Author Archives: famtree2014

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January 18, 2014

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Prayer, Thanks & Praise, Trusting God

Pray About Everything

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice! … Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:4,6-7 (NLT)]

Thank you, Lord, for all that has been and all that is yet to be. My future is in your hands. Reassure me so I don’t lose faith when it seems you are deaf to my pleas. Help me refine my requests so that my desires match your divine will. In you, O Lord, I place my trust in you. Fill me with your peace.

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January 17, 2014

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God's Grace & Love, Thanks & Praise

His Grace Rains on Us

So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. [Ephesians 1:6-8 (NLT)]

It was a sudden cloudburst and we were caught in a torrential downpour. Taking cover in a bus shelter was useless; rainwater poured through the roof and gushed over the edges in sheets. Almost immediately, the streets flooded; the water rose over the curb and cascaded across the sidewalk, soaking our feet. We were drenched within minutes. Having read this verse from Ephesians that morning, I couldn’t help but picture God’s grace coming down in buckets like that rain. There is no escaping God’s showers of blessings; He loves us that much!

That evening, the sky seemed clear and I stepped outside to enjoy the evening air. As I held out my arms and lifted up my face to the stars, I felt a fine mist. It reminded me that sometimes we see God’s love showering down upon us and other times we need to step out in faith to receive His blessings.

I will cause my people and their homes around my holy hill to be a blessing. And I will send showers, showers of blessings, which will come just when they are needed. [Ezekiel 34:26 (NLT)]

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January 16, 2014

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God's Grace & Love, Holy Spirit, Trusting God

A Trustworthy Saying

This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him, we will also live with him.
If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.
If we deny him, he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful,
For he cannot deny who he is. [2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NLT)]

Thank you, God, for believing in me, even when I doubt you. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being faithful to me even when I am untrue to you. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for never turning your back on me even when I choose to disregard you. Forgive me for the times I have rejected you; thank you for your steadfast love.

 

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January 15, 2014

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Joy, Thanks & Praise, Today: Make it Count

Good Morning

2014-1-15Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, my soul! I want to praise the Lord throughout my life. I want to make music to praise my God as long as I live. [Psalm 145:1-2 (GW)]

Thank you, God, for this new day and your many gifts that are hidden in it. Open our eyes so that any discontent becomes delight. Let any grumbling turn into gratitude and any complaints become praise. May we see your glory in everything; fill us with joy in your presence.

Shout happily to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord cheerfully. Come into his presence with a joyful song. [Psalm 100:1-2 (GW)]

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January 14, 2014

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Challenges & Difficulty, God's Promises

There Will Be Trouble

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. [John 16:33 (NLT)]

He doesn’t say we “might” have troubles; we will, indeed have difficulties. But take heart, we are never alone.

God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way.
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
[Annie Johnson Flint]

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January 13, 2014

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Prayer, Trusting God

He Listens to Our Cries

But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind. Such doubters are thinking two different things at the same time, and they cannot decide about anything they do. They should not think they will receive anything from the Lord. [James 1:6-8 (NCV)]

Lord, I offer my prayers to you. I know you hear them and I’m confident that you can do all things. Yet, my faith wavers. Because I am so unworthy of your love, I’m not sure I really expect you to answer me. Even when I see your hand at work, when I see my prayers answered, it is difficult for me to believe that my appeals had anything to do with your action. Reassure me, O Lord, that even the prayers of a lowly sinner like me are powerful.

You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! [Psalm 139:5-6 (NLT)]