Author Archives: famtree2014

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September 30, 2013

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Faith & Hope, Prayer

Let us Pray

2013-9-30So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. [Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)]

Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers. May we approach you both reverently, as we would a king, and confidently and honestly, as we would a dear friend.

I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! [Psalm 121:1-2 (NLT)]

 

 

 

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September 29, 2013

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God's Word: The Bible, Wisdom & Guidance

Treasure Hunting

I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure. [Psalm 119:162 (NLT)]

Our understanding of the Bible is a bit like being at the seashore. Having an unopened Bible and only encountering it when the gospel is read at church is like gazing at the ocean and listening to the surf. If we merely glance through the Bible from time to time, we’ve dipped our toes into the sea, but we’re barely wet. When we consider just a few verses, we’re like swimmers. We’ve gotten wet, but we’re still just skimming over the surface. When we actually study God’s holy word, when we examine each verse in its context, attempt to make sense out of it, and try to understand how it applies to our lives, we’re like divers who get beneath the surface of the sea. It is the divers who get to see the vivid colors, the fabulous sea creatures, the coral reefs and even discover hidden treasure. There is treasure to be found in God’s word. Let’s do a little diving today!

Yes, if you want better insight and discernment, and are searching for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure, then wisdom will be given you, a knowledge of God himself; you will soon learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him. [Proverbs 2:3-5 (TLB)]

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September 28, 2013

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Faith & Hope, God's Promises, Prayer

He Can’t Carry Our Burdens if We Don’t Let Him

Thanks be to the Lord who daily carries our burdens for us. God is our salvation. [Psalm 68:19 (GW)]

God will carry our burdens, but only if we are willing to give them to Him. Sometimes, physically handing them over makes it easier to do just that. Try writing out those concerns that are weighing heavy on your heart and placing them in a small box. When the lid is closed on the “Leave it to God” box, release the problem, worry and anxiety to our Lord. Continue to pray about your concerns, but let God carry the burden and do the worrying. The problems will eventually resolve in God’s time and in His way. Until that happens, however, the weight of worry and apprehension are no longer being lugged on your shoulders and in your heart. It really doesn’t matter how you release your burdens to Him; the important thing is to do it!

Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. [Matthew 11:28 (GW)]

Perhaps what our Father would have us learn is that worry is not for Him to take away, but for us to give up. [From “Vital Signs” by Kathy Herman]

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September 27, 2013

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Joy, Obedience, Prayer, Thanks & Praise

Be Thankful; That’s an Order

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances. For this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)]

As I present my prayers to you, O Lord, give me joy and thanksgiving at your answers, even when they are not the answers for which I prayed!

Prayer may not change things for you, but it sure changes you for things. [Samuel M. Shoemaker]

 

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September 26, 2013

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Sorrow, Grief & Regrets, Today: Make it Count

Today is a New Day

2013-9-26
Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago. I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don’t you recognize it? I will make a clear way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land. [Isaiah 43:18-19 (GW)]

Thank you, God, for the new day. Help me forget past failures and old disappointments. Open my eyes to the opportunities presented to me today.

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September 25, 2013

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Wisdom & Guidance

Our Fellow Traveler

Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The eternal God, the Lord, the creator of the ends of the earth, doesn’t grow tired or become weary. His understanding is beyond reach. He gives strength to those who grow tired and increases the strength of those who are weak. [Isaiah 40:28-29 (GW)]

Isn’t it nice to have a traveling companion who never tires or wavers? He doesn’t lag behind or stumble. He’s never lost or frightened and never grumbles or complains. Instead of getting impatient with our lack of progress or slow speed, His words are always encouraging. In fact, He leads the way and sustains us. Thank you, God, for your steadfast guidance and support.