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September 20, 2013

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God's Promises, Trusting God

Why do the wicked seem to prosper?

So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! [Psalm 73:16 (NLT)]

Sometimes it appears that it is the wicked who live a life of ease and the virtuous who endure the most hardships. Even though it often seems that those who least deserve it have the most good fortune, bitterness and envy must never enter our hearts. God blesses us and He blesses others; what God chooses to give other people is not our business. Whether or not they “deserve” their blessings or misfortunes is not ours to determine and why the wicked sometimes seem to thrive while the good suffer is not ours to know. It is God who determines what happens not only in this life, but also in the next! The prosperity of the wicked is temporary while the reward to the righteous is everlasting!

Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed. [Proverbs 23:17-18 (NLT)]

“There is no peace for the wicked,” says my God. [Isaiah 57:21 (NLT)]

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September 17, 2013

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God's Grace & Love

He Loves Us All

The Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, powerful, and awe-inspiring God. He never plays favorites and never takes a bribe. [Deuteronomy 10:17 (GW)]

Thank you, Lord, for loving each of us as if we were your only child!

Then Peter said, “Now I understand that God doesn’t play favorites. Rather, whoever respects God and does what is right is acceptable to him in any nation.” [Acts 10:34-35 (GW)]

It matters not what race or gender,
Rich or poor or great or small,
The God who made us is not partial;
He sent Christ to die for all. [Dennis DeHaan]

 

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September 16, 2013

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Faith & Hope, God's Plan, Trusting God

His Way is Better

2013-9-16“My thoughts are not your thoughts, and my ways are not your ways,” declares the Lord. “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.” [Isaiah 55:8-9 (GW)]

Lord, help me to understand, and when I cannot understand help me accept. Give me the courage to trust my life and future to your hands. Remind me that when life seems upside down, it is right side up to you!

 

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September 15, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, Miracles, Trusting God

Change is Always Possible

He changes deserts into lakes and dry ground into springs. [Psalm 107:35 (GW)]

Thank you, Lord, because if anyone can turn around a bad situation, it is you!

You have changed my sobbing into dancing. You have removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy so that my soul may praise you with music and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever. [Psalm 30:11-12 (GW)]

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September 14, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Forgiveness

He Doesn’t Keep Score

If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit, and that’s why you’re worshiped. [Psalm 130:3-4 (MSG)]

If God doesn’t keep score, how can I? Father, help me wipe away any pain, anger or disappointment still harbored in my heart. May I be as generous with my forgiveness as you are with yours.