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We are thankful for God's protection in our lives as we live for Him.

We have rest and peace for our daily lives and for eternity through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We draw close to our Lord Jesus Christ and rely on Him to be our refuge and fortress!

We thank God for delivering us from trouble and keeping us.

We thank God for leading us by His Holy Spirit. We choose to trust God whole heartedly in all of our ways.

We thank God for the Holy Spirit leading us, guiding us, teaching us and helping us to remember the Word of God.

With God's enabling grace, we choose to go God's way. We don't live right to be saved. Rather, we live right because we are saved to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are thankful for God's Word which gives light to our path and gives us understanding.

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Waves of Worry
Several years ago a submarine was being tested and had to remain submerged for many hours. When it returned to the harbor, the captain was asked, "How did the terrible storm last night affect you?" The officer looked at him in surprise and exclaimed, "Storm? We didn't even know there was one!" The sub had been so far beneath the surface that it had reached the area known to sailors as "the cushion of the sea." Although the ocean may be whipped into huge waves by high winds, the waters below are never stirred.
This, I believe, is a perfect picture of the peace that comes from Christ's Spirit. The waves of worry, of fear, of heartbreak, cannot touch those resting in Christ. Sheltered by His grace and encouraged by His Spirit, the believer is given the perfect tranquility that only Christ can provide.  --Adrian Dieleman, Receive the Holy Spirit

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No Excuses
And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.  Exodus 4:10
God wanted to send Moses as His spokesman to the Israelites and to Pharaoh. But Moses made excuses, claiming he had never been an eloquent speaker.
Do you ever feel that way? God says, "Speak in front of an assembly" or "Go speak to that unsaved person," and we make excuses.
Like Moses we ask, "Who am I?" We say, "I can't speak. I'm not a pastor or a Sunday school teacher. I don't have a lot of schooling. I've never taken a public speaking class. You really should choose someone more eloquent to do this."
But God told Moses, just as he tells us, "I will be with you." If God is with us, we have all the credentials we need. Although our listeners may not respect us, they will respect God. We may think we are nobody, but we represent a God who is somebody.
Like Moses, we might ask, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me?" (Exodus 4:1)
God had already told Moses He would give him a sign. At the Lord's instruction, Moses had cast his rod on the ground, and when he did it became a serpent (verses 2–3). God then struck Moses' hand with leprosy and immediately healed it (verses 6–7). And if that was not enough, the Lord said that if Moses' listeners did not heed the first two signs, He would dry up the river and turn the water into blood (verse 9).
We may say, "I don't have any signs and wonders like that."
But we do. The greatest sign you have is your changed life. If people can see that God has transformed you, they will be more likely to believe you when you talk about Him.
We may cry, "I wouldn't know what to say."
God asked Moses, "Who has made man's mouth?" (verse 11) The Lord can enable us to speak His message. God told Moses, "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say" (verse 12).
God will be with your mouth. Stand in His presence in humble prayer, and He will teach you what to say.
Many times as I begin writing a devotional, I feel like I can't do it. But then I look up to heaven and pray, "Father, please tell me what you want me to write."
Without God's power, our words are empty, powerless. But when we speak in God's presence, our words have great strength. Tell others what God is doing in your life. Or tell them what your needs are. Whether you speak about what you have or what you need, exalt God.
If God has called you to speak, make no excuses. Just go!  --Jason Mitchener

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No Broken Promises
SCRIPTURE: Ecclesiastes 5:2-7  2 Do not be rash with your mouth,  And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes through much activity,  And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.  4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed —  5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. 6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.
Lance stood at the window, watching dark clouds disappearing into the distant sky. "Those clouds sure weren't any help," he grumbled. "I was hoping it would rain so I wouldn't have to mow Mrs. Smith's yard today."
Dad looked up from his book. "Mrs. Smith may be happy they're gone so you can mow her lawn like you promised," he said.
Lance sat down and flicked on t he television. "Yeah, well, I'm not going to mow right now. It might rain later," he said hopefully.
"Mrs. Smith is expecting you in fifteen minutes, isn't she?" asked Dad.
"It doesn't matter," said Lance. "The grass will still be there tomorrow. Besides, this is one of my favorite shows."
Dad got up and went to the window. He noticed the clouds had just about vanished beyond the horizon. "Those clouds seemed to promise rain, but they didn't follow through on their promise," he said. "Don't you hate when that happens?" He shook his head. "And sad to say, I think there's another waterless cloud right here in this room!"
Lance looked around. "In the house?" he asked.
Dad nodded. "Well, not a literal cloud," he said. "But sometimes people are like those clouds. They make promises, but when it's time to fulfill the promises, they just never get around to it." He looked sternly at his son.
Suddenly, the television show didn't seem all that interesting to Lance. "I guess you mean me," he admitted. "If I don't do what I promised, I guess Mrs. Smith won't think any more of me than I do of those big, dark clouds." Lance flicked off the TV and got up. "I'll go right now and mow her lawn."
Dad smiled and nodded his approval. "Mrs. Smith and I aren't the only ones who will be pleased with you," he said. "Since God has told us in the Bible that we should keep our vows-our promises-we know He'll be pleased, too.")
MEMORY VERSE:  (It is) Better not to vow (or promise) than to vow and not pay. Ecclesiastes 5:5
HOW ABOUT YOU? Have you made promises that you really didn't want to keep? Think about how you feel when someone breaks a promise that was made to you. It's not a good feeling-but it's the same feeling other people have when you break your promise to them. Be careful about what you promise. Before making one, be sure it's something God would approve. Then if you make the promise, keep it. Doing so will not only please people; it will please God, too.
THE KEY: Keep your promises  --Keys For Kids Devotion

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Respect Your Temple
God bought you with a high price. So... honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:20 NLT
At the resurrection, 'Our earthly bodies… will be raised to live forever' (1Corinthians 15:42 NLT), but in the meantime you must 'honour God with your body' by observing a few basic principles like:
1) Exercising regularly: Half of us who start exercise programmes abandon them within six months. The secret is to start slowly. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park the car and walk, play ball with the kids instead of watching TV. God designed your body to move, and strolling from the car to your desk every morning doesn't cut it! Exercising thirty minutes 3-4 times a week reduces blood pressure and stress, and boosts your sense of well-being.
2) Eating right: Many of us eat for the wrong reasons, like fatigue, anger, and low self-esteem. Eat to live, don't live to eat. Insufficient fruit, vegetables and fibre and too much fast food can wreak havoc with your health. Practice self-control. Remember, 'Those who belong to Christ… have given up their old selfish feelings and… things they wanted to do' (Galatians 5:24 NCV).
3) Getting enough sleep: Pastor Tony Jenkins consulted his doctor about his wife's snoring. 'Does it really bother you that much?' he asked. 'It's not just me,' Jenkins replied, 'It's bothering the whole congregation!' Seriously, we live in a sleep-deprived society but most of us require 7-9 hours shut-eye. You can probably get by on less, but do you just want to 'get by?' The Psalmist said, 'It is no use… to get up early and stay up late… The Lord gives sleep to those he loves' (Psalm 127:2 NCV). So turn off the TV and the computer and turn in at a reasonable hour!  The Vine
 
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Plow Straight Rows
I live in permanent gratitude for a message I heard as a little girl in church years ago. By Bible verses and large vivid drawings, it was illustrated what happens when farmers plowing a field keep their eyes to the front: straight, even rows are the result. However, if while plowing, they turn to look back over parts already plowed, wobbly, uneven rows occur in front. I can still see today in my mind both the illustrative drawings.
Luke 9:62 - Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (NIV)
Quick, sharp as a knife, decisive, and unmistakable: this is Jesus' response to the one who had said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family." (Luke 9:61 NIV)
In Jesus' ministry here on earth, He detached Himself from all that would have hindered the progress of His God-given mission. Not even the highest earthly love or obligation held Him back from complete obedience to God's will. Jesus determined to "go" for His Father and to be about His business.
In the same way, Jesus wants us to follow Him, to work for Him -- and with Him -- and to serve the kingdom.
Faithfulness! Single-minded faithfulness allowed nothing to obstruct any of His ministry or mission. Our Lord Christ finally went to the cross and died once, and for all of us, thus yet again proving Himself to be a perfect example of obedience and faithfulness for us to follow.
In today's Scripture, Jesus is not telling us, His followers, to do or be anything He didn't live Himself. He is always the perfect example on which to model ourselves if we want to please and to show our love and loyalty to God our Father, Jesus our Christ, and God our Holy Spirit.
Can we, in truth, sing the words of this chorus?  I have decided to follow Jesus... Though none go with me, still I will follow, No turning back, no turning back! 
Our Lord Jesus set His face forward. He never hesitated. He never looked back. He faced every kind of hostility from humanity. He faced the doom unto death. He faced all the travail and won all that makes the kingdom of God available to us. Hallelujah! Glorious, victorious Christ Jesus!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for our Lord Jesus. Thank You for His many examples recorded in Scripture which help us to keep facing forward, with our eyes on You and Your purposes and mission for our lives. Thank You that our lives are the most blessed, happy, and fruitful when we plow straight rows, following Your directions. Amen and Amen!  --Rosemary Renninson

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God Did It!
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in  us," (Ephesians 3:20)
When I reflect back on my childhood, I think back to those worship services in which a portion was dedicated to testimonies. Anyone who wished to share a testimony could stand in place or move up to the microphone and share with the congregation the movement of God in their lives.
I vividly remember people testifying about miracles and blessings that they experienced and received that could not be explained by human wisdom. Therefore, they would conclude their testimony by simply saying, "all I can say is that God did it!" 
Many of us have experienced the movement of God in our lives in such a way that even we are amazed. Some cannot explain how God stretched a little bit of money and allowed them to do many things with it. Some cannot explain how they are still alive and well after the doctors had given up on them. Others cannot explain how they were able to purchase homes and cars with their credit rating.
One can go on and on about the many miracles and blessings God has bestowed upon His people. Many are trying to think of ways to explain to people the movement of God when it simply cannot be explained. Therefore, when people question or ask "how this or that happened," the reply is simple  All I can say is that "God did it!"
Be blessed!  Author Unknown

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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
Be strong and stay steady even when issues arise that rock your boat.  It would be a mistake to throw up your hands in frustration and despair having come so far already.  Keep the faith by believing, knowing that I am with you to cause you to triumph.  This new level of spiritual experience that you've longed for and waited for is not what you expected because you are having to fight through the present darkness to see the glory.  You are well able to gain the victory if you don't give up in the middle of the fight, says the Lord.  2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

Set yourself on the rampart, and fulfill My commission!  Refuse to allow the princes of the land to create a diversion from My purpose.  Open your mouth and sound the war cry.  Face your foe with strength of purpose.  Exercise your authority and rout the enemy; put him to flight.  Do not delay, says the Lord.
Leviticus 26:8 Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you.

Take time to assess the damages and to evaluate the possibilities of the events of past weeks.  A lot has happened in a short period of time, and you will need to regroup and get your bearings to know whether or not you are still on course.  Set your priorities and re-establish order as you separate the redundant from the necessary.  Be aware that the enemy will continue to create distractions to keep you from being focused and effective, says the Lord.  1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

The enemy has released an assignment of fear against My people, says the Lord, that will cause spiritual paralysis and will provide an avenue for the devil to function through the people who are afflicted by using divination, jealousy and pride.   Fear has provided an open door for demonic traffic.   Shake off spiritual slumber; wake up, and discern this attack against you and stand against these evil forces.  Rise up in the power of My Spirit, and set up an effective defense.   Refuse to allow this attack to continue by casting out the spirit of fear.  2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  

You are beginning to emerge from the fog of uncertainty, and then you will see with great clarity the purposes I have for you and the direction that I am taking you, says the Lord.  Take a deep breath, a sigh of relief, and release all the stress that has found a home in you in the last few weeks and months.  This is a new day that carries with it new possibilities and new hope.  Renew yourself in trust and expectation while maintaining spiritual discernment and reality.  1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
"Set the trumpet to your mouth!" Hosea 8:1
It has been written, says the Lord, and it is true that I am the God of all glory.  And when My glory cloud comes upon you, times of refreshing, times of healing, times of strength and My promises will be established as a seed in the good ground of your heart if you choose to believe this day.  For you must come to an understanding that indeed you are a citizen of heaven.  You live and dwell in another land -- a spiritual habitation where My goodness abounds and My blessings overflow.  These are all for you, My people, all of those who call Me by name and those who believe in Me, who worship Me, who praise Me and serve Me.  For I have come to give you blessings that are exceedingly and abundantly above all that you can imagine.  So this day I would have you to believe in a fresh way, in a new way, on the basis of My word, on the basis of the revelation of this specific season.  I would have you to believe that you are a kingdom child.  Have you not known that I have given you apostolic power; power for warfare?  Rise up out of that position of weakness and victim mentality and declare that you belong to the Lord--a warrior of the Lord.  Do not entangle yourselves in the things of this earth.  For I have called you to be the mighty men of this generation.  And if you answer the call will I not provide for you?  Will I not bring the blessing of provisional reality into your life?  Walk I say in a position of integrity before Me and you will be astounded in these days of the magnificence of the glory that I'm about to pour out upon you.  For indeed the windows of heaven are open, the blessings are falling.  Position yourself to receive, and you will receive the word in due season.  You will receive prophecy that reveals and magnifies that which I am about to do.  You will receive the revelation of this hour.  You will receive the power of the kingdom and the glory of it, says the Lord God Almighty. 

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Thorns and Thrones
I'd rather gather roses without thorns, Lord,
A bright and fragrant, beautiful bouquet
To decorate my world with pretty pleasures-
The brambles and the briers, I'll throw away.
But you say I must pluck the thorns as well, Lord.
Although they'll pierce my heart and sting my soul;
You say that pain's a part of peace, you tell me
That breaking is a part of being whole.
You say that if I truly want to know you,
I must count everything but Christ a loss;
You ask me to exchange my will for yours, LOrd,
To trade contentment's kingdom for a cross.
And so I come before you, weak but willing;
I seek to walk your path, not my own;
I choose to share the crown of thorns you wore, Lord,
Unitl I kneel before your royal throne.
~B.J. Hoff 

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Lord, may we stand on the top of the mountains
And give a great shout
To this imperfect world in which evil rains
What You are all about
May we stand with courage and say
Without a shadow of a doubt
You are the way
All fears, all sin You will cast out
With just one lightly whispered plea
Cried out from the darkness
One can be eternally free
One can be eternally blessed
In one split second a life can be changed
As in Faith we lift up our voices
Giving You our lives to rearrange
Allowing You to guide our choices
Praying Your will be done, not ours
With Your Knowledge and Your Love
And Your Power
Given to us from above
Tammy B.  07/02/09

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Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Matthew 11:28

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.  Psalm 34:18

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust."  3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.  4 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; his truth shall be your shield and buckler.  Psalm 91:1-4

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.  Psalm 32:8

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.  John 14:26

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  John 16:13

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.  Mark 11:24

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  Matthew 7:7-8

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.  Psalm 34:17

Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.  Luke 13:24

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  Psalm 119:105

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Heavy Load
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 11:28-30  28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Aaron cheered in excitement at the tractor pulling contest. One of the contestants-a friend of Aaron's family-revved the engine as his tractor strained to pull the heavy load. It inched along, then gathered speed to the finish line. "He made it!" Aaron shouted, and he clapped along with others in the crowd.
"The next load he has to pull will be heavier," Grandpa said.
Loud sounds came from the big machine as the driver again revved the engine, and it moved slowly forward. The load behind the groaning tractor was dragged at a snail's pace to the finish line. Aaron shot up from his seat and shouted "Cool!"
Aaron grew anxious as he watched the workers add more weights to the next load. The driver powered up the engine, but nothing happened. Again the engine roared, but the load didn't budge. The driver hunched over the wheel as if to coax the machine into one last try before time was up. Aaron felt like he was in the contest himself, and he yelled encouragement as the tractor began to inch forward. Slowly, slowly it went, until at last it reached the finish line. It had moved a heavier load than any other tractor. The crowd went wild-cheering, yelling, and clapping.
Over hot dogs and soft drinks, Grandpa and Aaron talked about the contest. "It made me think about the struggles we have in life," said Grandpa. "Sometimes our loads are almost too heavy for us to pull."
Aaron nodded soberly, thinking about the hard time he had in reading class at school. He just couldn't read as well as the other kids. After getting his last report card, Aaron had gone to his room and cried.
But now Grandpa was smiling at him. "Way back when I was your age, I found out that Jesus wants to help us pull heavy loads-the hardships we face in life," said Grandpa, "so I ask Him to help me whenever I feel like things are just too much. The problems don't always disappear, but they seem lighter when I remember that Jesus is with me and He cares."
Aaron smiled back at Grandpa, knowing what he had to do. He would talk to Jesus about his reading lessons. Aaron needed help with his heavy load.)
MEMORY VERSE:  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:30
HOW ABOUT YOU?  Does something in your life seem too heavy to bear? Are you having trouble with schoolwork? Your family? Your friends? Talk to Jesus about it. He wants to help you in your trouble. Maybe He'll take the burden away-but maybe not. Perhaps He'll simply comfort you and make your burden easier to bear as you trust Him with it. Ask Him to do that-not just once, but every time you need help.
THE KEY: Jesus lightens loads  --Keys For Kids Devotions

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God Saw Their Works
"When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened." Jonah 3:10
The principles of truth revealed in God's dealing with Jonah should speak loud and clear to us, and reflect in the evaluation of our walk with the Lord. Jonah's response to the subtleness of Satan to divert his attention away from God and to be concerned with his own self-centeredness, robbed him of a great blessing and exceeding great joy. Even after God showed mercy unto these people, Jonah had a divided heart. He reluctantly obeyed and was exceedingly displeased and angry that God was so merciful. You might say, "How could Jonah have such a terrible attitude when God had used him so miraculously?" He was the result of Satan's insidious ways to disrupt, discourage, and defeat his response to God. God will perfect His purpose in spite of us. We are the losers when we take an attitude such as Jonah did. Look at some of the other principles before us.
There is no better place than in God's will, regardless of circumstances. He will provide and equip us for service and enable us in all things. Never doubt in the dark what God has given you in the light. It is never right to turn from God's summons to do His Will or to follow His leading. Yielding to sin is always a downward journey; we go down from high and holy fellowship with God, down from dedicated service and self-restraint, and down from an intimate relationship with the Lord. Jonah's insensitivity to the storm shows the true effect of sin. It hardens the heart, stupefies the conscious, and causes us to be indifferent and unconcerned to all that relates to our spiritual life. The probing hand of God must root out all the sin, and remove it altogether. Only then will our lives be lived under His blessing and be effective and fruitful for His glory.
Spiritual reality is opening up the whole of our life to the Holy Spirit. He will meet us at the point of our need with the adequacy of Christ. God never coerces us, or imposes His Will upon us. We must choose by our own free will to make Him the authority and sovereign of our lives. It is not what we do, but "what we believe." It is not who we are, but "who He is." Let the words of this poem by an unknown author speak to your heart. We need to be utterly abandoned and captive to the bonds of His love. We will then be free from sin's entanglements, free from doubt and fear, Free from every worry, burden, grief, and care. It is then we find rest, and a peace that passes understanding. As we wait in His presence, He becomes our "all in all." When in full surrender, we abandon our heart and will to Him.
Oh the joy only He can give! Find yourself at the foot of the cross and let God cleanse and renew, reconcile and restore, fill and overflow your heart in a glorious, intimate relationship with our blessed Savior Jesus Christ. "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." May this be the desire of your heart!  --Ed Powell

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When I Am Weak
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10, NIV)
There are times when the world around me seems literally to be caving in. People are in distress, crying for help. People are in pain, asking for relief. People are confused, asking for clarity. People are blinded by their circumstances, asking for vision. I can do nothing. I feel helpless. I have no words to share with them, no strength to give them, and no relief to offer them. Yet, somehow a word will come, they will find strength in my presence, or they will find some comfort in knowing that I care. That's when I hear Him say, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." "When I am weak, then I am strong."
There are times when I am drawn into a situation of incredible sadness. It may be the loss of a child, the loss of a spouse, the loss of a parent, or the loss of a friend. It may be that a marriage is on the brink of destruction, or has already crumbled. I am asked to help. There is nothing I can do. I cannot bring back the dead nor can I rebuild what has been torn down. But, amazingly God takes what little I have to offer and turns it into a balm that somehow eases the pain. I don't understand it, but I know it happens. That's when I hear Him say, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." "When I am weak, then I am strong."
There are times when I am called upon to address a problem, answer a question, deal with a difficult situation that I feel completely inadequate to address. Though I try to put words together that will sufficiently deal with the matter and clear away some of the confusion, the words do not come. I sit for hours waiting for just the right words, longing for the right phrase, and searching for the insight that will bring a resolution. Then, I pause and ask for His wisdom. He gives it. That's when I hear Him say, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  "When I am weak, then I am strong." 
There are times when I am stressed and disturbed and my emotions are out of control. I look at the tasks of the day and cannot see my way through the maze of confusion and frustration. I wonder if I have the strength leave my house. I feel afraid to take even one step. Somehow when I can put one foot in front of the other and step out into the darkness that so frightens me, He helps me. With Him I get through the day. That's when I hear Him say, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." "When I am weak, then I am strong."
These situations I have shared are not unique with me are they? You face the same kinds of things everyday of your life. You are confronted with the same difficult and seemingly impossible situations. You feel just as confused, just as afraid, just as helpless, and just as weak as I do. And, He gives you the strength to face your situation. He sends you the wisdom to solve your problems. He delivers to you the sense of peace that brings calmness. He provides you with the words that can bring about a solution. His promise is just as real to you as it is to me. Listen to hear Him say, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." And know that, "When I am weak, then I am strong."
His grace is sufficient for you, for His power is made perfect in weakness. When you are weak, then you are strong.  --Tom

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Lord, I pray to You this morning
That to me You will continue shaping and molding
In Your image may I continue to grow
As through today I go
I pray Your will Lord, not mine, be done
As we walk this path together as one
Tammy B.  07/02/09

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Read Through The Bible
Numbers 22
Balak Sends for Balaam
1 Then the children of Israel moved, and camped in the plains of Moab on the side of the Jordan across from Jericho. 2 Now Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3 And Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people because they were many, and Moab was sick with dread because of the children of Israel. 4 So Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this company will lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. 5 Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: “Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me! 6 Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” 7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner’s fee in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak. 8 And he said to them, “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. 9 Then God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?” 10 So Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying, 11 ‘Look, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the earth. Come now, curse them for me; perhaps I shall be able to overpower them and drive them out.’” 12 And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” 13 So Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, “Go back to your land, for the LORD has refused to give me permission to go with you.”
14 And the princes of Moab rose and went to Balak, and said, “Balaam refuses to come with us.” 15 Then Balak again sent princes, more numerous and more honorable than they. 16 And they came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak the son of Zippor: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me; 17 for I will certainly honor you greatly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Therefore please come, curse this people for me.’” 18 Then Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. 19 Now therefore, please, you also stay here tonight, that I may know what more the LORD will say to me.” 20 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men come to call you, rise and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you—that you shall do.” 21 So Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.
Balaam, the Donkey, and the Angel
22 Then God’s anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the LORD took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 Now the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand, and the donkey turned aside out of the way and went into the field. So Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back onto the road. 24 Then the Angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. 25 And when the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she pushed herself against the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall; so he struck her again. 26 Then the Angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. 27 And when the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam’s anger was aroused, and he struck the donkey with his staff. 28 Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” 29 And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!”
30 So the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?” And he said, “No.” 31 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face. 32 And the Angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me. 33 The donkey saw Me and turned aside from Me these three times. If she had not turned aside from Me, surely I would also have killed you by now, and let her live.” 34 And Balaam said to the Angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know You stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases You, I will turn back.” 35 Then the Angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall speak.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
36 Now when Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the city of Moab, which is on the border at the Arnon, the boundary of the territory. 37 Then Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not earnestly send to you, calling for you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?” 38 And Balaam said to Balak, “Look, I have come to you! Now, have I any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak.” 39 So Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kirjath Huzoth. 40 Then Balak offered oxen and sheep, and he sent some to Balaam and to the princes who were with him.
Balaam’s First Prophecy  
41 So it was, the next day, that Balak took Balaam and brought him up to the high places of Baal, that from there he might observe the extent of the people.

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Lord, I thank You for being my friend
It gives me great comfort that we will be friends beyond the end
Thank You Lord for always being here no matter what
You are the greatest friend that any of us have got
Hand in hand we walk each day
With You guiding our way
Thank You for Your constant guiding light
Throughout each day and night
May today to others we be a witness
Of how by You we are loved and blessed
Tammy B.  07/02/09

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Lord, as we walk through the valleys
We cry out many pleas
We may at moments feel we are alone
But in truth we know You are never gone
In this life You are the one true constant
Let us remember You are continuant
In Your love, Your comfort, Your shelter, Your forgiveness
May we remember throughout today how by You we are truly blessed
Tammy B.  07/02/09

Wherever you are in life, whatever you've done, you can begin again. If you do not have Jesus in your life and wish to ask Jesus into your life please go to this link now to do so:  http://www.recoveryinternet.com/showthread.php?t=95  .  Jesus is calling you to live a life that matters.