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July 27, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior

BE SURE TO SMILE

2013-7-27A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day. [Proverbs 15:13 [MSG)]

A recent study done at the University of Kansas found that smiling (even when your heart’s not in it) can lower your heart rate and mitigate stress. So smile, because a smile on your face can make for a cheerful heart.

Smile at each other. Smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other – it doesn’t matter who it is – and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other. [Mother Teresa]

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July 26, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, Fear & Doubt, God's Promises, Trusting God

HE IS FAITHFUL IN HIS WORDS

God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. [Psalm 145:13b-14 (MSG)]

Lord, sometimes, when we’re in the midst of turmoil, pain or sorrow, we find it difficult to feel your love or see your kindness. When we falter in our faith, forgive us; don’t let us quit believing in you. Please reassure us of your presence and help us see your hand in all that happens. Help us believe your promises.

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July 25, 2013

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Money & Wealth

WE ARE NEVER POOR

Certainly, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people who have set their hearts on getting rich have wandered away from the Christian faith and have caused themselves a lot of grief. [1 Timothy 6:10 (GW)]

Money is not the root of all evil, but love of it is. To gain and keep riches, we may be tempted to stray from our Christian values; we might find ourselves believing that money can buy happiness or even loving money more than people or God.

Man defines wealth by adding up financial assets and possessions. God, however, doesn’t define wealth by looking at a balance sheet. He defines it by the quality of our lives, our love and generosity, and not by our financial resources or worldly goods. With Jesus, we are never poor, no matter what is in our bank accounts or IRAs.

 

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July 24, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Temptation & Sin

MOTIVES

People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. [Proverbs 21:2 (NLT)]

Which is worse in God’s eyes? Doing the right thing, but for the wrong reason, or mistakenly doing the wrong thing, but for the right reason? Lord, help us remember that why we do things is just as important as what we actually do.

We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives. [Proverbs 21:2 (MSG)]

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July 23, 2013

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Love & Works, Obedience, Wisdom & Guidance

HIS DISCIPLES

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. [John 13:34 (NLT)]

Father in heaven, guide us today so that our actions reflect our faith. Don’t let our behavior contradict your message of love and forgiveness. May our conduct show the world that we truly are your disciples.

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July 22, 2013

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Trusting God

CAN YOU TRUST GOD?

Blessed is the person who trusts the Lord. The Lord will be his confidence. He will be like a tree that is planted by water. It will send its roots down to a stream. It will not be afraid in the heat of summer. Its leaves will turn green. It will not be anxious during droughts. It will not stop producing fruit. [Isaiah 40:7-8 (GW)]

People make promises all of the time and, unfortunately, they often break their promises. (We do it, too.) As a result, we’ve become cynical and suspicious when promises are made. We ask ourselves if we should believe the promise and wonder what ulterior motives may be behind it. God makes many promises. Can we believe Him and trust his motives? Can we rely on His word? We can if we trust the one making the promise!

We must continue to hold firmly to our declaration of faith. The one who made the promise is faithful. [Hebrews 10:23 (GW)]