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October 23, 2013

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God's Plan, God's Promises, Prayer, Wisdom & Guidance

Thank you, God, for Your Wisdom

Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! [John 14:14 (NLT)]

Sometimes we get what we ask for and sometimes we don’t. If we don’t, we can’t let God’s rejection cause us to lose faith. Let’s admit it, we don’t always know what is best. In fact, I rarely do. The story of King Midas is a perfect example of our lack of foresight. The King wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. Sounds great, at first, doesn’t it? And it was, until he tried to smell a rose, eat and drink or, finally, to kiss his beloved child. When God says, “No,” he may well be protecting us from ourselves and our foolish desires.

Father, please give us patience when you seem slow to answer and acceptance when you deny our prayers. May we see your infinite wisdom and your unfailing love in your response to our requests.

I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking God to do His work though me. [Hudson Taylor]

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October 22, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Faith & Hope, God's Grace & Love, Patience & Perseverance

Success

May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. [Psalm 20:4 (NLT)]

If our plans are those of God, we will, indeed, succeed!

May you be blessed with success in all your endeavors today. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! [Psalm 90:17 (NLT)]

Judge your success by the degree that you’re enjoying peace, health, and love. [From “Life’s Instructions for Wisdom, Success, and Happiness”, by H. Jackson Brown Jr.]

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October 21, 2013

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God's Promises, Prayer

Speak to Me, Please

2013-10-21In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. [Jeremiah 29:12-14a (NLT)]

Sometimes it’s easy to see God’s hand in our lives. We pay attention to Him in the major events of life: the births and deaths, illnesses and recoveries, accidents and close calls, marriages and separations, and when we heard the words “benign” or “malignant.” Yes, he is visible in the milestone moments, but he is also visible in the small things that happen every day of our lives: the song of a bird, a child’s laughter, a kind word from a stranger, the first flower of spring, or a phone call from a loved one.

Open my heart, O Lord, so that I see your hand, hear your voice and feel your touch in all things.

I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. [Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT)]

 

The child whispered, “God, speak to me”
And a meadow lark sang.
The child did not hear.
So the child yelled, “God, speak to me!”
And the thunder rolled across the sky
But the child did not listen.
The child looked around and said,
“God let me see you” and a star shone brightly
But the child did not notice
And the child shouted,
“God show me a miracle!”
And a life was born but the child did not know.
So the child cried out in despair,
“Touch me God, and let me know you are here!”
Whereupon God reached down
And touched the child.
But the child brushed the butterfly away
And walked away unknowingly.

[Ravindra Kumar Karnani]

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October 20, 2013

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Faith & Hope, God's Grace & Love, Love & Works

Faith Alone Saves Us

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace!” [Luke 7:70 (GW)]

Lord, thank you for your saving grace. It would be easier, however, if we could buy or work our way into heaven. Deeds or writing checks are over and done with but maintaining a relationship with you means work. Faith is a tough requirement, because it requires complete trust in you. We have to give you the reins to our lives. Relieve our fears so that we fully accept this beautiful gift you so readily offer.

Be a man of faith, and faith will sustain you.
Sustain a life of love, and love will embrace you.
Embrace God’s grace, and His grace will follow you.
Follow in His footsteps, and His footsteps will lead to life everlasting.
[Christine Lahee]

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October 18, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, God's Word: The Bible, Wisdom & Guidance

Sometimes We’re Slow Learners

Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! [Psalm 119:6-8 (NLT)]

Teacher God, each day’s events provide lessons in which you show us how to live. It is up to us, however, to choose what it is we learn from these experiences. Sometimes we resist you and it takes several lessons before we finally understand and accept your message. Thank you for not giving up on us; please, make us attentive to your instruction today.