DISTRACTED FROM THE IMPORTANT THINGS BY THE URGENT THINGS?

TRY 31 DAYS OF FOCUSING ON WHAT IS GREATER

RENÉ SCHLAEPFER

WELCOME TO SOMETHING GREATERDo you suspect your life should have a greater sense of purpose? Do you long for a way to live with greater love and greater clarity? Are you readyto start a 31-day adventure into a life that is greater?

This booklet has Bible verses and meditations for each new day designed to help you focus on the spiritual truths that are often hidden in the busyness of daily life: God is greater than any fear or obstacle you could ever face, and he loves you and has designed you for a greater purpose.

Read each verse and prayer at the start of each day. And then keep your eyes and ears open for ways God answers your prayers!

#GREATERTLCPost pics of things you’re grateful for, or ways your prayers have been answered, with the hashtag #greatertlc

GREATER SERIESThis booklet was designed to be a companion to the teaching series GREATER at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, California. You can access all those messages for free at tlc.org, or download our Twin Lakes Church app, or join us live every weekend!

“GREATER” message series at www.tlc.org:

WEEK 1: GREATER SERENITYWEEK 2: GREATER INFLUENCEWEEK 3: GREATER COURAGEWEEK 4: GREATER JOYWEEK 5: GREATER COMPASSION

Note: All Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Thank you, Lord God, that you made me––and made this day for me to live in! Help me to see the potential for good in this day, and this entire year. Help me even to see every interruption as an opportunity for you to work in me and through me. I dedicate this day, to you. Help my life to have greater impact. I believe there are greater days ahead! This verse also looks ahead to the day you will return to restore the world to perfection, and I eagerly await that day too. Amen!

DAY ONE: GREATER DAYS AHEAD

DAY TWO: GREATER AWARENESS OF GOD’S GIFTSHow many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small. Psalm 104:24,25 NIV

O Lord, help me to open my eyes and look around and see the glorious works you have created all around me today. May my heart be moved to awe and worship as I intentionally make myself aware of your creation. Help me to find joy in thinking of your wisdom in knitting together our whole ecosystem. And then help me find further joy in realizing the same God who made all this loves me personally and has a plan for my life! May my heart be moved to worship today! Amen.

I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. Psalm 135:5,6

I thank you, God, that you are greater than anything I can imagine—greater than any other power, in heaven or on earth. My thoughts cannot even begin to capture your awesome majesty, glory, and infinite love! Let me be comforted by this fact: You are infinitely greater than all I could ever fear: Greater than all my past mistakes and current bad habits. Greater than all the challenges I face in life. And yet you chose to reveal yourself to us through your word and through The Word, Jesus Christ. Lord, I long to know you better, to connect with you more intimately. Let this month of prayer and study lead to a greater, closer walk with you. Amen.

DAY THREE: GOD IS GREATER

DAY FOUR: GREATER LIFECreate in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Lord, I long to live a greater life. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with my own foolish behaviors and decisions. I have tried and tried to change and have made little progress. Yet, although I am helpless to transform myself, I still desire to live righteously and turn from my unwise behavior patterns. So today I confess that I am powerless to live a truly righteous life. I need you to create in me a clean heart. Help me believe that happens when I put my trust in Christ as my redeemer. And renew a right spirit within me. Help me see how that happens in incremental ways as I follow you each day. Produce in me real, inside-out change, change that lasts. I don’t want to be a hypocrite. I want to want to live righteously. Amen.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10 NIV

God, there are simply no words to express my gratitude at the truth of this verse. There is no love I can ever show that comes close to matching this supreme act of love: Jesus was sent to earth to rescue all people by sacrificing his life for us. That means salvation is “God-given, God-driven, God-empowered and God-originated”. Help me to always remember that salvation goes in one direction: God to man, not man trying to reach God. All day long help me remember: You love me so much You gave yourself for me! Amen!

(Quote from Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment, Thomas Nelson: 2006, p. 385)

DAY FIVE: THE GREATEST LOVE

DAY SIX: GREATER LIGHTIn the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunities that are ahead of me this day to let my light shine. Let me see those opportunities clearly. May I shine with good works – done not to earn your favor or the favor of others, but simply because I am reflecting your grace! Amen.

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Lord, sometimes I can obsess on the ways I feel people are looking down on me, because of my age, or my gender, or my beliefs, or my race, or my social status. Like Timothy in this verse, help me rise above such dismissive attitudes, and not to slip into resentment and negativity. Instead, I want to set a positive example to everyone around me – even those who look down on me. Help me to neutralize rejection with grace: In the way I use my words, the way I conduct myself, the way I love everyone, the way I move ahead in faith, and the way I live righteously, may I draw people to you! Amen.

DAY SEVEN: GREATER EXAMPLE

DAY EIGHT: GREATER INFLUENCE

But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. 2 Corinthians 10:13

Heavenly Father, help me realize that you have assigned to me an area of influence. Help me see what it might be, whether it’s my family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or a broader community of people influenced by my decisions. Help me to take seriously the opportunity to be a person of influence; in fact, help me realize that every single person is an influence, whether for good or for bad. I deeply desire to be an influence for good; open my eyes to the big and small ways I can do that today! Amen.

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14,15

Lord, help me today to remember that I am a person of influence; help me nurture every relationship I’m in. As you have reconciled me to yourself, and are patient and encouraging with me, help me in turn to be patient with everyone around me today, and encourage and help them all. Help me to see ways in which I can be encouraging throughout my day today! Amen.

DAY NINE: GREATER GOOD

DAY TEN: GOD IS GREATER THAN MY FEAR

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6

Heavenly Father, sometimes I fear violent people, or judgmental people, or powerful people. But today, Lord, help me to put aside all fear, including fear of people. Today I thank you that I need not fear anyone because ultimately you have my back; there is nothing that can separate me from your love. Today I will move in greater confidence, knowing you love me! Amen.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

Thank you God that this verse, first spoken to the Israelites over 3,000 years ago as they were leaving Egyptian slavery, is still true today of anyone who follows you! You are able to be both before me in my future, and with me in my present, at the same time! Help me remember that you will never, ever leave me. Because of these truths, let me refuse to be afraid and discouraged, and instead live with confidence and courage today! Amen!

DAY ELEVEN: GOD IS GREATER THAN ANY OBSTACLE

DAY TWELVE: GOD GIVES ME GREATER COURAGE

And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” Daniel 10:19a

Lord, thank you for speaking the words in today’s verse to Daniel when he was afraid of the future he had seen in his visions. It is encouraging to know that even a great man like Daniel could be afraid of the future. Sometimes I feel afraid of what’s ahead. Let me hear your voice saying the same things to me that you spoke to Daniel: That I am greatly loved by you. That I have a choice not to fear. That I can receive your peace. Help your supernatural peace be the source of my strength and courage today as I go into my life with bravery and purpose. Amen.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Lord God, thank you that you are for me. When my body is tired or my heart gets discouraged, that’s when you carry me. You lift my head and remind me of your love for me. Throughout the day help me to remember, “God is the strength of my heart”! And help me to believe that you are “my portion”; that is, my inheritance, my wealth, the source of my security. In this world, I sometimes feel pressure to carve out a bigger “portion”; to perform, to achieve glory. But whether or not I am successful in the eyes of the world, it is enough for me to know that I have a relationship with you—forever!

DAY THIRTEEN: GOD GIVES ME GREATER STRENGTH

DAY FOURTEEN: GOD’S SECURITY IS GREATER THAN ANY STORM

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. Psalm 62:6

Heavenly Father, I thank you that you are my defender. When I am against a wall you fight for me. When I feel frightened or anxious, help me run to you as a soldier might run into a strong fortress. Instead of fretting, help me to pray and trust in you. When the storms of life threaten to blow me away, let me cling to you, my Rock, by remembering your promises. I believe you will give me greater stability, and that with you I shall not be shaken! Amen!

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV

Lord, it is breathtaking to know that you did not just create me to be born, grow up, make money, and die; you created me for purpose, for good works that you have prepared in advance for me to do! Please help me recognize those opportunities for good works. Help me realize you have placed me as your agent to bring your influence into my community. May people become attracted to a relationship with Jesus Christ because of the generous, loving, and righteous way I live, and the way I respond even when I fail. Thank you that you created me as your masterpiece designed specifically for your purposes in this world. You created me to be a world changer! May I go into my day with confidence in these truths! Amen.

DAY FIFTEEN: GOD GIVES GREATER PURPOSE

DAY SIXTEEN: GOD GIVES GREATER CALM

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7

Lord God, today I think of who you are – your might and majesty. And then I think of my own worries and ambitions, so small by comparison. You put everything in my life into perspective. I humble myself before your infinite holiness and love. And let me truly cast all my cares on you – precisely because you are so great and so loving. Thank you so much for the peace that comes from knowing I can give you my anxieties—and leave them there! Throughout this day, as I sense myself getting anxious about things, remind me to pray, “Lord, I cast this anxiety upon you.” Amen.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. Lamentations 3:22

Lord God, it is astounding to think that this verse was written during a time of deep sorrow for the Jewish people, when they had lost several wars and had been taken into captivity. Yet Jeremiah, the author of Lamentations, reminds himself of this truth: Even in the middle of bad times, your love, Lord, is steadfast. Help me to remember that when all seems lost, when loved ones abandon me, when the future looks dim, I can always count on your love. Even in times when I am reaping consequences of my own foolish actions, your mercies to me are endless. Though there will be times you challenge me and discipline me, you will never cast me away. Amen.

DAY SEVENTEEN: GREATER AWARENESS OF HIS MERCY

DAY EIGHTEEN: GREATER GRATITUDE

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Psalm 118:28

Today, Lord God, I give you thanks for three specific things you have blessed me with (name three). I give you thanks for three things that are true of you (name three). And I will give thanks for at least three things I encounter during my day today! Amen.

DAY NINETEEN: GREATER SURRENDER

Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3

Lord God, thank you that you made me. Thank you that I am yours. Thank you for leading us as a good shepherd leads his flock. You are not an angry dictator or a distant CEO, but a loving shepherd. And help me remember today that I am your beloved lamb. I am not in charge of you, or your decisions. I am one of your flock. Help me yield to your leadership, to confidently and serenely go where you guide, whether that’s on a long trek to greener pastures or a slow afternoon in a calm meadow, knowing you will always be there for me, even through the valley of the shadow of death. Amen.

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14 NIV

Heavenly Father, how grateful I am to you today that I do not need to perform sacrifices to earn your favor. The sacrifice made by Jesus Christ was meant to cover me and every single person who ever lived, so that we are saved not by our good works but by your free gift! What amazing love! Help my sacrifices and my service to be done out of praise and thanksgiving, and out of a desire to lead a godly life, and not from a mistaken sense that I must earn your love or favor. Amen.

DAY TWENTY: GOD’S GRACE IS GREATER THAN MY SIN

DAY TWENTY-ONE: GOD IS GREATER THAN MY DOUBTS

“I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

Lord, today’s prayer, first uttered in complete honesty by a desperate father who desired Jesus to heal his child, is my often my prayer too. My heart can be such a mixture of belief and doubt. I believe that you have done great things in the past; sometimes I’m not sure you’ll do them for me today. I believe you exist; sometimes I’m not sure you care about me. I believe people who follow your words will live better lives; sometimes I’m not sure what I believe about the afterlife. There are many more ways my faith mixes with uncertainty (tell God about some of your own uncertanties).Thank you that my salvation is not dependent on the strength of my faith, but on the object of my faith. You are the active agent. Yours is the power. Even a small “mustard seed” of faith, when nurtured, will grow into a mighty tree of faith when I continue to water it and nourish it by noticing your miracles all around me each day, and remembering your mighty works in the past. Amen.

DAY TWENTY-TWO: GOD’S HELP IS GREATER THAN MY FAILURES

I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me. Psalm 118:13

Lord God, there are times I feel pushed, times I fall. Help me see that you are always there. Help me believe that even when I feel pushed and under pressure, you are always there to help. Help me see that you will never abandon me even if I fall. Today I thank you specifically for a time I was falling and you helped me (name a specific time in your life). Amen!

DAY TWENTY-THREE: GOD’S STRENGTH IS GREATER THAN MY WEAKNESS

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14

Lord God, today I choose to see you as my strength. When I feel weak today, help me believe you will give me the power I need. Today I see you as my song: When I start to get anxious today, I will switch my focus to praise for you and your works. Today I remember you are my salvation: When I feel guilty or ashamed today, help me to remember that you gave me the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, and so you would never abandon me: You answer all my needs! Amen!

DAY TWENTY-FOUR: GREATER IMPACT

(Jesus said) “Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:37-40

Thank you, Lord God, that when I was hungry and thirsty and a stranger, you did not love me long-distance or leave me alone. You strategized, pursued, found, and saved me. You scooped me right into your arms regardless of my helpless condition. Help me serve others in the same way: Sacrificially, strategically, personally, lovingly. Help me love in ways big and small. Help this not just to be something I do, but someone I am. Open my eyes to the ways I can help meet needs today! Amen.

DAY TWENTY-FIVE: GREATER GENTLENESS

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15,16

Lord, help me be prepared to answer those who ask about my faith. But help me always to do this with gentleness and respect for all. Help me to avoid getting into unnecessary and divisive arguments. Help me keep the main thing the main thing. May I live my life righteously, with a clear conscience, so that I don’t give ammunition to those who would seek to point out religious hypocrisy. And may the ultimate answer to those who seek to argue with me about my faith be my consistent, grace-filled, loving life. Amen.

DAY TWENTY-SIX: LET MY LOVE GROW GREATER

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Lord God, help me to remember the primary way people around us will know that we are followers: Our love for one another. Thank you that when I love, it is simply a tiny reflection of the love you lavish on me! May my life be characterized by love: Love in my actions, love in my conversations, love in my meditations, love in my motivations. Help me find ways to show love today! Amen.

DAY TWENTY-SEVEN: GOD’S LIGHT IS GREATER THAN MY DARKNESS

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. Psalm 84:11

Lord God, I thank you today that you are my sun even in dark days. I know that just as clouds might cover the sun at times, but the sun is still there, you are always there even in the darkest of times. I thank you that you are my shield. I know that though people may try to hurt me with their words and schemes, ultimately no weapon formed against me will prosper because my destiny is in your hands. I thank you that you bestow favor and honor just as the sun radiates warmth. You are always a gracious God seeking to bless me, even when I have gone astray. Today I will keep my eyes open for all the ways you bestow favor and honor on me- starting with your infinite grace in Christ! Amen.

DAY TWENTY-EIGHT: GOD’S COMFORT IS GREATER THAN MY TEARS

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

Heavenly Father, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and awe when I think the same hands that created the universe will tenderly touch my face and wipe away every tear. Thank you for the truth of that promise! When I experience tears and pain in this life help me always to remember this is a temporary condition; my eternal home is described in this verse as one of beauty and love! Amen.

DAY TWENTY-NINE: GOD’S HELP IS GREATER THAN MY DISTRESS

Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. Psalm 118:5

Thank you Lord God that I have been able to call on you in times of distress. Today I thank you specifically for a time that I was in distress and you helped me (name a specific incident—or perhaps today is the day!). Thank you that I always can be confident you will answer my prayers in a way that will ultimately bring you glory. Thank you for setting me free! Amen.

DAY THIRTY: GOD IS GREATERBless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great!You are clothed with splendor and majesty. Psalm 104:1

Today, O God, I meditate on your greatness. I think of the splendor of the stars at night, or the amazing creatures of the sea, or a towering redwood forest—and then I realize the one who created all of that must possess infinitely greater splendor, just as the artist is greater than his canvas. And that thought moves me to worship you!

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent him to die—I scarce can take it in! That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin—Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, How great Thou art!

Amen.

(Text from “How Great Thou Art” © 1949, 1953, The Stuart Hine Trust, USA print rights admin. Hope Publishing Company. All other USA rights admin. by CapitolCMGPublisihg.com Used by permission, CCLI license #54347)

DAY THIRTY-ONE: GOD WILL COMPLETE HIS GREAT WORK IN ME

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

Heavenly Father, sometimes I begin to despair about my shortcomings. I can even fall into self-loathing at times. Help me remember and truly believe that the same Spirit who saved me by grace will complete your work in me by grace. I can be patient knowing that every day you are working in me to develop Christ-like character. And let me also be patient with others for the same reason. Lord, help me never to judge others or to be impatient with the character growth of others, knowing that you also work in them. Amen!

GREATER

SERENITY

INFLUENCE

COURAGE

JOY

PURPOSE

Find more free resources including video & audio of the GREATER series messages at www.tlc.org or download the Twin Lakes Church app

GREATER