Author Archives: famtree2014

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November 6, 2013

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Bible Stories, God's Promises, Trusting God

Do His Work (Haggai – part 2)

But now don’t be discouraged, any of you. Do the work, for I am with you. When you came out of Egypt, I promised that I would always be with you. I am still with you, so do not be afraid. [Haggai 2:4-5 (GNT)]

Within twenty-three days of Haggai’s first message regarding the rebuilding of the Temple, the people of Jerusalem began construction. But, they were discouraged; this new building was inferior to the previous great temple built by Solomon. God reassured them, telling them simply to do the work. He doesn’t expect perfection; just our best effort. If we do God’s work, He will be with us. With God’s assurance that He was always with them, they knew that what would really bring glory to the temple wasn’t its structure; it was the presence of God in it.

Father, I want to do my best for you. Thank you for the reassurance that my best is good enough for you, even if it isn’t great. Thank you for reminding me that it is your presence in my work that gives it true value.

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November 5, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Bible Stories, Obedience, Wisdom & Guidance

Put First Things First (Haggai – part 1)

Now, this is what the Lord of Armies says: Carefully consider your ways! You planted a lot, but you harvested little. You eat, but you’re never full. You drink, but you’re still thirsty. You wear clothing, but you never have enough to keep you warm. You spend money as fast as you earn it. [Haggai 1:5-6 (GW)]

Does this situation sound familiar? Although these words were spoken by Haggai in 520 BC, they make me think of our nation, with its problems and dark mood today. Although the Jews had returned to Jerusalem fifteen years earlier, they hadn’t managed to complete the rebuilding of the Temple. More concerned with building their homes and lives than in completing God’s work, they were experiencing severe problems. Have we, like the ancient Jews, lost our sense of values and misplaced our priorities? When hard times hit, when we feel empty, when our best efforts seem futile, perhaps it is time to reconsider what takes precedence in our lives.

Lord, guide us in setting our priorities. Let us always keep you first and foremost in our thoughts.

This is what the Lord of Armies says: Carefully consider your ways! [Haggai 1:7 (GW)]

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November 4, 2013

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Faith & Hope, God's Promises, Miracles, Prayer

Prayer Can Move more Than Mountains

Jesus said to them, “Have faith in God! I can guarantee this truth: This is what will be done for someone who doesn’t doubt but believes what he says will happen: He can say to this mountain, ‘Be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it will be done for him. That’s why I tell you to have faith that you have already received whatever you pray for, and it will be yours.” [Mark 11:22-24 (GW)]

We need faith to pray, but as we pray we gain faith. True faith, however, includes faith in God’s will, not ours. God can do the impossible but he isn’t going to perform miracles to prove his existence to us. Am I disappointed because I haven’t moved a mountain by prayer? No, because there is no need for me to move any mountains. But, when I have prayed in faith, God has moved people, changed lives, and healed troubled souls. He has, indeed, performed miracles in response to prayers offered in faith.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” [Mark 10:27 (NLT)]

 

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November 3, 2013

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God's Word: The Bible, Wisdom & Guidance

In Six Words or Less

But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language. [1 Corinthians 14:19 (NLT)]

Sometimes expressing our faith can be difficult and we get tied in knots trying to figure out, let alone explain, theological concepts like original sin, predestination and free will, the Holy Trinity, Judgment Day, grace or the Book of Revelation. I recently read of a professor who had his students write about difficult subjects by boiling them down to no more than six words. Perhaps we could try to do the same thing when putting our faith into words. It may help us focus on the essence of God’s message.

“God created. Man sinned. Jesus saves.”

“Jesus died so I can live.”

“The Holy Spirit lives in me.”

“God’s grace is love undeserved.”

A truly wise person uses few words. [Proverbs 17:27a (NLT)]

 

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November 2, 2013

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Patience & Perseverance, Trusting God

DON’T GET DISCOURAGED

2013-11-2It is better to finish something than to start it. It is better to be gentle and patient than to be proud and impatient. [Ecclesiastes 7:8 (ERV)]

Oh Lord, it’s easy to have a vision but not as easy seeing it through to completion. Sometimes a task is far greater than expected and we lose confidence. Other times, we over-estimate our abilities and under-estimate our willingness to work. We want quick results and get discouraged when a task takes a long time; it’s so easy to get distracted when progress is slow.

Keep us focused Lord. Reassure us that, when you give us a task, you will give us the ability to complete it. Fill us with your spirit so that we have the self-discipline, skill, and patience needed to complete the work you’ve given us.

In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins, not through strength but by perseverance. [H. Jackson Brown, Jr.]

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November 1, 2013

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Faith & Hope, God's Promises, Prayer

Ask and Receive

So I tell you to ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find, and for the person who knocks, the door will be opened. [Luke 11:9-10 (GW)]

Everyone who asks will receive, but they may not always receive what they asked for. When I look back, I find that God’s denials of my requests have resulted in far better gifts than I ever could have imagined. They have led me to new and better places. His refusals have, indeed, opened doors, just not the ones I expected!

Grantor of all good things, give me a thankful heart when my prayers aren’t answered the way I’d hoped. Keep me mindful that you have promised to always provide and that you know far better than I what needs to be done and how it can be accomplished.