it's a new day!

I choose peace. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live. — Max Lucado, Let the Journey Begin It's a New Day: The Choice Is Yours by Max Lucado, from Let the Journey Begin It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.   In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race.   The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice.   Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And so I choose.   I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.   I choose joy. I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.   I choose peace. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.   I choose patience. I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite Him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.   I choose kindness. I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.   I choose goodness. I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.   I choose faithfulness. Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.   I choose gentleness. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.   I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.   Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithful-ness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest. This devotion is excerpted with permission from Let the Journey Begin by Max Lucado, copyright Thomas Nelson. Your Turn   Are you setting out on a new journey? Or has life sent you on a detour? Are you leaving one chapter behind and stepping out into another chapter? Are you looking for God's best for you each day? Join the conversation on our blog about where God is taking you on your journey today! ~ Devotionals Daily COMMENT Share this devotion with someone who needs it today. Find God's best for your life   Save 45% off Let the Journey Begin by Max Lucado   Powerful, life-changing messages for a vital time in life especially for upcoming graduates. Regular Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $8.24 (45% off) eBook price: $2.99 + free U.S. shipping* on orders $30 or more SHOP NOW Are you looking for a special gift for a graduate? Let the Journey Begin is filled with godly wisdom, encouragement, and guidance from bestselling and trusted author Max Lucado for students about to embark on new steps in their life journey. Graduates will be reassured that they are not alone--God is with them every step of their way.   Let the Journey Begin includes: Dozens of easy-to-read writings divided into five themed sections: God's Plan for the Journey of Life--A Road Map for Success; Stop, Look, and Listen--Good Habits for a Good Journey; A Fork in the Road--Deciding Which Way to Go; Dangers and Detours Ahead--Slow Down, Avoid Disaster; and Two Is Fine Company--A Friend for the Journey 32 additional pages that include excerpts, quotes, and scripture Special pages for graduates to log personal goals, favorite verses of scripture, and prayers This life guide fits nicely on a nightstand, gift basket, or backpack. For graduates the question is, will they face the future with or without God? Max Lucado's Let the Journey Begin has powerful, life-changing messages for a vital time in life.   What People Are Saying "I ordered two copies for two graduates. I read one and I have stickies marked on pages I think will be appreciated by the recipients. I wish this was available when I graduated! I plan to give these right a way before graduation so the receiver will have time to read before big party celebrations." — Patricia, reader   "Excellent beautifully written book I bought for all five of my grandchildren some just out of college, some now in college, and one an upcoming senior. After reading myself, I realized what wisdom is included in those pages and I want so much for my grandchildren to embrace God's plan for them as they begin their journey of adulthood." — Will, reader Learn More and Save Looking for more inspiration from Max?  Save 50% off   Glory Days Hardcover, Regular: $26.99 Sale Price: $13.50  SHOP NOW The Cross (SAVE 50%)   Regular: $14.99 Sale Price: $7.50  SHOP NOW Hope (SAVE 50%)   Regular: $14.99 Sale Price: $7.50 SHOP NOW It's Bible Week at FaithGateway   Is one of your New Year's resolutions to read the Bible more? We're here to help you make that goal a reality!   Every day for the next 7 days you'll be able to snag daily deals on some of our most popular study Bibles. Make 2021 the year you get into God's Word!   Today's Deal   Save 30% Off   NET, Love God Greatly Bible, Comfort Print: Holy Bible Hardcover, Regular: $49.99 Sale Price: $34.99 SHOP NOW The Love God Greatly Bible encourages and equips women to meet God on the pages of Scripture. Each feature in this Bible is beautifully designed to help you engage with God's Word so you can know the abiding love of a faithful God.   Each book includes an extensive introduction to give context, followed by a reading plan that uses a simple, proven framework—Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer—to guide you through the text. Additional reflection and challenge questions are provided to go deeper on particular passages, and wide margins are provided for taking notes.   While knowing God is a personal journey, as a believer, you join the global community of faith. This Bible includes testimonies of women from around the world to connect and strengthen you in your pursuit of God in any place and circumstance.   Features include:   Thomas Nelson's exclusive NET Comfort Print® typeface Over 60 country profiles with nation-specific prayer guides, plus verses highlighting God's promises to the nations Powerful testimonies from women around the world whose lives have been changed through engaging with Scripture More than 150 devotionals and memory verse list for deeper reflection 50 reading plans One-year reading plan Topical index, and original full-color, in-text maps Reflection and challenge questions included in each book of the Bible Original word art for each book of the Bible Two satin ribbon markers 9.5-point print size   Learn more and save...   *Sale prices valid through 1/31/2021, excluding eBooks.  eBooks purchases are fulfilled by our partner, Glose.  Free U.S. shipping on orders over $30 valid, excluding Alaska and Hawaii Devotionals Daily ~ our mission is to help you grow and share your faith. 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