The Shepherd's Gift

"My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever"  -- Psalm 23:5-6 / NKJV

The Word of God is clear:  Christ came in order that we might have life abundant and life eternal.  Eternal life is a priceless possession of all who invite Christ into their hearts, but God's abundance is optional.  He does not force it upon us.

When we entrust our hearts and our days to the One who created us, we experience abundance through the grace and sacrifice of His Son.  But, when we turn our thoughts and direct our energies away from God's commandments, we inevitably forfeit the spiritual abundance that might otherwise be ours.

Do you sincerely seek the riches that our Savior offers to those who give themselves to Him?  Then follow Him completely and obey Him without reservation.  When you do, you will receive the love and the abundance that He has promised.  Seek first the salvation that is available through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and then claim the joy, the peace, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd offers His sheep.

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Lord, thank You for the abundant life that is ours through Christ Jesus.  Guide us according to Your will, and help us to be a worthy servant in all that we say and do.  Give us courage, to claim the rewards You have promised, and when we do, let the glory be Yours

Solving Problems

"People who do what is right may have many problems, but the Lord will solve them all"

-- Psalm 34:19 / NCV

Life is an exercise in problem-solving.  The question is not whether we will encounter problems: the real question is how we will choose to address  them. When it comes to solving the problems of everyday living, we often know precisely what needs to be done, but we may be slow in doing it - especially if what needs to be done is difficult or uncomfortable for us.  So we put off till tomorrow what should be done today.

The words of Psalm 34 remind us that the Lord solves problems for "people who do what is right."  And usually, doing "what is right" means doing the uncomfortable work of confronting our problems sooner rather than later. So with no further ado, let the problem - solving begin ... now.

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"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems. Unsolvable without God's wisdom, that is"  -- Charles Swindoll

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Lord, sometimes our problems are simply too big for us, but they are never too big for You.  Let us turn our troubles over to You, Lord, and let us trust in You today and for all eternity.

First Things First

"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you"

-- Matthew 6:33 / NASB

Have you fervently asked God to help you prioritize your life?  Have you asked Him for guidance and for the courage to do the things that you know need to be done? If so, then you are continually inviting your Creator to reveal Himself in a variety of ways.  As a follower of Christ, you must do no less.

When you make God a full partner in every aspect of your life, He will lead you along the proper path:  His path.  When you allow God to reign over your heart, He will honor you with spiritual blessings that are simply too numerous to count.  So, as you plan for the day ahead, make God's will your ultimate priority.  When you do, your daily to-do list will take care of itself.

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"Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for. Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen but give us the determination to make the right things happen" -- Peter Marshall

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Lord, let Your priorities be our priorities.  Let Your will be our will.  Let Your Word be our guide, and let us grow in faith and in wisdom this day and every day to come.

So Many Temptations

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it"  -- 1 Corinthians 10:13 / NIV

This world is filled to the brim with temptations.  Some of these temptations are small; for instance, eating a second scoop of ice cream is tempting, but not very dangerous.  Other temptations, however, are not nearly so harmless. The devil is working 24/7 and he is causing pain and heartache in more ways than ever before.  Thankfully, in the battle against Satan, we are never alone.  God is always with us, and He gives us the power to resist temptation whenever we ask Him for the strength to do so.

In a letter to believers, Peter offered a stern warning, "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). As Christians, we must take that warning seriously, and we must behave accordingly.

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Lord, this world is filled with temptations, distractions, and frustrations. When we turn our thoughts away from You and Your Word, we suffer bitter consequences.  But, when we trust in Your commandments, we are safe. Direct our path far from the temptations of this world, this day and always.

No is an Answer

"He granted their request because they trusted in Him"  -- 1 Chronicles 5:20 / HCSB

God does answer our prayers.  He does not always answer our prayers as soon as we might like, and He does not always answer our prayers by saying "Yes." God is not an order - taker, and He is not some sort of cosmic vending machine.  Sometimes, even when we want something very badly, our loving Heavenly Father responds to our requests by saying, "No," and we must accept His answer, even if we do not understand it.

God answers prayers not only according to our wishes but also according to His master plan. We cannot know that plan, but we can know the Planner . . and we must trust His wisdom, His righteousness, and His love. Always.

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"Let's never forget that some of God's greatest mercies are His refusals. He says no in order that He may, in some way we cannot imagine, say yes. All His ways with us are merciful.  his meaning is always love"  -- Elisabeth Elliott

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Lord, Your Holy Word commands us to pray without ceasing.  Let us take everything to You.  When we are discouraged, let us pray.  And when we are joyful, let us offer up prayers of thanksgiving.  In all things great and small, at all times, whether happy or sad, let us seek Your wisdom and Your grace . . . in prayer.

Your Partnership with God

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing"  -- Psalm 100:1-2 / KJV

If you want to be successful, genuinely successful in the things that really matter, you need a partner.  That partner I am referring to, is God.  And the good news is this:  When you humbly and sincerely ask God become your partner, He will grant your request and transform your life.

Is your life a testimony to the personal relationship that you enjoy with your Heavenly Father?  Or have you compartmentalized your faith in a few hours on Sunday morning? If you genuinely wish to make God your fulltime partner, you must allow Him to reign over every aspect of your life and every day of your week.  When you do, you will be amazed at the things that the two of you, working together, can accomplish.

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"God wants us to serve Him with a willing spirit, one that would choose no other way"  -- Beth Moore

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Lord, today we come to You seeking  guidance. We will trust You to show us the path that we should take and we will try, as best we can, to follow in the footsteps of Your Son.

The Power of Prayer

"When a believing person prays, great things happen"  -- James 5:16 / NCV

"The power of prayer", these words are so familiar, yet sometimes we forget what they mean. Prayer is a powerful tool for communicating with our Creator; it is an opportunity to commune with  the Giver of all things good.  Prayer helps us find strength for today and hope for the future.  Prayer is not a thing to be taken lightly or to be used infrequently.

The quality of your spiritual life will be in direct proportion to the quality of your prayer life.  Prayer changes things, and it changes you.  Today, instead of turning things over in your mind, turn them over to God in prayer. Instead of worrying about your next decision, ask God to lead the way.  Pray constantly about things great and small. God is listening, and He wants to hear from you now.

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"Our prayers are the link between God's inexhaustible resources and people's needs. When  we intercede, we stand in the gap between the need and the satisfaction of that need"  -- Charles Stanley

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Lord, let us raise our hopes and our dreams, our worries and our fears to You.  Let us be a worthy example to family and friends, showing them the importance and the power of prayer. Let us take everything to You in prayer, and when we do, let us trust in Your answers.

A Dose of Laughter

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones" 

-- Proverbs 17:22 / NASB

Laughter is medicine for the soul, but sometimes, amid the stresses of the day, we forget to take our medicine. Instead of viewing our world with a mixture of optimism and humor, we allow worries and distractions to rob us of the joy that God intends for our lives.  Today, as you go about your daily activities, approach life with a smile and a chuckle.  After all, God created laughter for a reason, and our Father indeed knows best.  So laugh!

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"When you have good, healthy relationships with your family and friends you are more prompted to laugh and not to take yourself so seriously"  -- Dennis Swanberg

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Lord, laughter is your gift.  Today and every day that follows, put a smile on our face, and let us share that smile with all who cross our paths and let us laugh.

Celebrating Others

"Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing" 

-- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 / HCSB

Do you delight in the victories of others?  You should.  Each day provides countless opportunities to encourage others and to praise their good works.   When you do so, you not only spread  words of joy and happiness, you also obey the commandments of God's Holy Word.

As Christians, we are called upon to spread the Good News of Christ, and we are  also called to spread a message of encouragement and hope to this world.  Today, let us be cheerful Christians with smiles on our faces and encouraging words on our lips.  By blessing others, we also bless ourselves, and, at  the same time, we give honor to the One who gave His life for us.

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"You can't light another's path without casting light on your own"  -- John Maxwell

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Lord, let us celebrate the accomplishments of others.  Make us a source of genuine, lasting encouragement to our family and friends. And let our words and deeds be worthy of Your Son, the One who gives us strength and salvation, this day and for all eternity.

Caring For Your Family

"Now if anyone does not provide for his own relatives, and especially for his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" 

- 1 Timothy 5:8 / HCSB

The words of 1 Timothy are unambiguous:  if God has blessed us with families, then He expects us to care for them.  Sometimes, this profound responsibility seems daunting.  And sometimes, even for the most dedicated Christians, family life holds moments of frustration and disappointments.  But, for those who are lucky enough to live in the presence of a close knit, caring clan, the rewards far outweigh the demands.

No family is perfect, and neither is yours.  Despite the inevitable challenges of providing for your family, and despite the occasional hurt feelings of family life, your clan is God's gift to you. Give thanks to the Giver for the gift of family . . . and act accordingly.

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"The secret of a happy home life is that the members of the family learn to give and receive love" -- Billy Graham

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Lord, we are part of Your family and we praise You for your gifts and for Your love.  You have also blessed us with our earthly family and we pray for them, that they might be protected and blessed by You.  We know that some of us may not have an earthly family like others may have.  But if we are involved in a church, they are our family as  well.  Let us show love and acceptance for our family so that through us, they might come to know and to love You.

Our Thoughts Shape Us

"Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life"  -- Proverbs 4:23 / NCV

Our thoughts have the power to shape our lives - for better or worse.  Thoughts have the power to lift our spirits, to improve our circumstances, to enhance our self-esteem, and to strengthen our relationship with the Creator. But, our thoughts also have the power to cause us great harm if we focus too intently upon the negative aspects of our lives or ourselves.

When we allow negative thinking to hijack our emotions, we do harm to our friends, to our families, and to ourselves.  So we must guard our hearts against the negativity and cynicism that seems to have become the hallmark of this troubled generation.  This evening, think about things, and make your thoughts an offering to God.  Seek, by the things you think and the actions you take, to honor Him and serve Him.  He deserves no less.  And neither, for that matter, do you.

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Lord, keep our thoughts focused on Your love, Your power, Your promises, and Your Son.  When we are worried, we will turn to You for comfort; when we are weak, we will turn to You for strength; when we are troubled, we will turn to You for patience and perspective.  Help us guard our thoughts, so that we may honor You this week and everyday that comes our way.

The Source of All Comfort

"When doubt filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer"  -- Psalm 94:19 / NLT

In times of adversity, we are wise to remember the words of Jesus, who, when He walked on the water, reassured His disciples, saying, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid" (Matthew 14:27).  Then, with Christ on His throne - and with trusted friends and family members at our sides - we can face our fears with courage and with faith.

Are you facing a difficult challenge? If so, remember that no problem is too big for God - not even mine or yours.

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"Only be walking with God can we hope to find the path that leads to life"  -- John Eldredge

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Lord, let our plans and hopes be pleasing to You.  Let us live according to Your commandments. Direct our path far from the temptations and distractions of this world. And, let us discover Your will and follow it, this day and always.

God's Guidance

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths"  -- Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6 makes this promise to us:  If you acknowledge God's sovereignty over every aspect of your life, He will guide your path.  And, as you prayerfully consider the path that God intends for you to take, here are things you should do:  You should study His Word and be ever watchful for His signs.  You should associate with fellow believers who will encourage your spiritual growth.  You should listen carefully to that inner voice that speaks to you in the quiet moments of your daily devotionals. And you should be patient.  Your Heavenly Father may not always reveal Himself as quickly as you would like, but rest assured that God intends to use you in wonderful, unexpected ways.  Your challenge is to watch, to listen, to learn ... and to follow.

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"No journey is complete that does not lead through some dark valleys.  We can properly comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have been given by God"

-- Vance Havner

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Lord, when we are troubled, You comfort us.  When we are discouraged, You lift us up.  Whatever our circumstances, Lord, we will trust Your plan for our lives. And, when our family and friends are troubled, we will remind them of Your love, Your wisdom, and Your grace.

The Greatest Among Us

"Therefore, get your minds ready for action, being self-disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"

-- 1 Peter 1:13 / HCSB

Jesus teaches that the most esteemed men and women are not the leaders of society or the captains of industry  To the contrary, Jesus teaches that the greatest among us are those who choose to minister and to serve.

Today, you may feel the temptation to build yourself up to the eyes of your neighbors.  Resist that temptation.  Instead, serve your neighbors quietly and without fanfare.  Then, when you have done your best to serve your community and serve God, you can rest comfortably knowing that in the eyes of God you have achieved greatness.  And God's eyes, after all, are the only ones that really count.

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"God will open up places of service for you as He sees u are ready. Meanwhile, study the Bible and give yourself a chance to grow" -- Warren Wiersbe

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Lord, let us help others in every way that we can.  Jesus served others; we can too.  We will serve other people with our good deeds and with our prayers.  And we will give thanks for all those who help us.

Your Traveling Companion

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord"  -- 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 / NKJV

As you continue to seek God's purpose for your life, you will undoubtedly experience your fair share of disappointments, detours, false starts and failures.  When you do, don't become discouraged:  God is not finished with you yet.

The old saying is as true today as it was when it was first spoken:  "Life is a marathon, not a sprint." That's why wise travelers select a travelling companion who never tires and never falters. That partner, of course, is your Heavenly Father.  So pray as if everything depended upon God, ad work as if everything depended upon you. And trust God to do the rest.

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"Often God shuts a door in our face so that he can open  the door through where he wants us to go"  -- Catherine Marshall

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Lord, when we want to give up, help us remember how important it is to keep trying and when we are worried or upset, help us remember to talk to You.

The Chains of Perfectionism

"He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap"  -- Ecclesiastes 11:4 / NASB

When you think about the media, they deliver a endless stream of messages that tell you how to look, how to behave, and how to dress.  The media's expectations are impossible to meet - God's are not.  God does not expect perfection - and neither should you.

If you find yourself bound up by the chains of perfectionism, it is time to ask yourself who you are trying to impress, and why.  If you are trying to impress other people, it is time to reconsider your priorities.  Your first responsibility is to the Heavenly Father who created you and to His Son who saved you. Then, you bear a powerful responsibility to your family. But, when it comes to meeting society's unrealistic expectations, forget it!  After all, pleasing God is simply a matter of obeying His commandments and accepting His Son. But as for pleasing everybody else? That's impossible!

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Lord, this world has so many expectations of us, but today we will not seek to meet the world's expectations; we will do our best to meet Your expectations. We will make You our ultimate priority.  Lord, by serving You, by praising You, by loving You, and by obeying You.

At Peace With Your Purpose

"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace"  -- Ephesians 2:13,14 / NKJV

Are you at peace with the direction of your life? If you are a Christian, you should be.  Perhaps you seek a new direction or a sense of renewed purpose, but those feelings should never rob you of the genuine peace that can and should be yours through a personal relationship with Jesus.

Have you found the lasting peace that can be yours through Jesus, or are you still rushing after the illusion of "peace and happiness" that our world promises but cannot deliver? Today, as a gift to yourself, to your family, and to your friends, claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright:  the peace of Jesus Christ.

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"That peace, which has been described and which believers enjoy, is a participation of the peace which their glorious Lord and Master himself enjoys"

-- Jonathan Edwards

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Lord, let us accept the peace and abundance that You offer through Your Son Jesus.  You are the Giver of all things good, and You give us peace when we draw close to You.  Help us to trust Your will, to follow Your commands, and to accept Your peace, today and forever.

Aim At Heaven, Not The World

"Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world,  the love of the Father is not in him"  -- 1 John 2:15 / NKJV

If you wish to possess a comfortable conscience and a peaceful soul, you must distance yourself, at least in part, from the temptations and distractions of modern-day society.  But distancing yourself is not easy, especially when so many societal forces are struggling to capture your attention, your participation, and your money.

C,S. Lewis said, "Aim at Heaven and you will get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you will get neither." That's good advice. You are likely to hit what you aim at, so aim high . . . aim at Heaven.  When you do, you will be strengthening your character as you improve every aspect of your life. And God will demonstrate His approval as He showers you with more spiritual blessings than you can count.

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"Christians don't fail to live as they should because they are in the world; they fail because the world has gotten into them"  -- Billy Graham

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Lord, when we look to the world for approval, we suffer.  But, when we look to You for approval, we are blessed.  Today, help us focus less on the world and more on You. Amen.

The Prince of Peace

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid"  -- John 14:27 / NKJV

 

Have you found the genuine peace that can be yours through Jesus Christ?  Or are you still rushing after the illusion of "peace and happiness" that the world promises but cannot deliver?  The beautiful words of John 14:27 remind us that Jesus offers us peace, not as the world gives, but as He alone gives. Our challenge is to accept Christ's peace into our hearts and then, as best we can, to share His peace with our neighbors.

 

Today, as a gift to yourself, to your family and to your friends, claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright:  the peace of Jesus Christ.  it is offered freely; it has been paid for in full, it is yours for the asking. So ask. And then, share!

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"God's peace is like a river, not a pond. In other words, a sense of health and well-being, both of which are expressions of the Hebrew shalom, can permeate our homes even when we are in white water rapids"  -- Beth Moore

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Lord, we will open our hearts to You.  And we thank You, Lord, for your peace, and for Your Son.

God's Plan For Your Family

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who builds it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchmen stays awake in vain" -- Psalm 127:1 / NKJV

 

As you consider God's purpose for your own life, you must also consider how your plans will effect the most important people that God has entrusted to your care: your loved ones.

 

A loving family is a treasure from God.  If you happen to be a member of a close knit, supportive clan, offer a words of thanks to your Creator.  He has blessed you with one of His most precious earthly possessions.  Your obligation, in response to God's gift, is to treat your family in ways that are consistent with His commandments.  So, as you prayerfully seek God's direction, remember that He has important plans for your home life as well as your professional life.  It is up to you to act and to plan accordingly.

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"Loving life with a consistent spiritual walk deeply influences those we love most" 

-- Vonette Bright

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Lord, You have given us a family that cares for us and loves us.  Whether that is your immediate family or your brothers and sisters in Christ.  Thank You, Father.  Let us love all the members of our family despite their imperfections, and let them love us despite ours.

Sharing The Good News

"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel - not with clever words, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its effect"
-- 1 Corinthians 1:17 / HCSB

 

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul offers a message to believers of every generation when he writes, "God has not given us a spirit of timidity."  Paul's meaning is crystal clear:  When sharing our testimony, we, as Christians, must be courageous, forthright and unashamed.

 

We live in a world that desperately needs the healing message of Christ Jesus.  Every believer, each in his or her own way, bears a personal responsibility for sharing the message.  If you are a believer in Christ, you know how He has touched your heart and changed your life.  Now it is your turn to share the Good News with others.  And remember: today is the perfect time to share your testimony because tomorrow may quite simply be too late.

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"If we can love folks the way they are, we have a greater chance of winning them to the kingdom"  -- Dennis Swanberg

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Lord, the life that we live and the words that we speak will tell the world how we feel about You.  Today and every day, let our testimony be worthy of You.  Let our words be sure and true, and let our actions point others to You.

Being Patient With Ourselves

"Knowing God leads to self-control.  Self-control leads to patient endurance and patient endurance leads to godliness"  -- 2 Peter 1:6 / NLT

 

Being patient with other people can be difficult.  But sometimes, we find it even more difficult to be patient with ourselves. We have high expectations and lofty goals.  We want to accomplish things now, not later. And, of course, we want our lives to unfold according to our own timetables, not God's.

 

Throughout the Bible, we are instructed that patience is the companion of wisdom.  God's message, then, is clear: we must be patient with all people, beginning with that particular person who stares back at us each time we gaze into the mirror.

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"Be patient.  God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow.  He is equipping you.  The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit"
-- Max Lucado

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Lord, You have been so patient with us, and we praise You for Your forgiveness. Let us be patient with ourselves, Father, even when we fall short of our own expectations.  You have forgiven us, Lord - now we must forgive ourselves.

Quality Time

"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" 
-- Psalm 90:12 / NKJV

Make no mistake:  caring for your family requires time - lots of time.  You have probably heard about "quality time" and "quantity time." Your family needs both.  So, as a responsible Christian, you should willingly invest large quantities of your time and energy in the care and nurturing of your clan.

While caring for your family, you should do your best to ensure that God remains squarely at the center of your household.  When you do, God will bless you and yours in ways that you could scarcely imagine.

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"Never give your family the leftovers and crumbs of your time"  --  Charles Swindoll

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Father, help us to treasure those moments that we spend with our family and let us demonstrate, through our words and our actions, how much love we feel in our hearts for them, 

Being An Optimistic Christian

"Make me hear joy and gladness"  -- Psalm 51:8 / NKJV

To be a pessimistic Christian is a contradiction in terms, yet sometimes even the most devout Christians fall prey to fear, doubt and discouragement.  But, God has a different plan for our lives. The comforting words of the 23rd Psalm remind us of God's blessings.  In response to His grace, we should arrive to focus our thoughts on things that are pleasing to Him, not upon things that are evil, discouraging or frustrating.

So, the next time you find yourself mired in the pit of pessimism, remember God's Word and redirect your thoughts.  This world is God's creation; look for the best in it, and trust Him to take care of the rest.

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"Keep your feet on the ground, but let your heart soar as high as it will.  Refuse to be average or to surrender to the chill of our spiritual environment"

-- A. W. Tozer

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Lord, give us faith, optimism, and hope. Let us expect the best from You, and let us look for the best in others. Let us trust You, Lord, to direct our lives. And, let us be Your faithful, hopeful, optimistic servant every day that we live.

Glorious Opportunities

"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity" -- Colossians 4:5 / NASB

Are you excited about  the opportunities that this week could bring and thrilled by the possibilities of this weekend? Do you confidently expect God to lead you to a place of abundance, peace, and joy?  And, when your days on earth are over, do you expect to receive the priceless gift of eternal life?  If you trust God's promises, and if you have welcomed God's Son into your heart, then you believe that your future is intensely and eternally bright.

This week as you prepare to meet the duties of everyday life, pause and consider God's promises.  And then think for a moment about the wonderful future that awaits all of us.  Trust that promise, and celebrate the life of abundance and eternal joy that is now yours through Christ.

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"With the right attitude and a willingness to pay the price, almost anyone can pursue nearly any opportunity and achieve it"  -- John Maxwell

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Lord, as we take the next steps on our life's journey, let us take them with You.  Whatever the next several days brings to us, we thank You for the opportunity to live  abundantly.  Let us lean upon You, Father - and trust You - this night and for the days to come.

New Beginnings

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you"  -- Ezekiel 36:26 / HCSB

If we sincerely want to change ourselves for the better, we must start on the inside and work our way out from there.  Lasting change does not occur ""out there"; it occurs "in here."  It occurs, not in the shifting sands of our own particular circumstances, but in quiet depths of our own hearts.

Are you in search of a new beginning or, for that matter, a new you?  If so, do not expect changing circumstances to miraculously transform you into the person you want to become. Transformation starts with God, and it starts in the silent center of a humble human heart - like yours.

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"If we trust God and depend on His grace, we can grow in personal character as we going through trials" -- Warren Wiersbe

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Lord, conform us to Your image. Create in us a new heart - a heart that reflects the love that You lavish upon us.  When we need to change, Lord, change us, and make us new again.

The Lessons of Tough Times

"I waited patiently for the Lord, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help.  He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God"  -- Psalm 40:1-3 / HCSB

Have you experienced a recent setback?  If so, look for the lesson that God is trying to teach you.  Instead of complaining about life's sad state of affairs, learn what needs to be learned, change what needs to be changed, and move on.  View failure as an opportunity to reassess God's will for your life. View life's inevitable disappointments as opportunities to learn more about yourself and your world. 

Life can be difficult at times.  And everybody makes mistakes. Your job is to make them only once.

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"Lord, when we are wrong, make us willing to change; and when we are right, make us easy to live with"  -- Peter Marshall

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Lord, we know that we are imperfect and that we fail You in many ways.  Thank You for Your forgiveness and for Your unconditional love.  Show us the error of our ways, Lord, that we might confess our wrongdoing and correct our mistakes. And, let us grow each day in wisdom, in faith, and in our love for You.

Faith to Share

"This and this only has been my appointed work:  getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth"

-- 1 Timothy 2:7 / MSG

Genuine faith never meant to be locked up in the heart of a believer; to the contrary, it is meant to be shared with the world.  But, if you sincerely seek to share your faith, you must first find it.

When a suffering woman sought healing by merely touching the hem of His cloak, Jesus replied, "Daughter, be of good comfort; your faith has healed you" (Matthew 9:22).  The message to believers of every generation is clear:  live by faith every day.

How can you strengthen your faith? Through praise, through worship, through Bible study, and through prayer.  And , as your faith becomes stronger, you will find ways to share it with your friends, your family and with the world.

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"Our faith grows by expression.  If we want to keep our faith, we must share it.  We must act" -- Billy Graham

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Lord, help us to be people whose faith is evident to our family and friends.  Help us to remember that You are always near and that You can overcome any challenge.  With Your love and Your power, Lord, we will live courageously and share our faith with others, today and every day.

Standing Up for Your Faith

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong"  -- 1 Corinthians 16:13 / NKJV

Are you a person whose faith is obvious to your family and to the world, or are you a spiritual shrinking violet? God needs more people who are willing to stand up and be counted for Him.

Genuine faith is never meant to be locked up in the heart of a believer; to the contrary, it is meant to be shared. And a person who wishes to share God's Good News with the world should begin by sharing that message with friends and family members.

Through every triumph and tragedy, God will stand by your side and strengthen you . . . if you have faith in Him. Jesus taught His disciples that if they had faith, they could move mountains. You can too, and so can your family . . . if you have faith.
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"Hope must be in the future tense. Faith, to be faith, must always be in the present tense"
-- Catherine Marshall
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Lord, make us Your obedient, faithful, servants. You are with us always. Give us faith and let us remember that with Your love and Your power, we can live courageously and faithfully today and every day to come.

The Greatest of These

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love"  -- 1 Corinthians 13:13 / NKJV

The beautiful words of 1st Corinthians 13 remind us that love is God's commandment:  Faith is important, of course.  So, too, is hope.  But, love is more important still.  We are commanded (not advised, not encouraged ... commanded!) to love one another just as Christ loved us (John 13:34).  That's a tall order, but as Christians, we are obligated to follow it.

Christ showed His love for us on the cross, and we are called upon to return Christ's love by sharing it.  Today, let us spread Christ's love to families, friends, and even strangers, so that through us, others might come to know Him.
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"It is important to know that you have to work to keep love alive; you have to protect it and maintain it, just like you would a delicate flower"

-- James Dobson
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Lord, love is Your commandment.  Help us always to remember that the gift of love is a precious gift indeed.  Let us nurture love and treasure it, today and forever.

What Kind of Example?

"In all thing show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified ... " 

-- Titus 2:7 / NASB

What kind of example are you? Are you the kind of person whose life serves as a powerful example of decency and morality? Are you a person whose behavior serves as a positive role model for others? Are you the kind of person whose actions, day in and day out, are based upon integrity, fidelity and a love for the Lord?  If so, you are not only blessed by God, you are also a powerful force for good in a world that desperately needs positive influences such as yours.

Phillips Brooks once said, "Be such a man, and live such a life, that if every man were such as you, and every life a life like yours, this earth would be God's Paradise."  And that's sound advice because our families and friends are watching us . . . and so, for that matter, is God.
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"A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine"  -- D. L. Moody
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Lord, make us a worthy example to our family and friends.  And let our words and our actions show people how our lives have been changed by You.  We will praise You, Father, by following in the footsteps of Your Son.  Let others see Him through us.

The Miracle Worker

Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father" -- John 10:32 / HCSB

God is a miracle worker.  Throughout history He has intervened in the course of human events in ways that cannot be explained by science or human rationale. And He is still doing it today.

God's miracles are not limited to special occasions, nor are they witnessed by a select few. God is crafting His wonders all around us:  the miracle of the birth of a new baby; the miracle of a world renewing itself with every sunrise; the miracle of lives transformed by God's love and grace.  Each day, God's handiwork is evident for all to see and experience.

Today, seize the opportunity to inspect God's hand at work. His miracles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so keep your eyes and your hearts open.  Be watchful, and you will soon be amazed.
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"Throughout history, when God's people found themselves facing impossible odds, they reminded themselves of God's limitless power" -- Bill Hybels
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Lord, absolutely nothing is impossible for You.  Let us trust in Your power and in Your miracles. When we lose hope, give us faith; when others lose hope, let us tell them of your glorious works.  Today, Lord, keep us mindful that You are a God of infinite possibilities and infinite love.

Love Is A Choice

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" 
-- 1 John 4:11 / NKJV

Love is always a choice. Sometimes, of course, we may "fall in love," but it takes work to stay there.  Sometimes, we may be "swept off our feet," but the "sweeping" is only temporary; sooner or later if love is to endure, one must plant one's feet firmly on the ground.  The decision to love another person for a lifetime is much more than the simple process of "falling in" or being "swept up." It requires "reaching out," "holding firm," and "lifting up."  Love, then, becomes a decision to honor and care for the other person, come what may.

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"How do you spell love?  When you reach the point where the happiness, security, and development of another person is as much of a driving force to you as your own happiness, security and development, then you have a mature love. True love is spelled G-I-V-E"  -- Josh McDowell

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Lord, You have given us the gift of love; let us share that gift with others. And, keep us mindful that the essence of love is not to receive it, but to give it, today and forever. 

Taking Time to Ask

"He granted their request because they trusted in Him" -- 1 Chronicles 5:20/ HCSB

Sometimes, amid the demands and frustrations of everyday life, we forget to slow ourselves down long enough to talk with God.  Instead of turning our thoughts and prayers to Him, we rely upon our own resources.  Instead of praying for strength and courage, we seek to manufacture it within ourselves.  Instead of asking God for guidance, we depend only on our own limited wisdom.  The results of such behaviors are unfortunate and, on occasion, tragic.

Are you in need?  Ask God to sustain you.  Are you troubled? Take your worries to Him in prayer.  Are you weary?  Seek God's strength.  In all things great and small, seek God's wisdom and His grace.  He hears your prayers, and He will answer. All you must do is ask!

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"God's help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it" -- Max Lucado

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Lord, when we have questions or fears, let us turn to you. When we are weak, let us seek Your strength. When we are discouraged, keep us mindful of Your love and Your grace.  In all things, let us seek Your will and Your way, today and forever. 

Problems in Perspective

"It's important to look at things from God's point of view" -- 1 Corinthians 4:6 / MSG

If a temporary loss of perspective has left you worried, exhausted, or both, it is time to readjust your thought patterns. Negative thoughts are habit-forming; thankfully, so are positive ones. With practice, you can form the habit of focusing on God's priorities and your possibilities. When you do, you will soon discover that you will spend less time fretting about your challenges and more time praising God for His gifts.

When you call upon the Lord and prayerfully seek His will, He will give you wisdom and perspective. When you make God's priorities your priorities, He will direct your steps and calm your fears.  So today and every day hereafter, pray for a sense of balance and perspective. And remember: no problems are too big for God - and that includes yours!

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"Earthly fears are no fears at all.  Answer the big question of eternity, and the little questions of life fall into perspective" -- Max Lucado

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Lord, sometimes, the world's perspective can lead us astray. Help us, Lord, to see the world through Your eyes.  Give us guidance and wisdom. And keep us every mindful, Father, that Your realty is the ultimate reality, and that Your truth is the ultimate truth, now and forever

Never-Ending Love

"And we have this command from Him; the one that loves God must also love his brother"  -- 1 John 4:21 / HCSB

C.W. Lewis observed, "A man's spiritual health is exactly the proportional to his love for God."  If we are to enjoy the spiritual health that God intends for us, we must praise Him,  we must love Him, and we must obey Him.

When we worship God faithfully and obediently, we invite His love into our hearts.  When we truly worship God, we allow Him to rule over our days and our lives.  In turn, we grow to love God even more deeply as we sense His love for us.  Today, open your heart to the Father.  And let your obedience be a fitting  response to His never-ending love.

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"I love Him because He first loved me, and He still does love me, and He will love me forever and ever"  -- Bill Bright

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Lord, You have blessed us with a love that is infinite and eternal.  Let us love You, Lord, more and more each day.  Make us a loving servant, Father, today and throughout eternity. And, let us show our love for You by sharing Your message and your love with others.

Nourished by the Word

"You will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed"

-- 1 Timothy 4:6 / HCSB

Do you read your Bible a lot . . . or not?  The answer to this simple question will determine, to a surprising extent, the quality of your life and the direction of your faith. 

As you establish priorities for life, you must decide whether God's Word will be a bright spotlight that guides your path every day or a tiny nightlight that occasionally flickers in the dark.  The decision to study the Bible - or not - is yours and yours alone. But make no mistake - how you choose to study the Bible will have a profound impact on you and your loved ones.

The Bible is the ultimate guide for life; make it your guidebook as well.  When you do, you can be comforted in the knowledge that your steps are guided by a Source of wisdom and truth that never fails.

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"Some read the Bible to learn, and some read the Bible to hear from Heaven" -- Andrew Murray

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Lord, You have given us instructions for life here on earth and for life eternal. We will use the Bible as our guide.  We will study it and meditate upon it as we trust You, Lord, to speak to us through your Holy Word.

Cheerfulness 101

"A happy heart is like a continual feast" -- Proverbs 15:15 / NCV

Few things in life are more sad than someone who is consistently grumpy.  Christ promises us lives of abundance and joy, but He does not force His joy upon us.  We must claim His joy for ourselves, and when we do, Jesus, in turn, fills our spirit with His power and His love.

How can we receive from Christ the joy that is rightfully ours?  By giving Him what is rightfully His:  our hearts and our souls.  When we earnestly commit ourselves to the Savior of mankind, when we place Jesus at the center of our lives and trust Him as our personal Savior, He will transform us, not just for today, but for all eternity.  Then we, as God's children, can share Christ's joy and His message with a world that needs both.

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"If His presence does not cheer you, surely Heaven itself would not make you glad; for what is Heaven but the full enjoyment of His love"

-- C. H. Spurgeon

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Lord, You have given us so many reasons to be happy and we want to be a cheerful Christian.  Today and every day, we will do our best to share our happiness with our family and our friends

Strength For The Day

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" -- Philippians 4:13 / KJV

Have you made God the cornerstone of your life, or is he relegated to a few hours on Sunday morning? Have you genuinely allowed God to reign over every corner of your heart, or have you attempted to place Him in a spiritual compartment?  The answers to these questions will determine the direction of your day and your life.

God loves you.  In times of trouble, He will comfort you; in times of sorrow, He will dry your tears. When you are weak or sorrowful, God is as near as your next breath. He stands at the door of your heart and waits. Welcome Him in and allow Him to rule.  And then, accept the peace, and the strength, and the protection, and the abundance that only God can give.

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"The God we seek is a God who is intrinsically righteous and who will be so forever. With His example and His strength, we can share in that righteousness"

-- Bill Hybels

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Lord, sometimes life is difficult.  Sometimes, we are worried, weary or discouraged.  Life can be a struggle, but, when we lift our eyes to You, Lord, You strengthen us.  Today, we will turn to You, for strength, for hope, and for salvation.

With You Always

"You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures"  -- Psalm 16:11 / HCSB

Do you ever wonder if God is really here with us?  If so, you are not the first person to think such a thought.  In fact, some of the biggest heroes in the Bible had their doubts - and so, perhaps, will you.  But when questions arise and doubts begin to creep into your mind, remember this:  You can talk with God any time.  In fact, He's right here, right now, listening to your thoughts and prayers, watching over your every move.

Sometimes you will allow yourself to become very busy and that is when you may be tempted to ignore God. But, when you quiet yourself long enough to acknowledge His presence, God will touch your heart and restore your spirits. By the way, He's ready to talk right now.  Are you?

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"What a comfort to know that God is present there in your life, available to meet every situation with you, that you are never left to face any problem alone"

-- Vonette Bright

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Lord, You are with us when we are strong and when we are weak.  You never leave our side, even when it seems to us that You are far away.  Today and every day, let us trust Your promises and let us feel Your love.

The Importance of Prayer

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God"

-- Philippians 4:6 / NKJV

Prayer is a powerful tool for communicating with our Creator.  It is an opportunity to commune with the Giver of all things good.  Prayer is not a thing to be taken lightly or to be used infrequently.  Prayer should never be reserved for mealtimes or for bedtimes; it should be an ever-present focus in our daily lives.

In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul wrote, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks for this is  the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (5:17-18, NKJV).  Paul's words apply to every Christian of every generation. So, let us pray constantly about things great and small.  God is listening, and He wants to hear from us. Now.

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"Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things"  -- Andrew Murray

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Lord, we will open our hearts to You. We will take our concerns, our fears, our plans and our hopes to You in prayer. And, then, we will trust the answers that You give.  You are our loving Father, and we will accept Your will for our lives.

Mid-Course Corrections

"The wise see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get into trouble" 

-- Proverbs 27:12 / NCV

In our fast-paced world, everyday life has become an exercise to managing change.  Our circumstances change; our relationships change; our bodies change.  We grow older every day, as does our world.  Thankfully, God does not change. He is eternal, as are the truths that are found in His Holy Word.  Are you facing one of life's inevitable "mid-course corrections"?  If so, you must place your faith, your trust and your life in the hands of the One who does not change:  your Heavenly Father.  He is the unmoving rock upon which you must construct this day and every day. When you do, you are secure.

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"Sometimes your medicine bottle says, 'Shake well before using.' That is what God has to do with some of his people. He has to shake them well before that are usable" -- Vance Havner

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Lord, when the world seems to be spinning out of control, we will turn to You. We will trust Your wisdom.  We will trust Your plans for our lives and we will trust Your Son, this day and everyday.

A Book Unlike Any Other

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes"  -- Romans 1:16 / HCSB

God's Word is unlike any other book.  A.W. Tozer wrote, "The purpose of the Bible is to bring men to Christ, to make them holy and prepare them for Heaven.  In this it is unique among books, and it always fulfills its purpose."  George Mueller observed, "The vigor of our spiritual lives will be in exact proportions to the place held by the Bible in our lives and in our thoughts."  As Christians, we are called upon to study God's Holy Word and then to share it with the world.

The Bible is a priceless gift, a tool for Christians to use as they share the Good News of their Savior, Christ Jesus.  Too many, however, keep their spiritual tool kits tightly closed and out of sight.  Jonathan Edwards advised, "Be assiduous in reading the Holy Scriptures.  This is the fountain whence all knowledge in divinity must be derived.  Therefore let not this treasure lie by your neglected."  God's Holy Word is, indeed, a priceless, one-of-a-kind treasure.  Handle it with care, but, more importantly, handle it every day.

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Lord, the Bible is Your gift to us.  Let us use it, let us trust it, and let us obey it, today and every day that we live.

Behavior That Is Consistent With Your Beliefs

"If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong" -- Romans 14:23 / MSG

In describing our beliefs, our actions are far better descriptions than our words.  Yet far too many of us spend more energy talking about our beliefs than living by them - with predictably poor results.  As believers, we must beware:  Our actions should always give credence to the changes that Christ can make in the lives of those who walk with Him.

Your beliefs shape your values, and your values shape your life.  Is your life a clearly-crafted picture book of your creed?  Are your actions always consistent with your beliefs?  Are you willing to practice the philosophies that you preach?  Hopefully so; otherwise, you'll be tormented by inconsistencies between your beliefs and your behavior.

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"More depends on my walk than my talk"  -- D. L. Moody

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Lord, it is so much easier to speak of the righteous life than it is to live it.  Let us live righteously and let our actions be consistent with our beliefs.  Let every step that we take reflect Your truth, and let us live a life that is worthy of Your Son.

Forgive: It's God's Way

"And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ"  -- Ephesians 4:32 / HCSB

To forgive others is difficult.  Being frail, fallible, imperfect human beings, we are quick to anger, quick to blame, slow to forgive, and even slower to forget.  Forgiveness, no matter how difficult, is God's way, and it must be our way, too.

God's commandments are not intended to be customized for the particular whims of particular believers.  God's word is not a menu from which each of us may select items a la carte, according to our own desires. Far from it. God's Holy Word is a book that must be taken in its entirety; all of God's commandments are to be taken seriously. And so it is worth forgiveness.  So, if you hold bitterness against even a single person, forgive.  Then, to the best of your abilities, forget. It's God's way for you to live.

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"Looking back over my life, all I can see is mercy and grace written in large letters everywhere. May God help me have the same kind of heart toward those who wound or offend me"  -- Jim Cymbala

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Lord, genuine forgiveness is difficult. Help us to forgive those who have injured us, and deliver us from the traps of anger and bitterness.  Forgiveness is Your way, Lord; let it be ours.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord"  -- 1 Corinthians 1:9 / NKJV

God is faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him.  God keeps His promises to us even when we stray far from His will.  He continues to love us even when we disobey His commandments.  But God does not force His blessings upon us. If we are to experience His love and His grace, we must claim them for ourselves.

Are you tired, discouraged, or fearful? Be comforted: God is with you. Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father.  Are you bitter? Talk with God and seek His guidance.  Are you celebrating a great victory? Thank God and praise Him.  He is the Giver of all things good. In whatever condition you find yourself, trust God and be comforted.  The Father is with you now and forever.

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"The God of the galaxies is the God who knows when your heart is broken - and He can heal it" -- Warren Wiersbe

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Your faithfulness, Lord, is everlasting.  You are faithful to us even when we are not faithful to You.  Today, let us serve You with our heart, our soul, and our mind. And, then, let us rest in the knowledge of Your constant love for us.

Lessons to Learn

"Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him"  -- Psalm 11:10 / New Living Translation

Whether you are twenty-one or a hundred and twenty, you still have a lot to learn.  Even if you are very wise, God isn't finished with you yet, and he isn't finished teaching you important lessons about life here on earth and life eternal.

God does not intend for you to remain stuck in one place, far from it!  God wants you to continue growing as a person and as a Christian every day that you live  And make no mistake:  Both spiritual and intellectual growth are possible during every stage of life, during the happiest days or the hardest ones.

Your Bible contains powerful prescriptions for overcoming tough times.  When you study God's Word and live according to His scriptures, adversity becomes a practical instruction.  While you are enduring difficult days, you learn lessons you simply could not have leaned any other way.  And when you learn these lessons, you will serve as a shining example to  your friends, to your family and to the world.

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Lord, let us listen carefully to You.  When we listen we learn.  Let us become a better listener today that we were yesterday, and let us become an even better listener tomorrow

A Passion for Life

"But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint"

-- Isaiah 40:31 / Holman Christian Standard Bible

Are you enthusiastic about your faith? Hopefully so.  But if your zest for life has waned, it is now time to redirect your efforts and recharge your spiritual batteries. And that means refocusing your priorities (by putting God first) and counting your blessings (instead of your troubles).

Nothing is more important than your wholehearted commitment to your Creator and to His only-begotten Son. Your faith must never be an afterthought; it must be your ultimate priority, your ultimate possession, and your ultimate passion.  When you become passionate about your faith, you will become passionate about your life, too.  And God will smile.

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"If your heart has grown cold, it is because you have moved away from the fire of His presence" -- Beth Moore

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Lord, if the obligations of the day leave us exhausted or discouraged, we will turn to You for strength and for renewal.  When we follow Your will for our lives, You will renew our enthusiasm.  Let Your will be our will, Lord, and let us find strength and courage in You.

A Self-fulfilling Prophecy

"May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose"  -- Psalm 20:4 / New King James Version

The self-fulfilling prophecy is alive, well, and living at your house.  If you trust God and have faith for the future, your optimistic beliefs will give you direction and motivation.  That is one reason that you should never lose hope, but certainly not the only reason.  The primary reason that you should never lose hope, is because of God's unfailing promises.

Make no mistake about it - thoughts are powerful things; your thoughts have the power to lift you up or to hold you down.  When you acquire the habit of hopeful thinking, you will have acquired a powerful tool for improving your life.  So if you fall into the habit of negative thinking, think again.  After all, God's Word teaches us that Christ can overcome every difficulty (John 16:35). And when God makes a promise, He keeps it.
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"Everything that is done in the world is done by hope" -- Martin Luther
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Lord, make us hope-filled.  If we become discouraged, let us turn to You.  If we grow weary, let us seek strength in You.  In every aspect of our lives, we will trust You, today and forever.

Infinite Possibilities

"Is anything too hard for the LORD?"  --  Genesis 18:14 / King James Version

Sometimes, because of limited faith and limited understanding, we wrongly assume that God cannot or will not intervene in the affairs of mankind. Such assumptions are simply wrong.  Are you afraid to ask God to do big things in your life? Is your faith threadbare and worn? If so, it is time to abandon your doubts and reclaim your faith in God's promises.

God's Word makes it clear:  absolutely nothing is impossible for the Lord.  And since the Bible means what it says, you can be comforted in the knowledge that the Creator of the universe can do miraculous things in your own life and in the lives of your loved ones.  Your challenge, as a believer, is to take God at His Word, and to expect the miraculous. 

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"So God's patience is His power over Himself.  Great is that God who, having all power, yet keeps all power subject to Himself"  - Jim Elliot

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Lord, nothing is impossible for You, keep us always mindful of Your strength.  When we lose hope, give us faith; when others lose hope, let us tell them of Your glory and Your works.  Today, Lord, let us expect the miraculous, and let us trust in You.

Faith That Moves Mountains

"I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'Go, fall into the sea.' And if you have no doubts in your mind and believe that what you say will happen, God will do it for you" 

-- Mark 11:23 / New Century Version

Because we live in a demanding world, all of us have mountains to climb and mountains to move.  Moving those mountains requires faith.  Are you a mountain mover whose faith is evident for all to see?  Hopefully so. God needs more men and women who are willing to move mountains for His glory and for His kingdom.

God walks with you, ready and willing to strengthen you. Accept His strength today.  And remember, Jesus taught His disciples that if they had faith, they could move mountains. You can too, so with no further ado, let the mountain-moving begin!

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"Faith is a strong power, mastering any difficulty in the strength of the Lord who made Heaven and earth"  -- Corrie ten Boom

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Lord, we want a faith that moves mountains.  You are big God with big plans for this world and for us.  Help us to dream big and be ready for a mountain moving day.

To God Be the Glory

"Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble"

 -- 1 Peter 5:5 / Holman Christian Standard Bible

As Christians, we have a profound reason  to be humble.  We have been refashioned and saved by Jesus Christ, and that salvation came not because of our own good works but because of God's grace.  Thus, we are not "self-made"; we are "God-made" and "Christ-saved."  How, then, can we be boastful?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "It is very easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements in comparison with what we owe others."  In other words, reality breeds humility. So, instead of putting out your chest and saying, "Look at me!", give credit where credit is due, starting with God. And, rest assured: There is no such thing as a self-made man. All of us are made by God . . . and He deserves the glory, not us.

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"The one true way of dying to self is the way of patience, meekness, humility, and resignation to God" -- Andre Murray

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Lord, it is the nature of mankind to be prideful, and we are no exception. When we are boastful, keep us mindful that all our gifts come from You. Let us grow beyond our need for earthly praise, God, and let us look only to You for approval.

Finding Hope

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world"

-- John 16:33 / New King James Version

There are few sadder sights on earth than the night of a person who has lost all hope. In difficult times, hopecan be elusive, but Christians need never lose it. After all, God is good.  His love endures ; He has promised His children the gift of eternal life.

If you find yourself falling into the spiritual traps of worry and discouragement, consider the words of Jesus.  It was Christ who promised, "In the word you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  This world is indeed a place of trials and tribulations, but as believers, we are secure. God has promised us peace, joy and eternal life.

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"God is the only one who can make the valley of trouble a door of hope" -- Catherine Marshall

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Lord, let our hopes always reside in You.  If we become discouraged, let us turn to You. If we grown tired, let us find strength in You. You are our Father, and we will place our faith, our trust, and our hopes in You.

A Sacrificial Love

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep"  -- John 10:11 / New American Standard Bible

How much does Christ love us? More than we, as mere mortals, can comprehend.  His love is perfect and steadfast.  Even though we are imperfect and stubborn, the Shepherd cares for us still.  Even though we have fallen far short of the Father's commandments, Christ loves us with a power and a depth  that is beyond our understanding. The sacrifice that Jesus made upon the cross was made for each of us, and His love endures for eternity.

Christ's love changes everything. When you accept His gift of grace, you are transformed, not only for today, but also for eternity.  If you have not already done so, accept Jesus Christ as your Savior.  He is waiting patiently for you to invite Him into your heart.  Please don't make Him wait a single minute longer.

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"Sacrificial love, is love that is willing to go to any lengths to provide for the well-being of  the beloved" -- Ed Young

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Lord, we are humbled by Your love and mercy. You went to Calvary so that we might have eternal life. Thank You, Jesus, for your priceless gift, and for Your love. You loved us first, Lord, and we will return Your love today and forever.

Taking Up The Cross

Then He said to them all, "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me"   -- Luke 9:23 / Holman Christian Standard Bible

When we have been saved by Christ, we can, if we choose, become passive Christians. We can sit back, secure in our own salvation, and let other believers spread the healing message of Jesus. But to do so is wrong. Instead, we are commanded to become disciples of the One who has saved us, and to do otherwise is a sin of omission with terrible consequences.

When Jesus addressed His disciples, He warned them that each one must, take up their cross daily and follow Him. His message was very clear. In order to follow Him, His disciples had to deny themselves and trust Him completely. Nothing has changed since then.

Do you seek to fulfill God's purpose for your own life? If so, then follow Christ. Follow Him by picking up His cross today and every day that you live. Then, you will quickly discover that Christ's love has the power to change everything, including you!

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Help us, O Lord, to understand what cross we are to bear this day. Give us the strength and the courage to carry that cross along the path of Your choosing so that we may be a worthy disciple of Your Son.

Abundant Peace

"The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus"  -- Philippians 4:7 / New King James Version

if you are a thoughtful believer, you will open yourself to the spiritual abundance that your Savior offers by following Him completely and without reservation.  When you do, you will receive the love, the peace, and the joy that He has promised.

Do you sincerely seek the riches  that our Savior offers to those who give themselves to Him? Then follow Him. When you do, you will receive the love and the abundance that He has promised. Seek first the salvation that is available  through a personal, passionate relationship with Christ, and  then claim the joy, the peace, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd offers His sheep.

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"God's riches are beyond anything we could ask or even dare to imagine!  If my life gets gooey and stale, I have no excuse"  -- Barbara Johnson

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Lord, You have promised an abundant life through Your Son Jesus.  Thank You, Lord, for Your abundance and Your peace.  Your blessings endure forever, and we will praise You today, tomorrow and throughout eternity.

In Times of Adversity

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith"  -- 1 John 5:4 / New King James Version

All of us face times of adversity.  On occasion, we all must endure the disappointments and tragedies that befall believers and nonbelievers alike.  The reassuring words of 1 John 5:4 remind us that when we accept God's grace, we overcome the passing hardships of this world by relying upon His strength, His love, and His promise of eternal life.

When we face the inevitable difficulties of life here on earth, God stands ready to protect us.  Our responsibility, of course, is to ask Him for protection. When we call upon Him in heartfelt prayer, He will answer - in His own time and according to His own plan.  And while we are waiting for God's plans to unfold and for His healing touch to restore us, we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Creator can overcome any obstacle, even if we cannot.  Let us take God at His word, and let us trust Him!

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Lord, when we are troubled, You are there to help us.  When we are afraid, You protect us. When we are discouraged, You lift us up.  In times of adversity, let us trust Your plan and Your will for our lives.  And whatever our circumstances are, Lord, let us always give the thanks and glory to You. 

The Power of Words

"The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foul hastens destruction"  -- Proverbs 10:14  / Holman Christian Standard Bible

All too often, in the rush to have ourselves heard, we speak first and think next ... with unfortunate results.  God's Word reminds us that, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18). If we seek to be a source of encouragement to friends and family, then we must measure our words carefully.  Words are important:  they can hurt or heal.  Words can uplift us or discourage us, and reckless words, spoken in haste, cannot be erased.

Today, measure your words carefully.  Use words of kindness and praise, not words of anger or derision. Remember that you have the power to heal others or to injure them, to lift others up or to hold them back.  When you lift them up, your wisdom will bring healing and comfort to a world that needs both.

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"Attitude and the spirit in which we communicate are as important as the words we say"  -- Charles Stanley

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Lord, You have commanded us to choose our words carefully so that we might be a source of encouragement and hope to all whom we meet.  Let the words that we speak today be worthy of the One who has saved us forever.

Protected

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord"  -- Psalm 31:24 / New King James Version

Being a godly person in this difficult world is no easy task.  Ours is a time of uncertainty and danger, a time when even the most courageous have legitimate cause for concern. But as believers, we can live courageously, knowing that we have been saved by a loving Father and His only begotten Son.

Are you anxious? Take those anxieties to God.  Are you troubled? Take your troubles to Him. Seek protection from the One who cannot be moved. And then live courageously, knowing that even in these troubled times, God is always as near as your next breath - and you are always protected.

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"Faith is stronger than fear"  -- John Maxwell

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Lord, fill us with your Spirit and help us face our challenges with courage and determination.  Keep us mindful, Father, that You are with us always - and with You by our side, we have nothing to fear.

The Power of Perseverance

"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus"  -- Philippians 3:13-14 / New American Standard Bible

A well-lived life calls for preparation, determination, and, of course, lots of perseverance.  As an example of perfect perseverance, we Christians need look no further than our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus finished what He began. Despite His suffering, despite the shame of the cross, Jesus was steadfast in His faithfulness to God.  We, too, must remain faithful, especially during times of hardship.  Sometimes, God may answer our prayers with silence; and when He does, we must patiently persevere. 

Are you facing a tough situation? If so, remember this:  whatever your problem, God can handle it.  Your job is to keep persevering until He does.

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Lord, when life is difficult, we are tempted to abandon hope in the future.  But You are our God, and we can draw strength from You.  Let us trust You, Father, in good times and in bad times. Let us persevere - even if our souls are troubled - and let us follow Your Son Jesus Christ this day and forever.

Beyond Guilt

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit"

-- Romans 8:1 / New King James Version

All of us have sinned.  Sometimes our sins result from our own stubborn rebellion against God's commandments.  And sometimes, we are swept up in events that are beyond our abilities to control.  Under either set of circumstances, we may experience intense feelings of guilt.  But God has an answer for the guilt that we feel.  That answer, of course, is His forgiveness.  When we confess our wrongdoings and repent from them, we are forgiven by the One who created us.

Are you troubled by feelings of guilt or regret?  If so, you must repent from your misdeeds, and you must ask your Heavenly Father for His forgiveness.  When you do so, He will forgive you completely and without reservation.  Then, you must forgive yourself just as God has forgiven you:  thoroughly and unconditionally.

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Lord, thank You for the guilt that we feel when we disobey You. Help us confess our wrongdoings, help us accept Your forgiveness, and help us renew our passion to serve You. 

Growing in Christ

"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things"

-- 1 Corinthians 13:11 / New King James Version

The journey toward spiritual maturity lasts a lifetime.  We can and should continue to grow in the love and the knowledge of our Savior as long as we live.  Norman Vincent Peale had the following advice for believers of all ages:  "Ask the God who made you to keep remaking you." That advice, of course, is perfectly sound, but often ignored.

When we cease to grow, either emotionally or spiritually, we do ourselves a profound disservice.  But, if we study God's Word, if we obey His commandments, and if we live in the center of His will, we will not be '"stagnant" believers, we will, instead, be growing Christians . . . and that's exactly what God wants for our lives

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"Every great company, every great brand, and every great career has been built in exactly the same way: bit by bit, step by step, little by little"

-- John Maxwell

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Lord, we know that we still have so many things to learn.  We won't stop learning. We won't give up, and we won't stop growing.  Every day, we will do our best to become a little bit more like the person You intended for us to be.

What Doesn't Change

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever"  -- Hebrews 13:8 / Holman Christian Standard Bible

Our world is in a state of constant change.  God is not. At times, the world seems to be trembling beneath our feet.  But we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is the rock that cannot be shaken. His Word promises: "I am the Lord. I do not change"  (Malachi 3:6/NKJV).

Every day that we live, we mortals encounter a multitude of changes - some good, some not so good, some downright disheartening.  On those occasions when we must endure life-changing personal losses that leave us breathless, there is a place we can turn for comfort and assurance.  We can turn to God.  When we do, our loving Heavenly Father stands ready to protect us, to comfort us, to guide us and in time, to heal us.

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"In a world kept chaotic by change, you will eventually discover, as I have, that this is one of the most precious qualities of the God we are looking for:  He doesn't change"  -- Bill Hybels

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Lord, our world changes, but You are unchanging.  When we face  challenges that leave us discouraged or fearful, we will turn to You for strength and assurance.  Let our trust in You - like Your love for us - be unchanging and everlasting.

Commissioned to Witness

"Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" -- Matthew 28:19-20 / Holman Christian Standard Bible

After His resurrection, Jesus addressed His disciples.  As recorded in the 28th chapter of Matthew, Christ instructed His followers to share His message with the world.  This "Great Commission" applies to Christians of every generation, including our own.

As believers, we are called to share the Good News of Jesus with our families, with our neighbors, and with the world.  Christ commanded His disciples to become fishers of men.  We must do likewise, and we must start today.  As tomorrow may indeed be too late.

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"Witnessing is not something that we do for the Lord; it is something that He does through us if we are filled with the Holy Spirit" -- Warren Wiersbe

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Lord, every man and woman, every boy and girl is Your child.  You desire that all Your children know Jesus is their Lord and Savior. Father, let us be part of Your Great Commission.  Let us give, let us pray and let us go into this world so that we might be a fisher of men . . . for You.

God is Love

"We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him" 

-- 1 John 4:16 / New American Standard Bible

The Bible makes this promise:  God is love.  It is a sweeping statement, a profoundly important description of what God is and how He works.  His love is perfect.  When we open our hearts to His perfect love, we are touched by the Creator's hand, and we are transformed.  Today, even if you can only carve out a few quiet moments, offer a sincere prayer of thanksgiving to your Creator.  He loves you now and throughout eternity. Open your heart to His presence and His love.

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"Even when we cannot see the why and wherefore of God's dealings, we known that there is love in and behind them, so we can rejoice always"

-- J. I. Packer

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Lord, even when it seems to us that You are far away.  You never leave our side.  Today and every day, we will strive to feel Your presence, and we will strive to sense Your love for us.

An Attitude of Gratitude

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts . . . and be ye thankful"  -- Colossians 3:15 / King James Version

For most of us, life is busy and complicated.  We have countless responsibilities, some of which begin before sunrise and many of which end long after sunset.  Amid the rush and crush of the daily grind, it is easy to lose sight of God and His blessings. But, when we forget to slow down and say, "Thank You" to our Maker, we rob ourselves of His presence, His peace and His joy.

Our task, is to praise God many times each day.  Then, with gratitude in our hearts, we can face our daily duties with the perspective and power that only He can provide.

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Lord, You have given us much; when we think of Your grace and goodness, we are humbled and thankful.  Today, we will praise You with our words and our deeds . . . and may all the glory be Yours.

A Fresh Opportunity

"Therefore we were buried with him by baptism and into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life"  -- Romans 6:4 / Holman Christian Standard Bible

God's Word is clear: When we genuinely invite Him to reign over our hearts, and when we accept His transforming love, we are forever changed. When we welcome Christ into our hearts, an old life ends and a new way of living, along with a completely new way of viewing the world, begins.

Each morning offers a fresh opportunity to invite Christ, yet once again, to rule over our hearts and our days. Each morning presents yet another opportunity to take up His cross and follow in His footsteps.  Today, let us rejoice in the new life that is ours through Christ, and let us follow Him, step by step, on the path that He first walked.

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"When I met Christ, I felt that I had swallowed sunshine" -- E. Stanley Jones

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Lord, renew in us the passion to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Make the experience of our conversion real and fresh so that we might be an effective witness for You.

A Light for the Path

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path"  -- Psalm 119:105 / New King James Version

Are you a person who trusts God's Word without reservation? Hopefully so, because the Bible is unlike any other book.  It is a guidebook for life here on earth and for life eternal.  The Psalmist describes God's Word as "a light to my path."  Is the Bible your lamp?  If not, you are depriving yourself of a priceless gift from the Creator.

Vance Havner observed, "It takes calm, thoughtful, prayerful meditation on the Word to extract its deepest nourishment." How true.  God's Word can be a roadmap to a place of righteous and abundance.  Make it your roadmap.  God's wisdom can be a light to guide your steps.  Claim it as your light today, tomorrow and every day of your life.  And then walk confidently in the footsteps of God's only begotten Son.

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"The Scriptures were not given for our information, but for our transformation"  -- D. L. Moody

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Lord, Your Word is a light unto the world. We will study it, trust it, and share it.  In all that we do, help us be a worthy witness for You as we share the Good News of Your perfect Son and Your perfect Word.

His Strength is Sufficient

"New glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope"

-- Ephesians 3:20 / New Living Translation

Have you really tapped in to God's power? Have you turned your life and your heart over to Him, or are you still trying to do everything by yourself?  I used to be like that - never thinking that there was another way that could be better for my life than whatever I wanted to do.  But it is better with the Lord on your side. The answer to these questions will determine the quality of your day and the direction of your life.

The Bible promises that you can do great things when you avail yourself at God's power. But how can you tap in?  By allowing the Creator to work in you and  through you and by placing Him squarely at the center of your heart, that's how!  That's what I did (8) eight years - I put my whole trust in Him and He changed me for the better.  When you accept God's love and experience His power, when you trust Him to manage His world and yours, you will discover that He offers the strength to live victoriously today, tomorrow and forever.  So don't delay.  Accept His strength now.

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"If God wants us on stony paths. He provides strong shoes"  -- Corrie ten Boom

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Lord, You have promised never to leave us or forsake us.  You are always with us, protecting us and encouraging us.  Whatever this day may bring, we thank You for Your love and for Your strength.  Let us lean upon You, this day and all the days to come.

Extreme Changes

Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead"  -- Luke 9:25 / Message Translation

Jesus made an extreme sacrifice for you.  Are you willing to make extreme changes in your life for Him?  Can you honestly say that you are passionate about your faith and that you are really following Jesus?  Hopefully so.  But if you are preoccupied with other things, or if you are strictly a one-day-a-week Christian, then you are in need of an extreme spiritual makeover!

Nothing is more important than your wholehearted commitment to your Creator and to His only begotten Son.  Your faith must never be an afterthought; it must be your ultimate priority, your ultimate possession, and your ultimate passion.  You are the recipient of Christ's love.  Accept it enthusiastically and share it passionately.  Jesus deserves your extreme enthusiasm, the world deserves it, and you deserve the experience of sharing it.

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"Jesus Christ is not a security from storms. He is perfect security in storms"  -- Kathy Troccoli

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Lord, You sent Jesus to save the world and to save us.  We thank You for Jesus, and we will do our best to follow Him, today and everyday

Finding Encouragement

"Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous?  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go"

-- Joshua 1:9 / Holman Christian Standard Bible

God offers us the strength to meet our challenges and He offers us hope for the future.  One way that He shares His message of hope is through the words of encouraging friends and family members.  Hope, like other human emotions, is contagious.  If we associate with hope-filled, enthusiastic people, their enthusiasm will have a tendency to lift our spirits. But if we find ourselves spending too much time in the company of naysayers, pessimists, or cynics, our thoughts - like the naysayers - will tend to be negative.

Are you a hopeful, optimistic Christian?  And do you associate with like-minded people? If so, then you are both wise and blessed.

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"The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement.  I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, "O God, forgive me," or "Help me."  -- Billy Graham

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Lord, when we are discouraged, we will turn to You, and we will  also turn to our Christian friends.  We thank You, for friends and family members who are willing to encourage us.  We will acknowledge their encouragement and we will share in it.