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October 17, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Holy Spirit, Temptation & Sin

Paul’s Good Advice

…There will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! [2 Timothy 3:1b-5 (NLT)]

Unfortunately, Lord, the Apostle Paul’s words seem to describe people in these troubled times. Guide us as we check our conduct against his list. Let your Holy Spirit fill and lead us so Paul’s words will never describe our behavior. May we always heed his advice to “Stay away from people like that!”

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October 16, 2013

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God's Promises, Patience & Perseverance, Prayer

If We Call, He Will Answer

Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know. [Jeremiah 33:3 (GW)]

God promises that He will answer our prayers, but first we have to call to Him. He will answer our prayers, but we must be willing to submit to His timetable and His plan. He promises an answer but not necessarily the answer we desire. While we’re waiting for an answer, it’s not a bad idea to work on our relationship with the one who will be giving the answer.

But I wait with hope for you, O Lord. You will answer, O Lord, my God. [Psalm 38:15 (GW)]

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October 15, 2013

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God's Promises, Salvation: A New You

What’s Next for You?

Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [2 Peter 1:11 (NLT)]

We’re all familiar with those Disney ads when a celebrity or sport star is asked what they’re going to do next. Here’s an advertisement I’d like to see on television.

The unseen narrator would ask, “Now that you’re a Christian, what’s next for you?”

“I’m going to heaven!” would be the triumphant reply. “I’m not going to the Magic Kingdom; I’m going to the Kingdom of God! Hallelujah!”

…A man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!” [Luke 14:15 (NLT)]

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October 14, 2013

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God's Grace & Love, Money & Wealth, Thanks & Praise

The Giver of All Gifts

He did all this so you would never say to yourself, “I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.” Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful. [Deuteronomy 8:16-17a (NLT)]

Father, giver of gifts, I know that every person and everything I have in my life comes from you. Anything I have achieved is only because you have allowed it to be so. In the abundance of your blessings, don’t let me forget the giver of these gifts. Thank you, O Lord, thank you!

 

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October 13, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Holy Spirit, Prayer

This Morning’s Request

2013-10-13Open your ears to my words, O Lord. Consider my innermost thoughts. Pay attention to my cry for help, my king and my God, because I pray only to you. In the morning, O Lord, hear my voice. In the morning I lay my needs in front of you and I wait. [Psalm 5:1-3 (GW)]

Good morning, God, it is so heartening being in your presence and knowing you hear our prayers. We choose this day to be productive and positive, cheerful and forgiving, generous and loving. Let your Holy Spirit fill us, lift us, and lead us so these goals can be attained, not just today, but every day.

Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God. [William Carey, missionary]

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October 12, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works, Obedience

Never Enough Time

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. [Psalm 143:10 (NLT)]

Lord, there just never seems to be enough time in my day! Guide me in setting my priorities and help me to release those things that are not adding value to my life. Lead me to a balanced life: one that is filled with service, joy, peace and love.