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Devotional – September 7, 2011
VERSE: Psalm 73:3–For I was envious of the arrogant as I saw the prosperity of the wicked. TRUTH: Often we look around our world and it seems like those who do evil are the ones who prosper. We can find ourself envious of their seeming success. Yet this psalm goes on to detail the fact that God is over all and He will judge all things rightly in the end.RESPONSE: Lord, help me to keep my focus on You today and not get distracted by the people around me and what they seem to have. I pray You will help me to seek only after You.
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Devotional – September 6, 2011
VERSE: 2 Timothy 4:7–I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. TRUTH: Paul was nearing the end of his life and ministry here on earth and looking back, he was able to make this statement. Are we striving to fight the good fight and to finish the race well? We can only do that by remaining faithful one day at a time. RESPONSE: Lord, I pray that today will be a day that I fight the good fight and keep the faith so that at the end of my life, I too can make this statement about my walk with You.
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Book Review – 9-11-01: A Long Road Toward Recovery by Nicole B. Simpson
As we near the ten year anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, I want to share with you a book that gives a unique perspective on the happenings of that day. Nicole B. Simpson was working in the second tower of the World Trade Buildings on that day and she highlights the struggles of a group of often overlooked victims of that day: the survivors. Nicole’s book is very personal. She shares her story of experiences on that day when the world stood still. She explains the mountains of obstacles that she has had to go through and work to overcome in order to find a sense of…
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Devotional – September 5, 2011
VERSE: 2 Timothy 3:16-17–All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. TRUTH: God’s Word, the Bible, is just that, words given to us directly by God. These verses list several ways to use God’s word, but the reason to use it is listed in verse 17. God gives us His word so we will be adequate and fully prepared for good works that we are to do. Do we feel prepared for everything He has for us today? If we’ve spent time in God’s word, we…
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Devotional – September 4, 2011
VERSE: 2 Timothy 2:10–For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. TRUTH: What are we willing to sacrifice to see other people come to know the Lord? What will we endure for that purpose? Do we burn with passion to see Christ proclaimed everywhere that we would go through anything for that goal to be reached. Paul did. Can we do any less? RESPONSE: Lord, I desire to see everyone come to You. Please do whatever is necessary in and through me to see that…
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Devotional – September 3, 2011
VERSE: 2 Timothy 1:7–for God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. TRUTH: We do not have to face the circumstances of life on our own. Each day, we have been given power and love and discipline to help us against any feelings of timidity that we may feel. God is faithful to help us navigate each day and we can trust in Him completely. Are we proclaiming Him boldly? RESPONSE: Father, thank You for going with me and for giving me all that I need physically and emotionally to be able to make it through each day.
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Devotional – September 2, 2011
VERSE: 1 Timothy 6:7–For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. TRUTH: What are we trying to accomplish by the work that we do each day? Hoarding up the things of this world is meaningless because we cannot take anything with us when we die. Often we forget that truth when we are faced each day with an opportunity to bless someone else. RESPONSE: Lord, I came into the world with nothing and anything I have now is only because you have allowed me to have it. Please help me use things to share Your glory instead of hoarding things.
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Devotional – September 1, 2011
VERSE: 1 Timothy 5:25–Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed. TRUTH: The things we do, good or bad, are not hidden. Sometimes we mistakenly believe that we can share only the good things we do and that we can hide our poor choices. This verse indicates that we cannot hide our sinful choices, God sees them all. How would we act if everyone knew all our deeds? God does. RESPONSE: Father, help me act today as if the whole world was watching, because You are.
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Devotional – August 31, 2011
VERSE: 1 Timothy 4:12–Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. TRUTH: Physical age makes little difference when it comes to living a Christ-centered life. Instead, Christian maturity comes from the level of obedience and surrender to Christ and allowing Him to live through us. Are we an example to others, no matter whether we are physically old or young? Ae we willing to be led by Godly people regardless of their age? RESPONSE: Lord, help me to focus today on the qualities You are growing in me and in others and less…
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Devotional – August 30, 2011
VERSE: 1 Timothy 3:11–Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful, in all things. TRUTH: Parts of this chapter deal with qualities to be found in men and others for women. As a woman, looking at this list, these are not suggestions, but are to be the descriptions of my life. Do others see these qualities in me and in all I do? Do I live out these in my life on a daily basis? RESPONSE: Lord, take these words and help me to write them on my heart and live them out today.