tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10071081723112852382024-03-05T12:27:41.793-05:00Heaven BoundA place for Christian writers, readers, and enthusiasts to come, kick off their shoes, sit back, and enjoy the finer things in life.Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-14649387219226220212013-12-12T18:55:00.000-05:002013-12-12T18:55:18.404-05:00The Easy Button
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Easy Button</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">James
1:4<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But
Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting
nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You may have seen the commercial by Staples, where the
shopper enters the store confused and helpless about the choices they have to
make. Then coming to their rescue, a sales person offers the bewildered
customer an “Easy Button</span><a href="file:///F:/Bloggs/Blog%20Devotionals/The%20Easy%20Button.docx" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.”
One of them pushes the button, and all their problems are resolved. If only
life’s troubles could be solved that easily. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 6pt 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life is not easy. The enemy lurks in the shadows
waiting to pounce. He is a master, setting snares and waiting to entangle us in
his diabolical net. When we fall into one of his traps, do we give up or learn
from the experience?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 6pt 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">James 1:2, tells us to “count it all <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Joy (honor)</i> when ye <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fall (tripped up)</i> into divers temptations;” We will face
difficulties, and trials that bring us to our knees, threating to crush us; but
think of Job and all he went through, he made it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do we make it, when dealt a fatal blow by the
enemy? James gives us the answer. In James 1:3b, he tells us “…the trying of
our faith worketh patience.” The word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">patience</i>
means <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(endurance)</i>. The trials we face
will develop the strength we need for future battles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continues in verse 4. “But let patience <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(steadfastness) </i>have her perfect <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(complete)</i> work, that ye may be perfect <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(mature)</i> and entire, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(finished)</i> wanting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(lacking)</i> nothing.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So remember, when tested by the devil for your faith.
Count it a privilege and allow the testing to you make stronger. The only “Easy
Button” we have, is Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quote:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"When you feel like giving up, remember why you
held on for so long in the first place."</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unknown</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recommended Reading:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">James 1:2-4</span></span><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]--><br />
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="file:///F:/Bloggs/Blog%20Devotionals/The%20Easy%20Button.docx" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Easy Button is a registered trademark of Staples Inc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-84620101198967333022013-09-09T22:45:00.000-04:002013-09-09T22:45:48.508-04:00He's not Heavy, He's my BrotherGalatians 6:2 (KJV) <br />2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.<br />
<br />
Galatians 6:5 (KJV) <br />5 For every man shall bear his own burden.<br />
<br />
The triathlon is a grueling test of one’s mental and physical endurance; couple that together with the added weight of another person who is unable to help themselves; and the challenge becomes even greater. <br />
<br />
Fifty one years ago, and child was born to the Hoyt family. During birth, his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck cutting off the blood supply to his brain. This misfortune damaged his brain affecting his arms, legs and speech. The Doctors suggested they put the child in an institution; he would be nothing more than a vegetable the rest of his life. The Hoyt’s refused to heed the doctor’s advice and raised him like a normal child along with his two younger brothers.<br />
While in middle school, he attended a college basketball game. During the game, an announcement was made of a student who had been in an accident and was paralyzed from the waist down. A charity road race was being organized to help pay for the student’s medical bills. This sparked a longing in his life to help others. He came home that day and said to his dad, “Dad, I have to do something for him. I want to let him know that life goes on even though he’s paralyzed. I want to run in the race.” Thus began the “Hoyt Team.”<br />
<br />
Rick and his father are known mostly for the triathlons they compete in together. His father would cradle Rick in his arms and run toward a small inflatable boat, place him securely in the craft, enter the water and strap on a harness that was tethered to the front of the boat and begin his 2.4 mile swim with son in tow. Upon completion of the first event, Dick would gather his son and make his way to a modified bike and both would start their 112 mile journey to the next part of the competition. The final leg of the triathlon would end with a 26.2 mile run as Dick would push his son in a wheel chair the entire distance. Both crossed the finish line in rousing victory. Rick and his father Dick Hoyt have completed 1,091 race events of which 252 were triathlons. <br />
<br />
Rick’s father bore the burden of his son while at the same time bearing his own. Both were competing in the same race. Both crossed the same finish line, but one needed help from the other. It’s important to remember; even though we have to bear our own burdens in life, there are those who need our help along the way. Child of God, let’s not forget who’s side we’re on, help one another.<br />
<br />
Quote:<br />
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” <br /> John Holmes<br />
<br />
Recommended Reading: Galatians 6:1-6 <br />
<br />
By Louis Edwards<br />
<br />
Information about Rick and Dick Hoyt was found at: <a href="http://www.today.com/">www.today.com</a>.Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-7693567326021187772013-08-26T22:45:00.001-04:002013-08-26T22:49:25.209-04:00Against all Odds<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Hebrews 12:1<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so
easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Melissa Stockwell, a U.S. Army Purple Heart recipient, lost
her leg when a roadside bomb exploded during a convoy in 2004.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of giving up on life, after much
physical therapy, she trained for the 2008 Paralympic Games for the U.S.
team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her determination became evident
when she became the record holder for the 100 meter butterfly and the 100 meter
freestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “I can really do
anything I want to do, missing leg or not.”<o:p></o:p></div>
Other athletes like Anthony Robles, born without a leg
became the NCAA wrestling champion for the 125 –pound class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Legally blind Twenty-four old, Im Dong-Hyun,
won two Olympic gold medals in archery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Carrie Johnson, battling an autoimmune disorder that at times causes
pain, fatigue, and weight loss is competing for the third time in the sprint
canoeing event for the Olympic Games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She refuses to let Crohn’s disease hold her back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Just as some athletes face physical limitations; we too as
God’s child experience difficulties or sin that would hinder us from becoming
His star achievers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the passage He
instructs us to: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">…lay aside every weight
and the sin which doth so easily beset us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i>(Heb. 12:1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re to put
aside the failures of the past, quit carrying around the past sin that He no
longer remembers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As far as the east is from the west, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">so</span> far hath he removed our
transgressions from us. </i>(Ps. 103:12).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If He has forgotten our sin, why should we dig up old bones?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Any great athlete will push through the pain and look toward
the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">…run with patience, the race that is set
before us,</i> (Heb. 12:1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep your
eye on the finish line, (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our heavenly
home</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serve Him with all your
heart, and finish a winner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Recommended reading: Hebrews 12:1-3<o:p></o:p></div>
Quote:<o:p></o:p><br />
If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a
thing, you're right.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Henry Ford<br />
<br />
<o:p>By: Louis Edwards</o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Note: The excerpts
mentioned about the athelets in this devotion were found in </span><a href="http://www.beliefnet.com/"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">www.beliefnet.com</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-27761390294421661762013-07-21T23:26:00.002-04:002013-07-21T23:26:56.872-04:00Destined to Fail<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Text:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Proverbs 16:18 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<sup><span style="color: black;">18 </span></sup> Pride <i>goeth</i> before
destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On April 10,
1912 one of White Stars’ crown jewels started its maiden voyage from
Southampton England to New York.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four
days into its journey at 11:40pm on April 14, the Titanic struck an iceberg
that plunged it 12,600 feet to the bottom of the ocean in less than three hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than 1,500 people became fatal victims
to an icy watery grave in the early morning hours that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The White Stars’ promotional flyer for the
Olympic and Titanic boasted: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As far as
it is possible to do, these two wonderful vessels are designed to be
unsinkable.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus giving way to the
saying, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Not even God Himself could sink
her.</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The tragedy
of the Titanic still lingers on today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Movies, documentaries, museums, and even web sites remind us of the
horrible nightmare that took place a little over a century ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often we’ll boast of the progress and
achievements we’ve made in our lives, unaware of the impending danger of the
iceberg of “Pride” waiting to sink us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although
Captain Edward Smith received six warnings about the danger that lie ahead, his
confidence in an “unsinkable ship” cost him more than his life; it cost the
lives of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let “Pride” cause
you to fail, because it not only may cost you everything, but it may cost
others as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Louis W
Edwards II<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recommended Reading:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Isaiah
14:12-16<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quote:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 2.4pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A proud man is always looking down on things and people;
and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's
above you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 2.4pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">C. S.
Lewis <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-73830692532189862082013-05-11T09:38:00.002-04:002013-05-11T09:39:50.405-04:00May Flowers: Special Delivery<br />
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.<br />
Proverbs 31:28<br />
<br />
Julia Ward Howe (d. 1910) was a prominent American activist who called for a "Mother's Day for Peace" in 1872. Later attempts to honor mothers were unsuccessful until Anna Jarvis of West Virginia created the forerunner of today’s Mother's Day in 1908 in honor of her mother. President Woodrow Wilson formalized Mother's Day nationally in 1914. Jarvis died in 1948 regretting that her holiday had become so overly commercialized. In the midst of the commercialization, however, Mother's Day is third only to Christmas and Easter in terms of church attendance in America.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, the Judeo-Christian tradition has all the reasons needed to support and honor mothers every day of the year. Children are to bless their mother, and husbands are to praise her not just on the second Sunday of May but throughout the year. Just as Solomon bowed down before his mother, Bathsheba, and set a throne for her next to his own, so the mothers in our lives deserve equal honor <br />
(1 Kings 2:19).<br />
<br />
Quote:<br />
<br />
I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians of England. <br />
<br />
John Wesley<br />
<br />
Recommended Reading: 1 Kings 2:18-20<br />
<br />
From: <a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a> Magazine & DevotionalLouis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-16534157039155782882013-04-20T09:50:00.001-04:002013-04-20T09:50:50.434-04:00Child of God...Are you Ready?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HrFC-et2Ul0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-11813641219050705302013-04-20T09:45:00.000-04:002013-04-20T09:51:03.910-04:00“Taking for granted…In Touch with God”<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> We must not just take it for granted that we are in touch
with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph and Mary lost a whole
day of fellowship with Jesus because they, “supposed Him to be in the company”
(Luke 2:44).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took for granted
something of which they should have made sure.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J. Oswald Sanders<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-90840314120915442262013-04-05T20:42:00.000-04:002013-04-05T20:56:50.958-04:00Help!<div align="center">
<strong>Help! </strong></div>
<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
<a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ps+46%3A1">Psalms
46:1</a><br />
<span class="ind">God <i>is</i> our refuge and strength, a very
present help in trouble. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ind">The world we live in today is full of pitfalls. Some like
intricate webs waiting to entangle us, others like hidden sink holes waiting to
swallow us up when we least expect it. Then there are those that temp us to
view its wander and beauty like the Grand Canyon, only to reach is rock edge and
loose our footing and plunge to our death.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="ind">When we face troubles in our life that seem to leave us
helpless, and hopeless there is one who can rescue us. Peter decided to leave
the safety of his boat and head to Christ. All was going well as long as he
kept his eyes on Him; but when he decided to look at the raging sea (the world
and its destructive devices), he started sinking into its dark, cold torrent.
What did he do? He cried, "Lord, save me." <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mt+14%3A30"><a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mt+14%3A30"><em>Matt.
14:30</em></a><em>. </em>What happened next? Jesus rescued him, "And
<u><em>Immediately</em></u> (italics added) Jesus stretched forth his hand, and
caught him..." <em>Matt. 14:31a.</em></a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ind">As a child of God, when it seems all is hopeless, and there
is no way out, just remember, Jesus is there with an outstretched hand waiting
for you to take hold of it. He doesn't want you to fail, but the
flourish.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="ind">Recommended Reading: <a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mt+14%3A27-33">Matthew
14:27-33</a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ind">Quote:</span><br />
<span class="ind">
</span><br />
<div style="font-size: 0.95em; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0.2em 0px 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">
Many
of our troubles are God dragging us, and they would end if we would stand upon
our feet and go whither he would have us.</div>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 0.95em; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0.2em 0px 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">
Henry
Ward Beecher (1813-1887)</div>
<br />
Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World.<br />
<br />
Devotional by: Louis EdwardsLouis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-8316829037348173722013-02-24T08:47:00.001-05:002013-02-24T08:47:49.635-05:00Between Two Mountains<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Between Two Mountains<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bible
Meditation:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Psalm 23:4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yea, though
I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Psalm 121:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Devotional
Thought:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">…I lift up
mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In Psalm 23,
David speaks of walking in “the valley.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But there can be no valley without mount-tains, true?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 23 is the “valley psalm” between two “mountain
psalms,” Psalm 22 deals with the crucifixion of the Messeah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 24 deals with the coronation of the
Messiah and the Second Coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So in the
valley of Psalm 23, on one side are the blood-drenched slopes of Mount Calvary
and on the other are the sunlit peaks of mount Zion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Action
Point:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Are you down
in the valley?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then look to the
mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise him for dying for you
and rejoice in the hope of His coming again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank God we can say with David, “…I will lift up mine eyes unto the
hills…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">From: Love
Worth Finding “Daily Devotional”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://www.lwf.org/">Love Worth Finding</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-85096111851038229482013-02-20T01:00:00.000-05:002013-02-20T01:00:07.709-05:00When Trouble Brings Triumph (Featured Devotion)
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 27</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wednesday</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When Trouble
Brings Triumph</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Job 2:10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">…Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all this Job did not sin with his lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our tendency to remember the bad and forget the good is evidenced
in the life of Job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name has become
synonymous with trials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But perhaps we
need to focus on the triumph Job experienced through his trials.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Job valued four things in his life: faith, family, fortune, and
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan tried to extinguish them
all, hoping Job would curse God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, we find a grieving Job responding to the greatness of God,
reflecting on the goodness of God, and refusing to assign guilt to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of Job, Satan might have been the one
cursing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Job kept his integrity
intact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God was enough for him---with or
without the other things he valued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do you bless God when you don’t understand what He’s doing in your
life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Job models for us the kind of
believer who trusts God in the mist of severe and unexplainable
circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Job expressed his grief
to God, and God wants to hear the cries of our hearts too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But let’s remember Job for the triumph he
experienced through his testing---he remained guiltless before God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Open your eyes today to the absolute,
all-sufficiency of Almighty God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
enough! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recommended Reading: Job1:1-22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God
only.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">C. S. Lewis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-85053857255942589142013-02-19T01:00:00.000-05:002013-02-19T01:00:07.093-05:00Prayerful Courage (Day 26)
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 26<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tuesday</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Prayerful
Courage</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm 27:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen you
heart…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The word “courage” had somewhat of an identity crisis today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some think of courage as the absence of
fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, courage is persevering <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in spite of </i>fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the most courageous men and women
have prevailed in spite of weakness, sickness, and persecution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After two millennia, the beautiful Jewish woman Ester is still
remembered for courageously stepping forward to preserve the Jewish
nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When alerted to Haman’s evil
plan to annihilate the Jews, Esther asked her cousin Mordecai to mobilize the prayer
team as she endangered her life to approach the king without his summons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Esther’s moment of crisis, she wisely
spent three days in prayer and fasting---before making her request to the king.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you’re experiencing a situation where you need courage to make
a decision, don’t rush ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more
crucial the decision or project, the more critical the groundwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make preparation through prayer, asking
others to support you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is then that
God will reinforce your courage and give you strength to proceed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recommended Reading: Esther 4:13-17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cowardice asks the question: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Is
it safe?”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Consensus asks the question:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
“Is it popular?”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Courage asks the question: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Is
it right?”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rod Rogers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-28920302870689871212013-02-18T01:00:00.000-05:002013-02-18T01:00:00.605-05:00Being Cared-For (Featured Devotion)
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 25</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Monday</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Being
Cared-For</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Esther 2:7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncles’
daughter, for she had neither father nor mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young woman was lovely and
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When her father and mother
died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Raising little girls to one day become women of God is a
challenging proposition today because the culture emphasizes the number of
friends the “like” on social media, their position or status, and their physical
appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This sad commentary on the
values our society is propagating is shocking, but it provides a reminder of
how important it is for all young women to have a godly role model who
emphasizes their true worth and importance in the sight of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The story of Esther shows a beautiful orphaned young woman who did
have someone who watched and cared for her, providing the protection of a home
until she was chosen to be in King Ahasuerus’ household; and even then offering
wise spiritual counsel and comfort to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mordecai, her cousin, adopted Esther, “as his own daughter” when she
became orphaned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This imagery is not
lost on us today that our heavenly Father watches over us even when we feel we
are all alone and facing difficult challenges in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He goes before us offering direction and
protection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recommended Reading: Titus 2:11-14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I trust in God, I know He cares for me, upon the land, or on the
rolling sea, tho’ billows roll, He keeps my soul, my heav’nly Father watches
over me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">William C. Martin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-89427946267978963272013-02-16T10:04:00.003-05:002013-02-16T10:04:57.793-05:00Love (Featured Devotion)<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 24</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Saturday</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Love</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Colossians 3:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But above all these things <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>put on love,</u></i></b> which
is the bond of perfection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In his book on auditioning for Broadway, director Michael
Shurtleff tells actors to consider every scene in a play a “love scene.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not that every scene is romantic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But every scene has emotion, and our core
emotion is love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The desire for love,
to give it or receive it… is the chief propellant in human beings,” wrote
Shurtleff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“An actor had best learn
that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We’d best all learn that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every experience in life is a love scene, and Christians are to love as
Jesus loves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible speaks of putting
on love like a garment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colossians 2:14
(NLT) says, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a cloak we never remove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the bible uses this symbol, why not
take a moment and visualize it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at the
clothed you’re wearing today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think of
them as radiating love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think of
yourself as wearing the invisible threads of love, doing good, meeting needs,
shedding offenses, showing compassion, projecting friendliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the uniform of the Christian.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:12-14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If I take offense easily; if I am content to continue in
cold unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of
Calvary love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Amy Carmichael<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From: “Turning points” Magazine and Devotional</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-32938422681362848852013-02-16T09:27:00.003-05:002013-02-16T09:27:55.818-05:00The Question (Featured Devotion)
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 23</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Friday</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Question</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1Kings 19:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So it was, when Elijah heard [the still small voice].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That he wrapped his face in his mantle and
went out and stood in the entrance of the cave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jonah fled from God only to find God was in the middle of the
sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter was afraid to identify with
Jesus only to find that Jesus wasn’t afraid to identify with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses fled from Pharaoh only to find God in a
burning bush in Midian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul was locked
in jail in Rome and found the joy of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>David Discovered there was nowhere he could go without encountering God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Throughout Scripture, people learned it is impossible to go
anywhere without encountering God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
when Elijah fled for his life and hid in a cave from the evil King Ahab, he
discovered God was already there and had a question:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you doing here, Elijah?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are at the low points in our life, God
is always there with the same question---through His Word, through a person, or
through a thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants us to wrestle
with why we are where we are so we can move to a better place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Are you somewhere today, trying to hide from God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s the question: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are you doing there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is waiting to encourage you to move on
with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recommended Reading: Psalm 139:1-12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A man may hide God from himself, and yet he cannot hide himself
from God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">William Secker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-69990761644124110312013-02-14T01:00:00.000-05:002013-02-14T01:00:01.531-05:00Cave Dwellers (Featured Devotion)
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 22</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Cave Dwellers</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Psalm 142, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">superscription & verse 1</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
contemplation of David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A prayer when he
was in the cave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cry out to the Lord
with my voice…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A recent
story in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Los Angeles Times</i> reported
that 30 million people in the Shaanxi province of China live in caves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of these cave homes have multiple rooms
with brick masonry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some have
electricity and running water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re
cool in summer, protected in winter, and energy efficient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the story, a cave with three
bedrooms and a bath is going for about $46,000.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When he
wrote Psalm 142, David wasn’t so enthusiastic about his cave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was hiding there lonely and troubled
(verse 2), overwhelmed (verse 3), thinking no one cared whether he lived or
died (verse 4), persecuted and imprisoned by circumstances (verses 6-7).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s exactly
what he told the Lord as he wrote Psalm 142.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He freely expressed his pain and perplexities in prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His example reminds us that we don’t have to
couch our prayers in lofty language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
can tell the Lord just how we feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
listens patiently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He understands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in His own way and time, He’ll answer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recommended
Reading: Psalm 142<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before God
we may speak out our minds fully, and name the persons that afflict, affront,
and trouble us…I find not that such a prayer in Scripture ever returned empty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Samuel Lee,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Treasury of David</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From: “Turning
Points” Magazine and Devotional<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-48226560209118953722013-02-13T01:00:00.000-05:002013-02-13T01:00:12.607-05:00Trail of Clues (Featured Devotion)
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 21</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Wednesday</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Trail of Clues</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Proverbs
16:9<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A man’s
heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A favorite
birthday surprise planned by parents for young children (and creative folks of
all ages and situations) it the “Trail of Clues.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As each clue is discovered and read, the
celebrant gets closer and closer to uncovering the present or surprise toward
which all the clues have been directing him or her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clues seem random and unrelated, and in a
birthday setting they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are tied
together only by their collective goal of reaching the blessing at the end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a limited
sense, the Christian life is like that “Trail of Clues.” Just as a child trust
that the clues are not meaningless but lead to a conclusion, so we trust that
the “clues” in our life---the events and circumstances---are taking us in the
direction God wants us to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
moving us toward a destination, or a lifetime of destinations, called “knowing
God.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, knowing Him and being
conformed to the image of His Son is the ultimate prize in Life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all things---all “clues”---work together
to cause us to find the blessing (Romans 8:28-29).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ask God
today for sensitivity to clues He reveals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Treasure each one and ask Him to move you faithfully toward Christlikeness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recommended
reading: Ruth 4:17-22<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God’s Grace
is sufficient for us anywhere His providence places us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unknown<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From: “Turning
Points” Magazine and Devotional<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-18033669466905785642013-02-12T01:00:00.000-05:002013-02-12T01:00:01.071-05:00The Next Right Thing (Featured Devotion)<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 20</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tuesday</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Nest
Right Thing</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ruth 1:4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed
her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) uses the phrase in its teachings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., used a similar
phrase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And many others who have found
themselves in the midst of difficult situation, when directions are missing for
the next step, have relied on the maxim: So the next right thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Even those who rely on God’s guidance don’t always know the next
step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take Ruth, for example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Moabitess who married into a Jewish family,
her father-in –law, and husband died and she was left with her mother-in-law,
Naomi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Naomi decided to return to
Bethlehem to her people, she urged Ruth to stay in Moab with her own
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What should Ruth do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did the next right thing’ remain loyal to
her mother-in-law, return with her to Bethlehem, and help provide for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So she did---Naomi and Ruth journeyed to
Bethlehem where, in time, God Blessed Ruth with a prosperous husband and
security for her and Naomi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When confused about what steps to take next, doing the next right
thing in God’s sight is always a good choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God Blesses faith steps---and one step leads to another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recommended Reading: Ruth 1:16-18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Guidance is not normally ecstatic or mystical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is always ethical and intensely practical.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sinclair Ferguson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-39596385811116871982013-02-11T21:07:00.000-05:002013-02-11T21:38:20.361-05:00When Grace Isn't Fair (Featured Devotion)<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 19<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Monday</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When Grace
Isn’t Fair</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Luke 23:42<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[the thief]</i> said to
Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To demonstrate how different the kingdom of God is from the
kingdom of this world, Jesus told a parable that stands the notion of fairness
on its head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The owner of a vineyard
hired workers throughout the day, up until the last hour of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it came time to pay them for their
labors, every worker got the same pay as the ones hired first---the ones who
had worked all day laboring in the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those hired first thought this was highly irregular and unfair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They worked more and thought they deserved
more than the others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The principle that “the last will be first” (Matthew 20:16) is a
kingdom principle illustrated in other places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A thief, hanging next to Jesus on the cross, had his request for
forgiveness and salvation granted in the last hour of his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blind Samson, after his unfaithfulness led
him to be captured and tortured by the Philistines, cried out to God for
strength to pu8ll down the Philistine temple upon himself---and God granted the
request.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We don’t earn God’s ear by our good works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God hears and answers prayer by grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be afraid to call out to Him when you
think you least deserve His help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recommended Reading: Judges 16:28-30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Christian doctrine is grace, and Christian conduct is gratitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">J. I. Packer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-27389033188661982832013-02-09T20:27:00.001-05:002013-02-09T20:28:10.959-05:00The New Man (Featured Devotion)<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 18</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Saturday<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The New Man<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ephesians 4:24<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Put on the
new man</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> which was created according to God, in true righteousness and
holiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ever been in a mud pit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Believe it or not, it’s a favorite experience for youngsters at summer
camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can slip, slide, roll and
wrestle in the mud to their hearts’ content before being hosed down and heading
for the showers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For most adults,
however, jumping in the mud has lost its charm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Isaiah 64:6 says that without God’s forgiveness we’re dressed in “filthy
rags.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re caked with mud and
filth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After His forgiveness, we’re
clothed in the righteousness of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Becoming
a Christian means, according to Colossians 3 and Ephesians 4, that we “put off
the old man with his deeds,” such as anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy
language, and lying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We clothe ourselves
in “the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him
[Christ].”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Take a moment and imagine being covered with mud, mire, grime, and
filth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now think of hot showers and
fresh clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a picture of how
it feels to put on the new man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
what it means to be a forgiven follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was like a stone that lies in deep mud, and He who is mighty
came and in His compassion raised me up and exalted me very high and placed me
on the top of the wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">St. Patrick<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-25156323639972230372013-02-08T01:00:00.000-05:002013-02-08T01:00:05.318-05:00Flawed Characters (Featured Devotion)
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 17</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Friday</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Flawed
Characters</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Judges 13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon Samson…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Beginning Bible readers are often struck by the people God chose
to serve Him in various endeavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
put it plainly, they seem so… Well, normal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So imperfect!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
exceptions, but most of them were ordinary people through whom the Holy Spirit
worked in spite of weakness and imperfection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Samson was a man used greatly by God---but he was also a deeply
flawed character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was vain,
impetuous, deceitful, and a bit spoiled, humanly speaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he was also a lifelong Nazirite, set
apart by his parents (at God’s command) for God’s service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy Spirit came upon Samson powerfully
in his role as a judge in Israel, his challenge being to defeat the Philistines
that tormented Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Samson’s
successes and failures raise the question, why does God use flawed people to
accomplish His Purpose?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first reason
is that He only has flawed people to work with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But second, when God accomplished great things through imperfect people,
it is clear who gets the glory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Whatever your imperfections, God’s purposes are made all the more
glorious through you as you trust in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recommended Reading: Nehemiah 13:25-26, Judges 3:1-5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God
because they reckoned on God being with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">J. Hudson Taylor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-90476608333195547102013-02-07T01:00:00.000-05:002013-02-07T01:00:04.562-05:00Wholly and Holy (Featured Devotion)<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 16<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thursday<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wholly and
Holy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 Chronicles 16:9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to
show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Historians have marveled how an uneducated, rugged boy like Dwight
Moody could sway great crowds and lead thousands to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Responding to these questions, Dr. R. A.
Torrey wrote a tract after Moody’s death in 1899, entitled, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why God Used D. L. Moody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>He said, in part, “The first thing that
accounts for God’s using D. L. Moody so mightily was that he was a
fully-surrendered man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every ounce of
that 280-pound body of his belonged to God; everything he was and everything he
had belonged wholly to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I am
not saying that Mr. Moody was perfect; he was not… nevertheless I know that he
was a man who belonged wholly to God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Torrey went on to say that Moody was greatly moved by this
statement by Henry Varley: “It remains to be seen what God will do with a man
who gives himself up wholly to Him.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Moody replied, “Well, I will be that man.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We can all be that man or woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God wants to use us, but we must give ourselves wholly to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recommended Reading: 2 Chronicles 16:7-10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you and I are to be used in our sphere as D. L. Moody was used
in his, we must put all that we have and all that we are in the hands of God,
for Him to use as He will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">R. A. Torrey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-15177075610302504812013-02-06T01:00:00.000-05:002013-02-06T01:00:04.312-05:00Our Sufficient Shepherd (Featured Daily Devotion)<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 15</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wednesday<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our
Sufficient Shepherd</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 Corinthians 2:16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And who is sufficient for these things?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dr. B. Raymond Edman, former president of Wheaton College, wrote
of being forced from the mission field by illness as a young man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His weight had fallen from 165 pounds to 120,
and he had to sail from Ecuador.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aboard
ship, he comforted himself in 2 Corinthians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he came to the last paragraph of chapter 2, the verses struck him
like nails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was shaken by the thought
that “God…always leads us in triumph in Christ” (verse 14), and diffuses
through us the fragrance of Christ” (verse 14).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Verse 16 asks: “Who is sufficient for these things?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Those versed led Edman to make a renewed surrender of himself to
Christ, one that changed the course of his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He realized only Christ was all sufficient to
lead him in triumph as he said to him, “Anywhere, Anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We aren’t sufficient in ourselves to do anything by ourselves, but
praise the Lord---our sufficiency is in Christ who always leads us in paths of
righteousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leads us in triumph.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recommended Reading<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 Corinthians 2:12-17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If the Lord is your shepherd, He is sufficient for all your needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tony Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-64554949863140406642013-02-04T20:35:00.001-05:002013-02-04T20:35:29.620-05:00Lotta Joy (Featured Daily Devotion)
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 14<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tuesday<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lotta Joy</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatians 6:10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those
who are of the household of faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lotteries are pickpockets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They stick their hands into our purses like a street-corner thief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even those rare souls who “win” the lottery
often lose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psychologist tell us that
people who win vast sums often lose their sense of purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their money distracts them from their life’s
agenda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They quit their jobs, change
habits, go on sprees, and confuse their goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s why we hear stories like the man in Texas, who, two years after
winning 31 million dollars, killed himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Strange feelings of worthlessness befall those with deep pockets but
shallow hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The richest life imaginable is awaking every morning with a sense
of purpose, knowing God has something for us to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has people for us to reach, cheer for us
to spread, smiles for us to share, tasks for us to tackle, and souls for us to
influence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing what we’re called to
do is a greater blessing than striking it rich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take each opportunity daily to do His good will, and you’ll be truly rich.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recommended Reading<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatians 6:7-10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Christ is gloriously rich?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is abundance yea, a
redundancy of grace and riches in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is full of grace as the sea is full of water or the sun is full of
light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Benjamin Keach<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Seventeenth-century British pastor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From:
“Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/">Turning Points</a></span>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-22400228119497702882013-02-03T23:05:00.000-05:002013-02-03T23:05:15.535-05:00Needed Courage (Featured Daily Devotion)
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 13</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Monday<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Needed
Courage</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Numbers 27:18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun with you, a
man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There is no shortage of tools available to help pick the right
person for the right job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does the task
require numbers ability?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Managerial
ability?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Big-picture ability?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How about Courage?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it came to picking a successor for
Moses, courage was at the top of the list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From a human perspective, Joshua had already demonstrated the kind
of courage necessary to invade and settle the land of Canaan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joshua defeated the Amelekites in Israel’s
first fight after leaving Egypt (Exodus17).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And Joshua (along with Caleb) wasn’t afraid to tackle the giants in the
land that the 12 spies observed (Numbers 13).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So when it came time to pick a leader for Israel’s invasion of Canaan,
Joshua was the obvious, courageous choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is interesting that Moses changed Joshua’s name from Hoshea
(“salvation”) to Jehoshua (“Yahweh is salvation”) (Numbers 13:16).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it to remind Joshua that his natural
courage needed to remain dependent on the Lord?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Courage may not appear on modern job descriptions, but it is a
requirement for being a Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Courage is nothing more than faith and trust in God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recommended Reading Exodus 17:8-13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There can be no courage in men unless God supports them by his
Word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John Calvin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From:
“Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://davidjeremiah.org/" target="_blank">Turning Points</a></span>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007108172311285238.post-66247951728390996842012-10-16T08:23:00.001-04:002012-10-16T08:23:49.928-04:00Incorruptibility (Featured Daily Devotion)<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Day 12</strong></div>
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<strong>Incorruptibility</strong></div>
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1 Corinthians 15:53<br />
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For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.<br />
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I Henry Lyte’s classic hymn, “Abide with Me,” he wrote: “Change and decay in all around I see; o Thou who changest not, abide with me.” How right he was! Most of us first learned the word “decay” as children visiting the dentist and hearing about tooth decay. Engineers warn of the decay of our infrastructure, roads, and bridges. City planners talk of urban decay. Philosophers warn of moral decay. The worst decay is what happens to our own bodies. As Job 13:28 puts it, “Man decays like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.”<br />
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But the Bible teaches that one day our bodies will be clothed with the incorruptibility of eternal life. The body is sown in corruption, but raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor but raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, but raised in power. One day we’ll put on new bodies and enjoy the glories of resurrection life in the new heavens and new earth. But until then, we’ll abide in Him and be inwardly renewed day to day.<br />
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Recommended Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58<br />
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Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.<br />
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Henry Lyte <br />
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From: “Turning Points” Magazine and Devotional<br />
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<a href="http://www.davidjeremiah.org/" target="_blank">Turning Points</a>Louis Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02448273970266228969noreply@blogger.com0