Father God, my mind is open to Your Thoughts, and closed today to every thought but Yours. I rule my mind, and offer it to You. Accept my precious gift, for it is Yours to me. Amen and Amen.
07/13/2017 OCM-83656272 {Member of ULC 9/23/22
7545620-0414Susan Ruth Robertson202004377}
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. – Genesis 1:26-27
These verses place a quiet, weighty dignity on every human life: we are made to reflect God and to act on God’s behalf in the world. Read slowly and let the words settle, “in our image” is an identity, and “have dominion” is a calling.
Consider three ways you reflect God today: through your capacity to love, your ability to make moral choices, and your creativity to shape the world for good. The phrase “Let us” speaks to humility and mystery, reminding us that God’s life is communal, and we are invited into relationship with both God and one another.
Being made in God’s image names who we are (valued, relational, moral) and what we are for (stewards, caretakers, representatives). The text ties identity and responsibility together: our dignity grounds our duty.
Father God, praise You and thank You for making us in Your image. Help us to live with the dignity and responsibility that gives. Teach us to care for creation and for one another and shape our hearts to reflect Your goodness. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
A diverse group praying together in a church near an open Bible
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. – Romans 12:15-17
These verses are a beautiful call to empathy, humility, and integrity: rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, stay humble, refuse revenge, and live honorably before everyone. It’s a gentle reminder to meet others where they are and to choose kindness even when it’s hard. Have a peaceful, blessed day 🙂
A diverse group of people sharing a happy moment and celebrating with hugs and applause.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. – Psalms 91:5-8
These verses are🙂beautifully and comforting. May it bring you peace, courage, and a sense of protection today.
Archangels fiercely confront a menacing dragon amid heavenly clouds. Powerful verses depict Michael and his angels defeating the dragon, a vivid image of evil’s defeat and the assurance that justice and truth ultimately prevail. Michael is portrayed in Scripture as a high‑ranking angelic commander who acts under God’s authority in cosmic and covenantal moments. He appears in Daniel as a protector figure for God’s people and in Revelation as the leader who defeats the dragon (Satan) in heaven. Spiritual warfare is real but delegated. Many interpreters see Michael’s role as part of God’s sovereign governance of spiritual forces; God delegates authority to angels but also works through human institutions and conscience to bring about justice. God is the final judge. The Bible repeatedly affirms that ultimate judgment belongs to God; believers are called to trust God’s justice while acting responsibly in the world. Michael’s victory in Revelation is a powerful assurance that evil will not have the last word; it’s a cosmic promise that complements, rather than replaces, our human responsibility to pursue justice and care for one another. Michael appears in Scripture as a high‑ranking heavenly warrior who acts in decisive, cosmic moments; the Bible does not teach that he routinely executes human‑level justice for every dishonest person, God is the final judge, and believers are called to pursue justice, pray, and seek wise, practical remedies. Daniel 10; 12:1 — Michael is described as a protector and prince who assists in spiritual conflicts concerning God’s people. Jude 9 — Michael disputes with the devil and defers to the Lord’s rebuke rather than pronouncing judgment himself. Ephesians 6:12; Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 91:11 — Teachings about spiritual forces, ministering angels, and God commanding angels to guard people. Revelation 12:7–9 — Michael defeats the dragon in an apocalyptic vision, signaling Satan’s defeat and expulsion from heaven.
Pursue justice responsibly. Use legal channels, community resources, and wise counsel when facing dishonesty or harm.
Seek reconciliation where possible. Confront with humility, document facts, and aim for restoration when safe and appropriate.
Pray and ask for wisdom. Many traditions encourage prayer for protection, discernment, and for God to restrain evil.
Support systems that protect others. Advocate for transparency, accountability, and institutions that deter dishonesty.
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. – Revelation 12:7-9
Father God, give me wisdom to act rightly, courage to pursue truth, and patience to trust Your justice. Protect those harmed and guide the steps toward restoration. Command Your angels to guard us; give discernment to see deception and the strength to respond in love and truth. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
A beautiful, comforting image to imagine loved ones as angels watching over us, but the Bible consistently teaches that humans do not become angels after death; believers will be glorified humans who, like angels, will not die.
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. – Colossians 2:6-8
This is a rich and steadying passage to carry into the day, Paul at his most pastoral and protective, urging believers not just to believe in Christ, but to walk in Him, to let their whole life take its shape from Him. The movement of the text is beautiful: Faith isn’t a moment; it’s a way of living. Paul mixes metaphors, a tree, a building, a disciple, all pointing to a life that becomes stronger, deeper, and more stable over time. Gratitude isn’t an accessory to faith; it’s evidence of spiritual health. Then comes the warning, gentle but firm: Don’t let anyone spoil you (literally “take you captive”) Don’t be pulled off course by hollow philosophies, human traditions, or worldly systems. Because anything not anchored in Christ ultimately empties rather than fills It’s a reminder that spiritual drift rarely looks dramatic. It often begins with subtle substitutes, ideas that sound wise but lack the life of Christ. There are several passages lately that circle around the same theme: walking wisely, staying awake, living with reverence, holding fast to what is true. It’s a thread of spiritual attentiveness that fits a ministry voice so well, grounded, watchful, grateful. Just as Jesus walked the earth after Easter, teaching, comforting, opening eyes, strengthening faith, He still walks with us now. Wishing you a peaceful, steady day rooted in Jesus Christ.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. – John 13:34-35
These verses are a clear call to love one another and to let that love show who we are.
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. – Proverbs 11:24-25
These verses teach a paradox: generous giving produces blessing and increase, while hoarding leads to loss; the image is agricultural, scattering seed leads to a harvest.
An elderly farmer sowing seeds by hand on a rural plowed field
Seek opportunities where you’re giving also builds networks of care (volunteering, mentoring, shared resources) so the “watering” becomes reciprocal.
Father God, teach us to give with open hands and generous hearts; turn our scattering into a harvest of blessing. Soften any stinginess in us and show where to share what we have. Refresh those who pour out care and let their wells be filled again. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. – Psalms 139:13-15
Father God of life, You who formed us in secret and knit us together in the womb, we praise You for the mystery and worth of every life. For mothers who nurture and lead, grant patience, strength, and joy; for those who long to bear children, pour out comfort, hope, and clear guidance; for those who grieve the absence or loss of motherhood, bring healing, presence, and new purpose. May each person here know they are fearfully and wonderfully made, held by your hands, and wrapped in your covenant love. Give us grace to love one another well today and always. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. – Isaiah 40:29-31
This is a powerful promise of renewed strength for those who trust and wait on the Lord. May it lift your spirit today: may you be renewed, rise like eagles, run without weariness, and walk without fainting.
An eagle soars above a sunlit mountain valley with a scripture quote
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death. – – Psalms 68:19-20
These verses are a quiet, powerful reminder: God supplies daily blessings and is the one who brings us through death into life. It names both provision and rescue; benefits we receive each day and the ultimate salvation that belongs to the Lord.
“Daily loadeth us with benefits” -> emphasizes ongoing, dependable care rather than a one-time favor.
“God of our salvation” -> links everyday provision to the larger work of rescue and redemption.
“Unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death” -> affirms God’s authority over life and death and his power to bring life out of death.
Father God, thank You and praise You, for the steady stream of Your mercies. Help me to see and receive the daily benefits You give, and to trust Your power over life and death. Strengthen my hope in Your salvation. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
"Only Life Changes" 