Editor's note: Enjoy today's two devotions from 100 Days of Hope and Encouragement.
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As the irrepressible heroine of Anne of Green Gables exclaims, “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” Yes! But we don’t have to wait for tomorrow—or Monday or the beginning of a new month or year—to start fresh.
It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve stumbled, how many times we’ve fallen or failed in the past. It doesn’t matter how many mistakes we made yesterday or even five minutes ago.
Morning by morning, moment by moment, God’s mercies are new.
His forgiveness is real. His grace is sufficient. With courage and confidence, we can begin again. Right now. In this moment. It’s a new day.
As high as Heaven is over the earth, so strong is His love to those who fear Him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, He has separated us from our sins. — Psalm 103:11–12 The Message
Now we rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God—all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done in dying for our sins—making us friends of God. — Romans 5:11 TLB
The humble will be filled with fresh joy from the Lord. — Isaiah 29:19 NLT
Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. — Lamentations 3:23 NLT
Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving all my sin—every bit of it. Help me to let go of the past, start fresh, and live joyfully today in the light of Your love, Your mercy, and Your grace.
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Last and Least
When Samuel announced that God had sent him to anoint Israel’s next king, Jesse proudly produced all eight of his strapping sons, eager to see which God would choose. Well, seven. David was the eighth, the last and the least, and his own family completely forgot about him. No one bothered to call him in from the fields, where he was watching the sheep. They didn’t think it was important; they didn’t think he was important. But as God said no to brother after brother, it soon became clear: David was His choice.
Over and over in Scripture, God reminds us that He has a different standard, a different way of measuring things. And that there are no limits to what He can do.
A heart like David’s—a heart that fully belongs to Him—that’s the most important thing. So God called David from the pasture to the palace, to rule as Israel’s greatest king. And He made him part of Jesus’s family tree. Imagine what He can do with you!
The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. — I Samuel 16:7 NLT
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. — Zechariah 4:10 NLT
Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! — Matthew 25:23 NLT
The Lord says, “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times.” — Micah 5:2 GNT
Lord, help me to love You with my whole heart as David did and to be faithful in everything You ask me to do, big or small, for Your kingdom and Your glory.
Excerpted with permission from 100 Days of Hope and Encouragement, copyright DaySpring Cards, Inc.
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Your Turn
Today is brand new with no mistakes in it yet, but anytime is the right time to start fresh! Jump in now and trust the Lord with your entire self! ~ Devotionals Daily