Author Archives: famtree2014

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January 31, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Holy Spirit, Temptation & Sin

Watch and Pray

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. [Matthew 26:41 (NIV)]

Lord, there will be many temptations today. Make us mindful of those moments; keep us alert and guide our thoughts, words and actions. When we’re tempted to find fault, let there be understanding and acceptance; when we become judgmental, give us tolerance. When pride tempts us, make us humble. Replace our moments of exasperation with serenity, our resentment with forgiveness and our anger with love. Give us discernment when we speak so that no harsh words, gossip or profanity leave our mouths. Strengthen us, O Lord, with your Holy Spirit, so that we are your ambassadors of Christian love.

O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams. [Saint Augustine]

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January 30, 2014

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God's Grace & Love, Thanks & Praise, Wisdom & Guidance

Let us Give Thanks

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. [Colossians 4:2 (NLT)]

Heavenly, Father, thank you for the many blessings in our lives: our health and homes, family and friends. Most of all, dear Lord, thank you for your unfailing love. Open our eyes and give us grateful hearts, not just for the joys of life, but also for the stumbling blocks we encounter. Teach us to turn them into stepping stones so that we can better serve you.

 

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January 29, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Temptation & Sin

The Deadliest of Sins

Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God. [Habakkuk 2:4 (NLT)]

Father, help me know the difference between the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from a job well done, achieving a long-term goal, or accomplishing a challenging task and the prideful arrogance that comes from thinking I am better than someone else. Keep my heart humble.

Pride, after all, is one of the seven deadly sins – and the worst, according to most theologians, because it elevates the self to the place of God. … Pride as a sin is an attitude toward oneself and others, while the other thing we call pride is a feeling about excellence. To take pride in one’s work is not the same as taking pride in one’s birth. The first is a form of self-respect; the second is a form of snobbery. [From “Pieces of Eight” by Sidney J. Harris]

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January 28, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Promises, Salvation: A New You, Temptation & Sin

What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” [John 3:3-4 (NLT)]

How does one get reborn? If there is going to be a rebirth or resurrection, there must be a death or crucifixion. If we are going to be reborn, to have a new life, we must get rid of the old one. We can’t become new simply by slathering on a coat of righteousness or virtue as one would a coat of paint. We need an entirely new foundation. To do that, down must come the walls of bitterness, anger, prejudice, pride and any other walls that interfere with our relationship with God and our fellow man. Rebirth is neither easy nor fun; in fact, at times it can be downright unpleasant. But, rebuild we must if we are going to have a new life: one that is right and true and good.

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. [John 3:5-6 (NLT)]

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January 27, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works

What Does Our Reflection Say?

DSC01707reflectWEBJust as you can see your own face reflected in water, so your heart reflects the kind of person you are. [Proverbs 27:19 (ERV)]

What we see in the water or in a mirror may reflect our faces but certainly not our hearts. What we see in the faces of the people we meet, what we hear in their voices, and what we observe in their body language is a far better reflection of our real selves. What is mirrored back to us? Frowns or grins, harsh voices or pleasant tones, tears or laughter, furrowed brows or peaceful visages, clasped arms or hugs, the middle finger or a pleasant wave? Today, O Lord, may I only leave smiles in my wake!

 

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January 26, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works, Money & Wealth, Trusting God

When Is Enough Enough?

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion — how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. [1 John 3:17-18 (NLT)]

This is the time of year we start preparing our taxes and adding up what we’ve given to the church and various charities. While we peruse the spread sheet, perhaps we should do some soul searching. What is the definition of “living well”? How much money is “enough”? When does “enough” become “too much”? How much do we need? How much need is there? How much should we give? How much should we keep? These questions don’t just apply to money; they also apply to our time, energy, and skills. Do we have enough to share those assets? These are questions we each have to prayerfully ask the Lord. They are difficult questions; they involve trusting God. Many of us know we have enough for now but wonder if we’ll have enough for whatever the future will bring. How much trust do we have that God will make whatever we have “enough”?

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. [1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NLT)]