Clothed in Joy, Crowned With Purpose
Aarti Sequeira
“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 …” Isaiah 61:10 (NLT)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
Lord God, it’s easy for me to find things to worry about. But today I cling to the truth in Matthew 10:29-31, which reminds me that I am worth more to You than the sparrows — and You care for the sparrows! The birds are free to chirp and sing because they're safe and secure in Your arms. Thank You for caring for me and holding me safely in Your arms. I surrender my worries and fears to You. Help me to trust You more and more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“He also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.’” Mark 4:26-27 (NIV)
“‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked. ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,’ Jesus answered.” John 1:48 (CSB)
“… Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” Luke 6:27-28 (NKJV)
“Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.” Psalm 25:4 (NIV)
“‘Go,’ [Jesus] told him, ‘wash in the Pool of Siloam’ (this word means ‘Sent’). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.” John 9:7 (NIV)
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God …” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Lord, I am safe with You. Your shelter and shadow comfort me in my loneliness. I will proclaim You are my refuge and my fortress; therefore, I will not fear (Psalm 91:2). As a refuge, You are my quick place to duck into when fear starts nipping at the edges of my emotions. I close my eyes and trust Your promise to be my safe place. Fear tells me I’ll always be alone, yet Your Truth assures me I’m never alone. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever. You are also my fortress — a strong, high place where fear can no longer have access to me. Fear can’t catch what it can no longer reach. What a comfort this is. What a comfort You are. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“And he said to them, ‘Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.’” Mark 1:38 (ESV)
“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 …” Isaiah 61:10 (NLT)
“Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’” John 11:40 (NIV)
Dear God, on this Father’s Day, we come with hearts grateful for the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who have shown love, guidance, and care. Thank You for the ways they have supported...
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2-3 (NKJV)