Author Archives: famtree2014

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May 19, 2013

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Fear & Doubt, God's Promises, Trusting God

RIVERS OF DIFFICULTY


5-19-13 RIVERS DIFFICULTYscenery-Yellowstone-Grand Canyon-WEB2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. [Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

When going through troubled waters, we can either sink or swim. Thank you, God, for being with us to keep us afloat and for the assurance that our hard trials cannot damage us.

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May 18, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Spiritual Gifts

OUR BEAUTY

Do not let your beauty come from the outside. It should not be the way you comb your hair or the wearing of gold or the wearing of fine clothes. It should come from the heart. This is the kind that lasts. Your beauty should be a gentle and quiet spirit. In God’s sight this is of great worth and no amount of money can buy it. [1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLV)]

Dear Lord, we know that enhancing our spirits is far more important than adorning our bodies. Guide us so we spend more time in prayer and less time in front of the mirror. May our main concern be who we are on the inside and not what we appear to be on the outside.

If you feel your value lies in being merely decorative, I fear that someday you might find yourself believing that’s all that you really are. Time erodes all such beauty, but what it cannot diminish is the wonderful workings of your mind: Your humor, your kindness, and your moral courage. These are the things I cherish so in you. [Said by Mrs. March to her girls in Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women”]

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May 17, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Trusting God

HOW TO BE HAPPY

I have learned how to be happy with whatever I have. I know how to get along with little and how to live when I have much. I have learned the secret of being happy at all times. If I am full of food and have all I need, I am happy. If I am hungry and need more, I am happy. I can do all things because Christ gives me strength. [Philippians 4:11b-13 (NLV)]

In crisis or calm, in failure or success, in poverty or plenty, in weakness or strength – Lord, show us how to be content in all circumstances. No matter where we are, who is with us, or what we have, your presence is all we need. Thank you.

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May 16, 2013

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Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love, Today: Make it Count

GOD’S DELETE BUTTON

It is a great blessing when people are forgiven for the wrongs they have done, when their sins are erased. It is a great blessing when the Lord says they are not guilty, when they don’t try to hide their sins. [Psalm 32:1-2 (ERV)]

God doesn’t just draw a line through the list of our sins; he doesn’t even use White-Out or correct tape. He uses the delete button and then empties the recycle bin in his heavenly computer. Our sins are completely wiped away; they are over, done with, and gone!

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of forgiveness and the blank document on which to write today’s story.

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May 15, 2013

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Bible Stories, Fear & Doubt, Trusting God

Can you walk on water?

He [Jesus] said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” [Matthew 14:29-31 (MSG)]

Instead of keeping his eyes on Jesus, Peter looked down at the turbulent waves surrounding him. Once he focused on his problems, fear overtook Peter; instead of walking on water, he began to sink. If we always keep our thoughts centered on Jesus, however, there will be no room for fear in our hearts!

Thank you, Lord, for reminding us that as long as we keep our eyes on you, all things are possible, even walking on water!

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May 14, 2013

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God's Promises, Nature, Thanks & Praise

SEE HOW THEY GROW

2013-5-14Look at the wildflowers in the field. See how they grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon, the great and rich king, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. If God makes what grows in the field so beautiful, what do you think he will do for you? It’s just grass—one day it’s alive, and the next day someone throws it into a fire. But God cares enough to make it beautiful. Surely he will do much more for you. Your faith is so small! [Matthew 6:28b-30 (ERV)]

May spring’s abundance of wildflowers remind us of your generosity, O Lord. You not only provide us with all that we need, but you do so with an unparalleled richness, splendor and glory.