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Devotional – September 16, 2011
VERSE: Psalm 82:4–Rescue the weak and needy, deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.TRUTH:Even when we feel the weakest and most alone, God is there. He is our delivered. He is our rescuer. He will take us out of the hand of whatever we are facing and will hold us in His hand.RESPONSE Lord, it doesn’t matter what I feel, You are my deliverer. I will trust in Your hand to hold me through everything.
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Devotional – September 15, 2011
VERSE: Psalm 81:13–Oh that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways. TRUTH: God is speaking in this verse and sharing His longing and desire for His people. God longs for us to turn to Him. His heart aches for us to follow in His ways. He wants what is best for us, and He knows that is found in following His ways. RESPONSE: Lord, help me to long for You as much as You long for me. I pray You will help me listen to You and walk in Your ways because I love You.
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Devotional – September 14, 2011
VERSE: Psalm 80:19–O Lord God of hosts restore us; cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be blessed. TRUTH: We cannot fix ourselves. No matter what state we find ourselves in, we cannot bring about the change we need. Only God can affect lasting change and restoration in our lives. Stop trying to make things better yourself and start surrendering to the only One who can. RESPONSE: Lord, I can’t fix all the things in my life that are broken. Instead, today I give them to You. Restore me.
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Devotional – September 13, 2011
VERSE: Psalm 79:9–Help us, O God of our salvation; for the glory of Your name; and deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake. TRUTH: God is the one who brings about our deliverance and salvation. Why? Not because we’ve earned it or deserve it, but because of His name’s sake and for His glory. Do we bring glory to God daily for His salvation? RESPONSE: Lord, You are the only one worthy of glory and honor. Today, may You receive all the glory for saving me through Your Son Jesus Christ.
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Book Review – From the Poet’s Hand by Ed Schetzsle
“Disappointment came by today, and brought along his friends, anger, frustration, and despair, but this is where it ends. I now have other friends, more choices of what to do. I have hopes, and dreams, and promises here to see me through.” Uplifting and inspirational, Ed Schetzsle’s poetry found in “From a Poet’s Hand: Life Lessons” is a testimony of God’s wonder and grace. The section above is taken from a longer poem that I found to be my favorite as I journeyed through his book of verse. I enjoy poetry that is uplifting and yet makes you think about your situation and circumstances on a different level or from…
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Devotional – September 12, 2011
VERSE: Psalm 78:4–We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. TRUTH: More important than math and reading, are we educating our children about the one true God and the amazing things that He has done for us? RESPONSE: Lord, help me to be always looking for opportunities to share You and Your faithfulness with my children so they will know You more.
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Devotional – September 11, 2011
VERSE: Psalm 77:9&19–Has God forgotten to be gracious? Or has He in anger withdrawn His compassion? Your way was in the sea and Your paths in mighty waters, and Your footprints may not be known. TRUTH: Ten years ago many in America wondered this. Yet even though we couldn’t see God moving, He was there. No matter what we’re facing God is with us and will walk with us through it. RESPONSE: Lord, You are there even when I do not see You. Thank You for Your presences and compassion even in the midst of the most difficult times.
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Devotional – September 10, 2011
VERSE: Psalm 76:11–Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them; Let all who are around Him bring gifts to Him who is to be feared. TRUTH: Our relationship with God is just that, a relationship. We are to fulfill our commitments to Him and cherish Him even more than we would any other person. God loves us and basks in our praise of Him, and He is saddened and disappointed when we let Him down. What will we bring to Him to today? RESPONSE: Father, today I want to show You my love for You through my actions. I pray that all I do today will reflect Your amazing…
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Devotional – September 9, 2011
VERSE: Psalm 75:9–But as for me, I will declare it forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. TRUTH: The Lord’s glory and majesty do not change. They are constant, no matter the circumstances or person or position. No matter what we go through, we can sing praise to God because we choose to acknowledge Him. He is worthy of all praise, no matter what. RESPONSE: Father, I lift You up and praise Your name. No matter my circumstances, no matter what other around me do, I will praise You.
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Devotional – September 8, 2011
VERSE: Psalm 74:16–Yours is the day, Yours also is the night; You have prepared the light and the sun. TRUTH: These verse go through and detail the power and glory of God. He is over each and every day and night. He is in control of all things. Do we follow Him? Do we give Him control of our lives since He is over all things anyway? RESPONSE: Father, You are already Lord of today and tonight. I surrender to You and ask You to be over my life during this day You created.