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January 15, 2014

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Joy, Thanks & Praise, Today: Make it Count

Good Morning

2014-1-15Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, my soul! I want to praise the Lord throughout my life. I want to make music to praise my God as long as I live. [Psalm 145:1-2 (GW)]

Thank you, God, for this new day and your many gifts that are hidden in it. Open our eyes so that any discontent becomes delight. Let any grumbling turn into gratitude and any complaints become praise. May we see your glory in everything; fill us with joy in your presence.

Shout happily to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord cheerfully. Come into his presence with a joyful song. [Psalm 100:1-2 (GW)]

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January 14, 2014

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Challenges & Difficulty, God's Promises

There Will Be Trouble

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. [John 16:33 (NLT)]

He doesn’t say we “might” have troubles; we will, indeed have difficulties. But take heart, we are never alone.

God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way.
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
[Annie Johnson Flint]

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January 13, 2014

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Prayer, Trusting God

He Listens to Our Cries

But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind. Such doubters are thinking two different things at the same time, and they cannot decide about anything they do. They should not think they will receive anything from the Lord. [James 1:6-8 (NCV)]

Lord, I offer my prayers to you. I know you hear them and I’m confident that you can do all things. Yet, my faith wavers. Because I am so unworthy of your love, I’m not sure I really expect you to answer me. Even when I see your hand at work, when I see my prayers answered, it is difficult for me to believe that my appeals had anything to do with your action. Reassure me, O Lord, that even the prayers of a lowly sinner like me are powerful.

You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! [Psalm 139:5-6 (NLT)]

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January 12, 2014

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Holidays & Holy Days, Trusting God

The Sabbath: A day of Rest

2014-1-12Remember the day of worship by observing it as a holy day. You have six days to do all your work. The seventh day is the day of worship dedicated to the Lord your God. You, your sons, your daughters, your male and female slaves, your cattle, and the foreigners living in your city must never do any work on that day. In six days the Lord made heaven, earth, and the sea, along with everything in them. He didn’t work on the seventh day. That’s why the Lord blessed the day he stopped his work and set this day apart as holy. [Exodus 20:8-11 (GW)]

Why does God care that we set aside one day of the week to stop work? Can’t we worship him while we’re working? Perhaps it is a matter of trust. We must trust God that we can accomplish all that needs to be done in six days. He did! We must trust that our world really won’t crumble if we take a personal day and allow God to refresh us. The Israelites had to trust that they had gathered enough manna on the sixth day to feed them on the seventh. Our Sabbath (whatever day of the week we may observe) is a day to get rid of distractions and put God squarely at the center of our lives. It’s a day to turn off the world and tune in to God.

Help me, O Lord, to celebrate you and life’s blessings on this my Sabbath day.

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January 11, 2014

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Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love, Salvation: A New You

FORGIVENESS: AN UNDESERVED GIFT

He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. [Psalm 103:10-12 (NLT)]

Father of Second Chances, we are sinners and beg your pardon and mercy. Redeemed by your son Jesus Chris, we are grateful for this gift of forgiveness and salvation. Thank you for not tiring of forgiving us time after time. Fill us with your peace and guide us as we meet this day.

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January 10, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Nature, Thanks & Praise

He Is Our Landlord

Remember the sky, the highest heaven, the earth and everything it contains belong to the Lord your God. [Deuteronomy 10:14 (GW)]

Lord, thank you for the reminder that we don’t own our world; we’re just renters here. When we depart, we’re expected to leave the earth in as good a condition (or better) than it was when we arrived. Forgive us, Lord, for not taking better care of your beautiful creation. Guide us so that we become good stewards of your gifts.