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September 28, 2013

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Faith & Hope, God's Promises, Prayer

He Can’t Carry Our Burdens if We Don’t Let Him

Thanks be to the Lord who daily carries our burdens for us. God is our salvation. [Psalm 68:19 (GW)]

God will carry our burdens, but only if we are willing to give them to Him. Sometimes, physically handing them over makes it easier to do just that. Try writing out those concerns that are weighing heavy on your heart and placing them in a small box. When the lid is closed on the “Leave it to God” box, release the problem, worry and anxiety to our Lord. Continue to pray about your concerns, but let God carry the burden and do the worrying. The problems will eventually resolve in God’s time and in His way. Until that happens, however, the weight of worry and apprehension are no longer being lugged on your shoulders and in your heart. It really doesn’t matter how you release your burdens to Him; the important thing is to do it!

Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. [Matthew 11:28 (GW)]

Perhaps what our Father would have us learn is that worry is not for Him to take away, but for us to give up. [From “Vital Signs” by Kathy Herman]

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September 27, 2013

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Joy, Obedience, Prayer, Thanks & Praise

Be Thankful; That’s an Order

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances. For this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)]

As I present my prayers to you, O Lord, give me joy and thanksgiving at your answers, even when they are not the answers for which I prayed!

Prayer may not change things for you, but it sure changes you for things. [Samuel M. Shoemaker]

 

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September 26, 2013

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Sorrow, Grief & Regrets, Today: Make it Count

Today is a New Day

2013-9-26
Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago. I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don’t you recognize it? I will make a clear way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land. [Isaiah 43:18-19 (GW)]

Thank you, God, for the new day. Help me forget past failures and old disappointments. Open my eyes to the opportunities presented to me today.

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September 25, 2013

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Wisdom & Guidance

Our Fellow Traveler

Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The eternal God, the Lord, the creator of the ends of the earth, doesn’t grow tired or become weary. His understanding is beyond reach. He gives strength to those who grow tired and increases the strength of those who are weak. [Isaiah 40:28-29 (GW)]

Isn’t it nice to have a traveling companion who never tires or wavers? He doesn’t lag behind or stumble. He’s never lost or frightened and never grumbles or complains. Instead of getting impatient with our lack of progress or slow speed, His words are always encouraging. In fact, He leads the way and sustains us. Thank you, God, for your steadfast guidance and support.

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September 24, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Word: The Bible, Sharing Our Faith

Get Turned On!

2013-9-24No one lights a lamp and hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand so that those who come in will see its light. [Luke 11:33 (GW)]

We’re supposed to be lamps, but what good are we if we’re not lit? A lighthouse is of no use unless it’s glowing. If we are going to be God’s beacon, we need a power source and something to activate us. We need prayer and scripture to be our fuel and we must allow the Holy Spirit to ignite our flame.

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September 23, 2013

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

He Carries Your Picture in His Wallet

But the Lord says, “Can a woman forget her baby? Can she forget the child who came from her body? Even if she can forget her children, I cannot forget you. I drew a picture of you on my hand. You are always before my eyes.” [Isaiah 49:15-16 (ERV)]

O Lord, thank you for the reassurance that you never forget about me, especially since I so often seem to forget about you. I am, indeed, blessed that your love for me doesn’t depend on how faithful I am to you! Forgive me, Father, for my lack of faith; may I never again lose sight of you. Let my love for you be as unwavering as yours is for me.

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, he’ll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and he chose your heart. And the Christmas gift he sent you in Bethlehem? Face it, friend. He’s crazy about you. [From “A Gentle Thunder” by Max Lucado]