Author Archives: famtree2014

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June 25, 2013

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God's Grace & Love, Trusting God

GOD’S DIFFERENT GIFTS

See what great love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that’s what we are! [1 John 3:1 (NIV)]

When children in the same family don’t receive gifts of equal worth, it doesn’t mean their parents don’t love them equally. A parent can’t possibly treat each child exactly the same. Children have different maturity levels, interests, and needs, and the different gifts they receive from their parents reflect this individuality.

God doesn’t treat each of us alike, either. Using his infinite wisdom and knowing the unique interests and requirements of each one of us, He bestows different gifts to every one of his children. Just because someone else seems to have received more blessings from God doesn’t mean God loves us less; perhaps it means that they needed those gifts more!

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June 24, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Temptation & Sin

WHAT’S INSIDE OF US?

You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over in true words and deeds. [Luke 6:43-45 (MSG)] 

People see our actions, but God knows our motives. People hear our words, but God knows our hearts.

 

 

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June 23, 2013

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Faith & Hope, God's Promises

A MUSTARD SEED

2013-6-23I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. [Matthew 17:20-21 (NLT)]

Lord, give me the confidence to believe that, indeed, all things are possible.

 

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June 22, 2013

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Forgiveness, Temptation & Sin

LET’S NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES

Examine me and test me, Lord; judge my desires and thoughts. Your constant love is my guide; your faithfulness always leads me. [Psalm 26:2-3 (GNT)]

It’s amazing how easy it is for us to rationalize our failings and deceive ourselves when we sin. We justify our bad behavior by telling ourselves things like the following: That wasn’t really gossip, I didn’t have time, they really didn’t need my help, no one cares about a little thing like that, I was too tired, I was only following orders, it was the other person’s fault, no one will ever know, everyone else did, he made me, or it was just too difficult. We can fool others and delude ourselves but there is one being we can’t deceive: God! He knows everything about us and, like any good parent, He can recognize an excuse for what it is: a way to avoid accountability for our poor behavior.

Lord, please forgive me when I sin and don’t let me lie to myself or you about it.

Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Never excuse yourself. [Henry Ward Beecher]

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June 21, 2013

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Temptation & Sin, Wisdom & Guidance

TWO VOICES CAN BE HEARD; ONLY ONE SHOULD BE HEEDED

What your corrupt nature wants is contrary to what your spiritual nature wants, and what your spiritual nature wants is contrary to what your corrupt nature wants. They are opposed to each other. As a result, you don’t always do what you intend to do. [Galatians 5:17 (GW)]

Lord, remind me to listen for your guidance before making a decision. Is my inner voice telling me what to do because it’s right or just because it’s easy? Is it urging me to do what should be done or merely what I would prefer to do? Is it guiding me to do what is good or simply what will feel good to me? Please, don’t let the wrong voice lead me in the improper direction.

There are two voices in your mind – one is always wrong! [From “Change Your Mind and Your Life Will Follow” by Karen Casey]

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June 20, 2013

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Trusting God

MAYBE WE’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHY

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? [Proverbs 20:24 (NLT)]

Lord, as much as we’d like to know your plan and understand your purpose, help us accept that we just have to step out in faith, trusting in your guidance, wisdom and love.