Father, we think of those people in our lives that refresh us at the very sight of them or at the mention of their names. They have poured into our lives fruitful blessings by their kind actions and words, by their exemplary lifestyle and so often by their personal overcomings of life’s hardships. May we be not only recipients of such tender mercies, but diligent dispensers of lovingkindness toward others. May our actions and words refresh them. Not that it should be our major motivation, but we know that when we refresh others, we ourselves are refreshed. So as we bless others, we too are blessed and we bless You as well. Amen.

Father, we’re so thankful that when our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from You, an eternal house in heaven. May we be consoled in knowing the greater the suffering here on earth the greater the glory awaits us in heaven. We make it our life long goal to remain strangers in this world as we maintain friendship with You, our Heavenly Father. Like the Apostle Paul we strain toward that which is ahead as we press on toward the goal to win the prize for which You have called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. In Your appointed hour our bodies will be transformed so that they will be like Your glorious body. We eagerly await that transformation day when anticipation becomes reality for the faithful! Amen.

Father, we honor our parents today, whether they’re living or deceased. You gave them to us so they could love, provide, nurture and guide us into maturity and independence. Help us to return our love to them as we thoughtfully and patiently respond to their changing needs. May they be able to depend on us even as we have depended on them throughout the years. When present circumstances make this responsibility extremely difficult give us the needed wisdom and creative means to still carry out the command to honor our father and mother. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Father, help me to look beyond the immediate to the deeper meaning of each day’s task. May the hope You place within this redeemed heart of mine stir up a joyful spirit and an overcoming attitude regarding the difficulties I encounter throughout the day. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and renew a steadfast spirit within me as I rejoice in the unending hope I have in You. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Father, we testify today to the marvelous grace of Christ Jesus our Lord. His loving grace exceeds our sin and our guilt, making it possible for us to have our sins completely forgiven. What He did on Calvary brought hope from despair, and turned the gloom of death into the brightness of eternity. When our walk on earth seems long or dreary, precious Lord, linger near as You uphold us with Your mighty right hand. Amen.