Quotes for Today

Please understand my friend, that where you find yourself tomorrow is a function of the positive decisions and actions you take today.

Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it. ~M. Scott Peck

The secret of success is to do common things uncommonly well. John Davidson Rockefeller, Sr

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes but they don’t quit. -Conrad Hilton

Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure. -Edward Eggleston

The best thing you can do for yourself is to be yourself. -- Jamee Rae

Psalm 73:2–3, 13–14, 16–18

"But as for me, I almost lost my footing.
     My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
For I envied the proud
     when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?
     Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?
I get nothing but trouble all day long;
     every morning brings me pain.
So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.
     But what a difficult task it is!
Then I went into your sanctuary, O God,
     and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
Truly, you put them on a slippery path
     and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction."

 

 

The Psalmist had a problem. He could not understand why the wicked prospered, while he got nothing but trouble for all his attempts to live a godly life. He was only able to gain perspective when he meditated on the issue from God's perspective, when he took the long view. The eternal perspective of God's big and full plan is the only way to make sense out of this life. What issue gnaws at you spiritually? Where can you go in Scripture to get God's eternal perspective on it? Don't forget worship as another avenue to connect with God's perspective.

—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

Isaiah 61:10

"I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God!
     For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
     and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit
     or a bride with her jewels."

 

Does the salvation and righteousness Jesus bought for you bring you great joy? Perhaps it's been a while since you have dwelt on what God has done for you. Today, meditate on the miracle of your salvation—that God chose you and has forgiven all your transgressions. Not only that, he has given you a completely new nature, one that knows how to please God. If you have the opportunity, be prepared to tell others about something God has done for you. Let joy overwhelm you—and share it!

—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

Isaiah 62:2–5

"The nations will see your righteousness.
     World leaders will be blinded by your glory.
And you will be given a new name
     by the LORD's own mouth.
The LORD will hold you in his hand for all to see—
     a splendid crown in the hand of God.
Never again will you be called 'The Forsaken City'
     or 'The Desolate Land.'
Your new name will be 'The City of God's Delight'
     and 'The Bride of God,'
for the LORD delights in you
     and will claim you as his bride.
Your children will commit themselves to you, O Jerusalem,
     just as a young man commits himself to his bride.
Then God will rejoice over you
     as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride."


This is how God feels about his people. The New Testament says that we who believe in Jesus are his bride. God delights in you! You bring him praise, for he has saved you and made you righteous. Rejoice in that today. Rejoice in God's delight over you!
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

Isaiah 61:3

"To all who mourn in Israel,
     he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
     festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
     that the LORD has planted for his own glory."

What makes you "mourn" today? Is it a relationship lost, an opportunity gone, or a state of being that makes you miserable? God promises "beauty for ashes" here, blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. Don't let the present moment predict the future. Trust in the God who promises beauty for ashes, and hope steadfastly for the change that is surely on its way.
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions