Category Archives: Wisdom & Guidance

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August 9, 2013

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Family, Friends & Fellowship, Wisdom & Guidance

Two Are Better Than One

2013-8-9Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. [Ecclesiastes [4:9-12 (NLT)]

Thank you, Lord, for telling me that I don’t have to accomplish every task or deal with every difficulty by myself. Not only are you at my side, but you also have given me family and friends who are here to advise, assist and sustain me. Help me recognize when I need their support and make me willing to seek it. I know I am not perfect; take away my fear of admitting it.

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August 2, 2013

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God's Grace & Love, Wisdom & Guidance

God’s Discipline

My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. [Proverbs 3:11-12 (NLT)]

He is our heavenly parent and we are his children. Like all children we can be unreasonable, rebellious, and self-centered. Just as an earthly parent has to occasionally discipline the child he loves, so does our heavenly parent. God’s discipline, however, is not the same as punishment. Punishment is about making us behave by imposing a penalty, but discipline is about correcting us with love. Punishment is about the past but discipline is about the future.

Father, help me receive your discipline gratefully so that I will become the person you want me to be.

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July 23, 2013

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Love & Works, Obedience, Wisdom & Guidance

HIS DISCIPLES

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. [John 13:34 (NLT)]

Father in heaven, guide us today so that our actions reflect our faith. Don’t let our behavior contradict your message of love and forgiveness. May our conduct show the world that we truly are your disciples.

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June 30, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Wisdom & Guidance

Listening and Learning

Pride precedes a disaster, and an arrogant attitude precedes a fall. [Proverbs 16:18 (GW)]

Today, if the answer is, “I don’t know,” that’s exactly what I’ll say.

Lord, help me let go of the mistaken belief that I shouldn’t admit my ignorance. Stop me from barging ahead when what I really need is guidance or assistance. Help me accept that I am not nearly as smart as I think I am or want to be. There is still a great deal I have to learn.

Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights. [Proverbs 18:15 (MSG)]

 

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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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May 20, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Wisdom & Guidance

EACH WORD A GIFT

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. [Ephesians 4:29 (MSG)]

Lord, guide my words and guard my mouth, especially when I am tempted to gossip, have the last word, or use bad language. May my words be a blessing to others and a gift to you.