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Christian Devotional – October 19, 2012
VERSE: Proverbs 3:27–Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it. TRUTH: If we have the means and ability to do good, we are to do it. We don’t have to wait for a special order or mandate from God to prompt us to act. If we can do good to others, we should do it. RESPONSE: Lord, You are good and You desire that we reflect You and treat others as You would treat them. I need to be open to seeing situations and opportunities for the good that I can do. I desire to know You more…
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Christian Devotional – October 18, 2012
VERSE: Proverbs 2:11–Discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you. TRUTH: Godly wisdom will go a long way in protecting us from evil as well as from our own foolish choices. The Lord gives wisdom to those who ask. That wisdom then becomes a part of us to help teach and guide us. Are we using Godly wisdom in our choices or are we being left unguarded against our own foolishness? RESPONSE: Father, Your wisdom and understanding are what guard and protect me from the evil and foolish choices I am presented with each day. I pray You will continue to guide and direct me in all that I…
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Christian Devotional – October 17, 2012
VERSE: Proverbs 1:10–My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. TRUTH: We have a choice. No matter what we say or how we feel at the time, we always have a choice to follow what is right or not. It is so important to remember that no matter what the situation or temptation we face, we do not have to give in. Through Christ, we can stand firm and refuse to consent to evil. RESPONSE: Father, help me today to see my choices clearly. I want to choose to follow You and Your commands, not to be enticed to follow the path of disobedience. I praise You for what…
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Christian Devotional – October 16, 2012
VERSE: 2 Thessalonians 3:3–But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. TRUTH: Where does our strength come from? Who is in charge of our protection? The Lord God is over both these responsibilities. Why? The Lord is faithful. He is trustworthy and reliable and we can depend on Him to do what He says. Are we relying on the Lord for strength and protection, or are we trusting in ourselves? RESPONSE: Father, I will focus and rely on You and Your strength in all things today. You are my protection and You are over all.
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Book Review – The Moose at the Manger by Lisa Tortorello
As Christmas approaches, I always enjoy seeing the children’s Christmas books. Sharing the beauty and wonder of Christmas with children is such a fun and exciting opportunity. Today, I am sharing with you one of those books that will be a new favorite of children everywhere: The Moose at the Manger by Lisa Tortorello. Muse the Moose is traveling with her family and is excited about the upcoming Christmas holiday. While she is busy with her thoughts, she looses track of her family and finds herself alone. Scared, she turns to a bright star in the sky who promises to help her find her family, but on the way, she…
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Christian Devotional – October 15, 2012
VERSE: 2 Thessalonians 2:10–and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. TRUTH: While God is loving and wants to give salvation to all, the fact remains that not everyone will receive it. There are plenty of people who are not interested in the love of truth and as a result will not receive the gift of salvation that is offered. They are deceived. We must do our part to share with those around us so that as many as possible learn about the truth of God’s love and salvation that is available if…
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Christian Devotional – October 14, 2012
VERSE: 2 Thessalonians 1:6–For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you. TRUTH: The people of Thessalonica were experiencing persecution at the hands of others because of their belief in God. Paul reminds them that it is not up to them to see about getting people back. Retaliation is something that only God does. He is the One to repay affliction. Even in our life, we are not to go after those who hurt us. We are to forgive and allow God to respond in His perfect timing. RESPONSE: Father, I pray You will help me to be patient and wait on…
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Christian Devotional – October 13, 2012
VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 5:18–in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. TRUTH: In everything give thanks. When everything comes together, when the plans seem to go where we expected, and when all seems to be well, give thanks to God. When the world falls apart, when we lose all we hoped for, and when we can’t make sense of anything, give thanks to God. He is over all things and our praise to Him doesn’t depend on our circumstance, but on the truth of who He is. RESPONSE: Father, no matter what this day holds, I will praise You. You are over all and…
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Christian Devotional – October 12, 2012
VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 4:8–so he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gave His Holy Spirit to you. TRUTH: So many of us fear rejection by others and use that fear as a reason not to share our faith or stand up for what we know is right. Yet, God reminds us that those people who reject the things of God are not rejecting us, but God Himself. Our fear of rejection should play no part in our decision whether to share or not. People are choosing to accept or reject God, not us. RESPONSE: Father, help me to be bold in my witness for You,…
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Christian Devotional – October 11, 2012
VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 3:8–for now we really live, if you are standing firm in the Lord. TRUTH: Christianity and the obedient Christian life were not meant to be lived alone. We are to build up one another and pray for one another. We are encouraged to be invested in each other’s life. Paul here in this verse rejoices because others are being obedient. When we stand firm and remain obedient, we encourage others and when we see people we’ve prayed for and worked with standing firm, it encourages us. RESPONSE: Lord, thank You for the people in my life that are there as an encouragement to me. Thank You for…