote:
There are things God wants you to do,
and you are a split-second decision away
from either walking into the will of God or
shrinking back in fear. ~ Cathy Lechner

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 ESV
You shall be careful therefore to do as the LORD your God
has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right
hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way that the
LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live,
and that it may go well with you, and that you may live
long in the land that you shall possess.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
Keep my eyes focused on the things You want me to do.
May all of my decisions be according to Your will so that
I can walk forward without fear. Amen.

January 18

Quote:
The state of your heart dictates whether you harbor a
grudge or give grace, seek self-pity or seek Christ, drink
human misery or taste God's mercy. ~ Max Lucado

James 5:8-9
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming
of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another,
brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth
before the door.

Prayer:
Thank you Lord, For helping me to give grace, seek Christ and taste Your
mercy. Amen.

January 19

Quote:
Suffering helps you to view your life in light of eternity,
knowing that the hard times you face today are only
temporary. So when you are brought to a season of
suffering in your life, understand that it's meant to build
a longing in you for a day when all suffering will cease...
when God makes all things right! ~ Chaplain Michael Clark

Isaiah 40:29
He giveth power to the faint;
and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.

Prayer:
O Lord,
It is only because I have known great suffering that I can know
great peace. Amen.

January 20

Quote:
Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut
diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be
known. Improve them and they will become the brightest
gems in a useful life. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson {submitted by Rev. Nancy}

Romans 12:11-13 ESV
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve
the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be
constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints
and seek to show hospitality.

Prayer:
O Lord,
When I have spare moments do not allow me to fall into
temptation. Rather, direct my thoughts to You that I use
these moments to pray, think of Scripture or plan on how
I can be a blessing to another person. In the name of Jesus
I pray. Amen.

January 21

Quote:
A man is what he is on his knees before God -- and
nothing more. ~ Robert Murray McCheyne

Matthew 18:3
"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become
like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest
in the kingdom of heaven."

Prayer:
O God,
Take away all traces of false pride that I harbor in my heart.
Annihilate all threads of self-righteousness that I am able
to come before You as a little child with no pretense or
falsehood. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

January 22

Quote:
The fruit of silence is prayer.
The fruit of prayer is faith.
The fruit of faith is love.
The fruit of love is service.
The fruit of service is peace.
~ Mother Theresa of Calcutta {submitted by Rev. Nancy}

Matthew 7:18
A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit,
nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.

Prayer:
O God,
Make me a healthy tree that I bear the fruit of silence, prayer, faith,
love, service and peace. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

January 23

Quote:
Many people begin "The good fight of faith" but forget to add patience,
persistence, and endurance to their enthusiasm. ~ Anonymous

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap,
if we faint not.

Prayer:
My Lord,
I am guilty of fighting the good fight of faith and stopping there. Grant me
not only enthusiasm but also bless it with patience, persistence, and endurance.
In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

January 24

Quote:
May God give us a pure heart so we may see Him; a humble heart
so we may hear Him; a loving heart so we may serve Him; a faithful
heart so we may live Him. ~ Dag Hammarskjold

Psalm 24:4-5 ESV
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the LORD
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Prayer:
Dear Father,
Make my heart pure, humble, loving and faithful that I may see You,
hear You, serve You and live for You. Amen.

January 25

Quote:
Whatever man loves, that is his god. For he carries it in his heart;
he goes about with it night and day; he sleeps and wakes with it,
be it what it may - wealth or self, pleasure or renown. ~ Martin Luther

Romans 1:21-22 ESV
For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give
thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish
hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools...

Prayer:
Lord,
May I love You above all else so that I carry You in my heart night and day;
that I sleep with You and wake with You and honor You in all my ways. Amen.

January 26

Quote:
Make sure that you let God's grace work in your souls by accepting
whatever He gives you, and giving Him whatever He takes from you.
True holiness consists in doing God's work with a smile. ~ Mother Teresa

Hebrews 12:5-6 TEV
Have you forgotten the encouraging words which God speaks to
you as his children? "My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects
you, and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you. Because the
Lord corrects everyone he loves, and punishes everyone he accepts
as a child."

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Grant me the grace and peace to accept whatever You give to me and to
willingly give You whatever You take from me. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

January 27

Quote:
There are very few crises in life; the great crisis
is the surrender of the will. God never crushes a
man's will into surrender, He never beseeches him,
He waits until the man yields up his will to Him.
That battle never needs to be re-fought. ~ Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Matthew 10:39
He that findeth his life shall lose it:
and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Prayer:
O God,
Why is it so difficult for me to surrender my will to You?
Pride is stubborn and keeps me chained to myself. Break
these bonds that hold me so tightly, that I may surrender to
You and enjoy blessed freedom. Amen.

January 28

Quote:
People see God every day,
They just don't recognize him.
~ Pearl Bailey {submitted by Rev. Nancy}

Acts 17:27-28 ESV
Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,
for "In him we live and move and have our being."...

Prayer:
Almighty Father,
When I feel far from You, it is I who has moved away.
Open my eyes that I see You. Unstop my ears so that
I may hear You. Open my mind and my soul to Your holy
presence. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

January 29

Quote:
Hold fast to the faith
with strong conviction.
Then you will be able to
understand the good times.
And surely, in bad times,
you will receive the most
beautiful comfort, and experience glorious hope.
~ Martin Luther {submitted by Rev. Nancy}

Psalm 32:10-11
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked:
but he that trusteth in the LORD,
mercy shall compass him about.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous:
and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

Prayer:
O God,
When I am afflicted and find myself in bad times, I still have my faith
and Your grace in my life. In the midst of storms I do receive the most
beautiful comfort, and experience glorious hope. Thank you. Amen.

January 30

Quote:
The renewal of our natures is a work of great importance. It is not
to be done in a day. We have not only a new house to build up,
but an old one to pull down. ~ George Whitefield

1 Thessalonians 5:21-24 NKJV
Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may
your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

Prayer:
Father,
In recovery, I not only have a new house to build but I also must
remember to tear down the old house. The old ways of thinking,
acting and doing must be disposed of before the new ways can be
set in place. Lead me as I test all things and hold fast to what is good.
In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

January 31

Quote:
The shadows of the evening that precedes a lovelier
morning are drawing down around us both. But our
God is in the shadow as in the shine, and all is and
will be well. ~ George Macdonald

Psalm 36:9 NKJV
In Your light we see light.

Prayer:
Almighty One,
Shadows and darkness are a part of life. When blackness
seems to engulf me reassure me that You are there in the
shadow. Nothing can quench the Eternal Light that shines on.
Amen.