Rest

Spiritual Vitamin: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green. pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake." Psalm 23:1-2

Challenge: Are you stressed out? How are you doing managing your "to do" list? Slowing down is important. Give yourself a day to restore and renew your weary body, mind and soul. You can't be all things to all people. God is a God of rest. He can teach you how to relax.

Prayer:  Dear God, You are a God of rest. We are called beloved you you and you literally beckon us to lie down and rest. Show us how to rest today. Teach us that it's ok to pause in this fast paced world. Help us not to push ourselves and others to the degree that we could. Amen.

Don't Worry, Pray!

Spiritual Vitamin: "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness-everything coming together for good, will show up. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." Philippians 4:6-7 MSG

Challenge: What are you worrying about? Instead of worry pray!

Prayer: Dear God, Please help me turn my worries into prayer. Just like a new habit, when I worry, help me instead to pray. When I praise you and give you my needs, my worries dissipate. Thank you for that! Amen. 

Best for You

Spiritual Vitamin: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea." 

Challenge: How easy it is for us to rely on our own instincts! We so often think we know what to do and then, boom! We have problems. God, literally wants to teach us what is best for us! He gives us directions on which way to go. Who doesn't need the God of the universes help? What do you need to trust Him for today?

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for the guidance You give. When I don't know what to do, I can inquire of You and You delight in showing me. Help me pay attention to your commands. Allow me to experience your peace like a river and your righteousness like waves of the sea. Amen.

Trusting

Spiritual Vitamin: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Challenge: What do you stress out about? What are you worried about today. Today is a new day! Will you take this verse to heart? Trust in the Lord. He will help you through!

Prayer: Dear God, Forgive me for the many times I trust in myself. Forgive me for running to You and seeking You. You give understanding. You give peace. You help make my paths straight. Help me this day to trust in You with my whole heart. Amen. 

God's Presence

 Spiritual Challenge: "The LORD replied "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14

Challenge: In the midst of this ongoing COVID world, we yearn to see some sense of normalcy again. How do you need God's presence today? This is a vulnerable time for all of us. How are you hurting today? Will you invite God into your pain? 

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for your promise today. Your presence is ALWAYS with us. You give rest to the weary. We are all weary of COVID. Lord, please meet us today in whatever pain we are enduring. We trust You today. Amen.

Loneliness

Spiritual Vitamin: "The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring."  Isaiah 58: 11

Challenge: COVID has been difficult for all os us. Maybe you've felt lonely at some point in time? COVID has made us isolated in so many ways. Loneliness is tough. Yet, this verse is a reminder that God will guide us through those times we are dry and need strength. Would you invite the LORD to be your constant companion each day?

Prayer: Dear God, I need you so much. You promise that in those lonely times, You will guide me and restore me. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Lord, refresh me today. Remind me in the lonely times that You are there. Thank you. Amen.

Perfect Love

Spiritual Vitamin: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18)

Challenge: What do you fear? Will you run to the Father? He is perfect love. Give Him your fears today.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for this verse. You are love. Perfect love. I have nothing to fear when I walk in relationship with You. How I need You today! Amen.  

Seeking God

Spiritual Vitamin: "One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire  in his temple." Psalm 27:4

Challenge: David saw how wonderful it was to seek God and to experience His presence. David knew there was beauty in God's presence. May you seek Him today.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for prayer of David. Just like David, I desire to seek after You and dwell in your house all the days of my life. Lord, draw me near to You. Amen 

Be Gracious to Me

Spiritual Vitamin: O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time in distress." Isaiah 33:2

Challenge: Do you need a dose of God's grace today? May this verse be your desire today! Long for more of God! Ask Him to be your strength! Ask Him for help. He longs to meet You!

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for this new day. We long for you to be gracious to us. We long for you! God, this day, I ask You for your strength. Even when I'm in distress, I run to You. You will meet me right where I am. Amen.

Words of Life

 Spiritual Vitamin: "A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating." (Proverbs 18:6) "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts." (Proverbs 18:8) "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21)

Challenge: Evaluate your words? Do your lips bring strife? Are you a gossip? Do you realize the ramifications of your gossip?  Do you share words of life or death with others?

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for this important word today. I need your help, Lord. I want to give words of life to others, not just today, but everyday. Amen.

The Lord is My Shepherd

Spiritual Vitamin: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me." Psalm 23: 1-4

Challenge: Do you believe that the Lord is YOUR Shepherd? God is the only one who knows the "green pastures" and the "quiet waters" that restore us. Do You see how you are like a sheep? Sheep are completely dependent upon the shepherd for provision, guidance and protection. So are we! Will you trust Him today as YOUR shepherd?

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you that You are my shepherd. When I know and believe that, I will be in want of absolutely nothing! You guide me and lead me and restore my soul. I have nothing to fear when I know you're my shepherd. Thank You, God. Amen. 

Who Do I Trust?

Spiritual Vitamin: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Psalm 20:7

Challenge: What do you place your trust in? So often, we place our trust in anything but God! We can trust in our bank account, certain people or relationships, our work, etc. David, the writer of the Psalm, knew he couldn't trust in chariots or horses. He didn't have them! But David saw that Jehovah was more than a match for all his foes. Will you trust in God today?

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for being my God. I trust in You today. Forgive me for those times when I trust in things or people. God, please help me trust in you with implicit confidence. I give you those worries and anxieties that I struggle with today. Help me trust You for each one of them. Amen. 

The Eyes of the LORD

 Spiritual Vitamin: "But the eyes of the LORD are on those who rear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love."

Challenge: The Lord's eye is most definitely on all people, but it is directed with special attention to those who fear God and trust in Him. There is such security in the fact that the eye of God is upon us. He knows everything about You and is able to deliver and protect us. Will you trust Him?

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for the hope that we can have in You. Your eye is always on me! I pause to actually consider the enormity of this. Why do I fear? Lord, You know everything about me and I chose to trust You. Amen.

Christ's Yoke

Spiritual Vitamin: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Challenge: Christ's invitation is to join him in his yoke so that we can walk and work together. Christ doesn't just want your burden, He wants all of you! He wants your heart. When we yoke our lives with Christ, He provides rest for your soul. There are still challenges and pressures in life, but you are intimately yoked with Jesus. He gives you peace. His burden is light.  Take Jesus' yoke.

Prayer: Dear Father, Thank you for this invitation. Lord, what keeps me from entering into your yoke, where I can learn from you? Why would I not want to walk with your yoke? You are gentle and humble in heart. Such beautiful traits! Lord, I am weary and I give you my many burdens. My soul needs rest in You. Help me, Jesus. Amen. 

The Heavens

Spiritual Vitamin: "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their word to the ends of the world." Psalm 19:1-4

Challenge:Have you considered today the beauty of the creation? We are surrounded by the beautiful displays of God's craftsmanship. All around us we see his creation, whether it's looking at the heavens or watching a bird fly in the air. Worship God, not the creation. It is He who has made all! Take time today, to thank God the the beauty around you. Rest. Enjoy nature. Pause and give thanks.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for your magnificent creation. Your heavens give us such a dramatic evidence of your existence, love and care for your creation. So often, we find ourselves worshipping creation, not You. Lord, forgive us and help us to open our eyes to the beauty all around us! Amen.

Cares of My Heart

Spiritual Vitamin: "When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul." Psalm 94:19

Challenge: What are the cares of your heart today? Would you stop and pray and give each one of them to God? You will find your true rest in God. Whatever cares, conflicts, griefs, concerns that you carry, He has divine comforts available. 

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for loving me so much that you care about what concerns me. I can tell you ANYTHING! I give you the cares of my heart, knowing that you delight in cheering me with the comforts of your spirit. I trust You today for these cares. I release them and ask that You would carry them for me. Thank you. Amen. 

Guiding My Path

Spiritual Vitamin:"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105. "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:165

Challenge: God's word is living and active and can guide us through everything we have going on in life. Where do you need God's direction? Will you trust Him to guide you as you seek Him in His word. Take time every day to read your Bible. God literally wants to speak to us through His word.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for your word. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. So often, my path looks dark and confusing, but when I seek You in your word, You literally guide my way every time. Studying your word and loving your word gives me peace. You show me the path I need to be on and You won't let me stumble. God, keep me in Your word. Help me trust in You. I look to You today to guide my path. Amen. 

Sure Foundation

Spiritual Vitamin: "O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LROD is the key to this treasure." (Isaiah 33:2,6)

Challenge: Isn't this the most beautiful prayer for each day? We need strength. We need help in time of distress. In this crazy, chaotic world, we need a sure foundation. We need wisdom and knowledge. Seek God today for these things in your life. Let Him know your need. Be sure to thank Him for hearing your prayer.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for the word of God that is living and active and alive. Your word gives hope, encouragement and even guidance in our prayers. I need you to be gracious to me. I need your strength for my day. I need your wisdom and understanding. Truly, Lord, when I seek these things, You provide. Help me each day to recognize my dependence and need for You. Amen.

Abide in Christ

Spiritual Vitamin: "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Challenge: It is when we abide in Christ and Christ in us, that we bear much fruit. So often we attempt things in our human flesh, not with God at our side. What does it mean to abide? Brian Hedges writes "Abiding in Jesus means we have a life giving connection to him. A branch is connected to the vine, and a vine to the branch. Secondly, we're dependent upon Him. Without the vine, the branch is useless, lifeless and powerless. Thirdly, it involves continuance. Abide (Greek, meno) means to remain, or stay or continue. Are you remaining in Jesus throughout your day? (Brian Hedges, What does it mean to Abide in Christ?, Christianity.com.)

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for this brilliant illustration of the believer's relationship with You in the vine and the branches. Lord, I'm enthralled with this picture of us abiding (remaining) in you. How I long to be dependent upon you in everything I do. Without You, I like the branch is powerless. Help me reside in You today. Help me stay near You. Show me what it's like to enjoy such a constant relationship with You. Amen.

Outdo One Another

Spiritual Vitamin: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." Romans 12:10

Challenge: What would it look like if you outdid others in honoring and loving others well? How would your words, actions and responses change? Paul, the writer of Romans, was challenging his readers to do something they couldn't do on their own. They needed Christ in them to love this way. So many people are hurting around you. You can make a difference. Think of others more important than yourself. Speak life into people. Listen well. Ask good questions. Care, really care.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for this challenge to outdo yourselves in honoring one another. Lord, our world needs men and women who will love well. Help each of us to love like this. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who gives us the power to do so. Amen. 

I Can Do All Things

Spiritual Vitamin: I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Challenge: Did you know that Paul was actually in prison when he wrote the book of Philippians? He was saying that even if he was suffering, or in need, that his joy doesn't come from solving these problems. His joy comes from knowing Jesus. How do you live each day allowing your strength to come from the Lord?

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for your this amazing verse! It's so easy to merely rely on my own self-sufficiency, but I realize that I need help! I can't do anything on my own, but through Christ who strengthens me. Lord, thank You for this assurance that we can do whatever You call us to do, not whatever we decide to do. What an encouragement that God can give us the strength to be content, no matter what! Amen.

Love One Another

Spiritual Vitamin: "Beloved, if God so loved us we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:11

Challenge: Wow...such a short little verse with a powerful challenge. What would the world be like if we all loved one another? What would it look like in your family? What would it look like with you? How would your relationships, job, and other aspects of your life changed if you loved one another? May God help you do so!

Prayer: Dear God, You call us "beloved." Already in this verse, we see your great love for us. Your love for us is our model for how we ought to love one another. Lord, I pray that You would truly help me grow my love for others, even for those that are difficult. Show me how to love like You, God. Help me make a difference in the world by my love for others. Amen. 

Healing

Spiritual Vitamin: "Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me." (Psalm 30:2) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 28:11)

Challenge: So many of us need some form of healing. We need healing form past hurts, physical pains, COVID, and the pains of our country. Where do you need healing? 

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for being our Healer. Lord, God, I ask You to heal ____________________. God, in our country, I ask You to heal _________________. Thank you that You tell me that I can call to you for help and you heal me. Amen. 

God of all Hope

Spiritual Vitamin: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

Challenge: Paul prays that we are filled with all joy and peace and continue to be filled every day of our lives, so that we may overflow and abound with that blessed hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Is it time for you to enlarge your perspective of our glorious God of hope? We look for hope in a lot of things, but God gives us hope, not based on circumstances. May you know that hope today.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for the depth of your love for me today. You are truly the God of all hope. I thank you that this is not a chance "hope" like "I hope I can get home on time..." or "I hope I win the lottery..." This is hope that is secure, founded in your unchangeable word. I thank you for being my God of hope. May I live in light of that hope today. Amen.

Hope in the LORD

Spiritual Vitamin: "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Challenge: 2020 has been a year full of difficulties for many. In the midst of our difficulties, we often stumble and fall because we rely on our own strength and our own resources. It is God's power that is able to sustain us and give us hope. These words were given to comfort Israel after Isaiah's repeated warning of punishment if they' didn't repent. Isn't it comforting to know that God never grows weary? Will you trust in the Lord with all your heart and not lean on our own understanding in 2021?

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for your power to sustain us and give us hope. I'm so grateful for these words of what will happen if we place our hope in You, God. Thank you for these words that are just as comforting to me as they must have been to the people of Israel. God, help me please trust in You with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. How I need you! Amen. 

A Future and a Hope

Spiritual Vitamin: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiahs 29:11

Challenge: When we face difficult and hardship, we can find comfort in Jeremiah 29:11. God does not promise to immediately rescue us from our hardship or suffering, but He promises  to walk with us through them. Are you hoping in God or for your circumstances to be good? Trust God in spite of your circumstances.

Prayer: Dear God, please be with me as I go through this day. Thank you so much for giving me hope, in spite of the swirling circumstances around me. I trust that You will see me through all of my challenges. God, your promises are sure. In 2 Corinthians 1:20 it says that "all the promises of God find their Yes in him." I pray for unspeakable blessings in the coming year and trust You to see me through. Amen.

Seek First

Spiritual Vitamin: "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

Challenge: Would you like an alternative to worrying in 2021? This verse in Matthew reminds us to depend on God for our provisions instead of worrying about them. God knows that worry affects our heart, but He also knows that we have daily needs. God has given us many promises throughout scripture of being our Provider for all our needs. Will you seek Him first as you enter this new year?

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for this powerful verse. So often I lack trusting you and your promises. Instead, I seek to find my own answers to my problems. God, forgive me for my lack of faith in You. I pray that the eyes of my heart would seek You first, not just today, but each day. Amen. 

Live at Peace with Everyone

Spiritual Vitamin: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18

Challenge: Division has been a huge part of 2020. We saw it all around us. How can you be a part of the change? What would it look like if you lived a life of peace? May God help you live at peace with everyone in 2021.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for this very powerful verse to live by. Lord, please let me do my part in every relationship and every conversation. Help me live at peace with everyone. God, let me be a part of the change. Amen.

Fix My Eyes on Jesus

Spiritual Vitamin: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sad down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

Challenge:Let's do a reset for 2021! How will you fix your eyes on God in the coming year? How will you deal with the distracting voices or things that clamor for your attention? 

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for this new year! Thank you for Hebrews 12:1-2 and the challenge to fix our eyes on Jesus. God, help me to throw off everything that hinders me and the sin that easily entangles me. Lord, give me a sensitivity to my sin and how I let distractions take over. Help me focus on You. Help me run with perseverance the race marked out for me. Amen.

A New Thing!

Spiritual Vitamin: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19

Challenge: As you look back on 2020, what part of your life needs a reset? Your spiritual life? Your work life? Your relationships? Take a moment to look at what you might do differently. Pray for grace to move forward with a renewed perspective and new hope.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for 2020. Yes, as hard as this past year has been, we thank you so much for walking with us through the challenges of the year. Help us know that You are able to do a new thing. Oh, how we need a new thing! Lord, help me look honestly and openly at what needs to change in my life? Renew me. Change me. Make me like You. Amen.