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God invites us to use what we have for the good of others.

God's strength comes to us one day at a time.

God never forgets us.

God uses us in the way God needs us.

God most often shows His love for us through others.

God’s help is only a prayer away.

God never changes.

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Learning From the Hard Times by Stan Mitchell
What is the first thing we usually say when hard times strike? Be honest! We usually ask, "God, why did you do this to me?"
Right?
Well, sometimes, God did do it to you. Surprised?
When the book of Proverbs speaks of hard times, it usually refers to the kind that is self-imposed. "Whoever despises [instruction]," Solomon declares, "brings destruction on himself" (Proverbs 13:13).
Laziness brings about poverty, mean-spiritedness and resentment. Moreover, a failure to listen to God's instructions brings sorrow.
But not all suffering is the result of our own foolishness. Sometimes it comes from the loving, but disciplining hand of God. And far from God's abandonment, it is a sign of our relationship with him.
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights" (Proverbs 3:11,12, ESV).
When hard times come, don't automatically assume that God has abandoned you, human as that conclusion might be. Ask yourself if it's not a sign of his love, and begin to look for the lessons you can learn from the
situation! 

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We want to be spiritually grown, but we don't like growing because growing hurts.
Growing can be painful. For example, some children have "growing pains" because of their rapid growth.
This can also be true spiritually. Specifically, God may stretch you by putting uncomfortable circumstances in your life. Why? He uses the hard times to stretch your faith, your patience, and your love. This stretching is what causes growth: "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
In other words, God uses the difficult circumstances in your life to cause you to grow closer to Him. If you look back over your life, you'll probably notice that the times you grew the most spiritually were often the times that were the most difficult.
If, however, you fight against the hard circumstances in your life, then you will never fully grow up. So, instead of fighting against life, take the advice of James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Decide to press on and go through so that your faith may grow. Go through the hard times in life trusting God, and then you will grow to be "mature and complete, not lacking anything."  Weekly Wisdom

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The type of seed you sow determines the type of harvest you'll reap.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6). This verse clearly states that whatever seed you sow determines the harvest you'll reap. In other words, you can't expect to reap good rewards if you sow bad seeds.
Proverbs 11:18 says, The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. Likewise, he who sows wickedness reaps trouble (Proverbs 22:8).
Even when things may appear to be going poorly and it doesn't look like you'll ever reap a good harvest, this principle of sowing and reaping remains true. If you Sow for yourselves righteousness, then you will reap the fruit of unfailing love (Hosea 10:12).
You may have to wait a bit to reap that harvest; in fact, you may even need to wait a long time -- maybe many, many years -- for a harvest. As Galatians 6:7-8 says, you will reap what you sow: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
This Biblical principle of sowing and reaping is nicely summarized by Obadiah 1:15: As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.
Therefore, sow good seeds; then, after you wait upon the Lord, you will reap a far better harvest.  Author Unknown

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SOME THROUGH THE FIRE AND SOME THROUGH THE FLOOD By Lillian Wolff
The Bible has a lot to say about fire and water.  In fact, I heard on the news a few weeks back that there were more than 90 forest fires burning at the same time.  Many of them are in California.  Beautiful and expensive homes have been destroyed throughout the years because of the fires.  Having lived in California, I understand just how that could happen.  Especially in the southern area, it is very dry there.  There is a song that says, “It never rains in California but….”.  It doesn’t rain often, but I do recall that when it does rain it pours.
In other parts of our country beautiful homes are often destroyed because of rain and flooding.  Many of our possessions are destroyed because there is no vegetation to hold the water back.  These two elements, fire and water, are extremely dangerous and are not to be taken lightly.
When God began to describe the trials of the saints he likened them unto fiery trials and raging floods.  Psalm 66:12 -- “We went through the fire and through water, but thou brought us out into a wealthy place.”  Isn’t that a comforting scripture?  Most of us know what the experiences of going through the fire and the floods are like.  Sometimes when the fire subsides, we then go through the flood and we feel that we will surely be either reduced to spiritual ashes or drown in the waters of sorrow.  But it is good to know that God is going to bring His children through and when He does he is going to set us in a wealthy place.
Does that mean we might win the lottery or have some big windfall of unexpected money?  No, my friend, most of us will never be wealthy as far as money is concerned.  But there are more things that denote wealth other than money. There is a wealthy place in the Lord.  What about a satisfied mind, filled with peace?  That is more valuable than gold.  What about health and healing?  They are priceless.  What about the ability to think and comprehend?  What about that precious book of promises called the Word of God?  What about the ability to come before the Lord in prayer?  All of these are wealthy things that the Lord has provided for us.  And these are just a few.
I would like to point out that the word says “through”.  We are not meant to stay in the fire or the flood always.  God has brought us through or he is in the process of bringing us through.  It will be for His glory and honor.  So as I said in a previous devotional have “hupomone”!  Endurance!!
 
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Overcoming the Obstacles
How would you describe somebody who was an accomplished pianist at ten, a professional organist at 11, had compositions published at 13, and was a member of the royal court musical staff at 14? Privileged? Born with a silver spoon in his mouth? Hardly! Ludwig van Beethoven was a black-haired, swarthy-complexioned, pockmarked boy who endured taunts and name calling in his hometown along the Rhine River, an area of mostly blond, fair-skinned children. His alcoholic father decided that Ludwig would support him, so he made him a slave to the keyboard. Looking back, Beethoven couldn't recall a single moment of childhood happiness.  His life was comprised of work, tears, beatings and angry tirades.
In his twenties he encountered another more insidious enemy: deafness. When he could no longer play publicly he put all his energies into composing. His years of deafness were his most prolific. Although at the time his works weren't well received, he influenced many of the great composers like Brahms, Wagner and Schubert. Nearing death and recognizing that the world had never fully understood or appreciated him and his music, he said with a smile, "I shall hear in Heaven."
When life knocks you down don't stay down, bounce back! Everybody stumbles or gets knocked off their feet from time to time; the winners are just the ones who keep getting back up! That's what Paul meant when he said, "In all these things we are more than conquerors." (Romans 8:37) If you pray and look hard enough, you'll find the seed of good in every adversity (See Genesis 50:20). The difference between winners and losers is their ability to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.  Author Unknown

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The HERMIT CRAB by David Wilkerson.
King David, the author of so many Psalms, grew weary of his struggles. He was so tired in soul, so embattled and beset by troubles, all he wanted was to escape to a place of peace and safety: "My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me... And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest... I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest" (Psalm 55:4-8).
A lesson from nature reveals what happens when we trade the good fight for an easier way and walk away from our struggle. I recently read a biologist's study on crabs, creatures that live in a rough, dangerous environment among jagged rocks. Crabs are dashed about daily by waves and attacked on every side by creatures from deeper waters.  They battle continually to protect themselves, and over time they develop a strong shell and powerful instincts for survival.
Amazingly, some in the crab family give up the struggle for life. Searching for a safe haven, they take up residence in the cast-off shells of other ocean creature. These crabs are known as hermit crabs. Settling for safety, they retreat from the battle and escape into secondhand houses that are ready-made.
But hermit crabs' "safe houses" prove to be costly and ruinous. Through their lack of struggle, crucial parts of their bodies deteriorate. Even their organs wither due to lack of use. Over time the hermit crab loses all power of motion, as well as vital parts needed for escape. These limbs simply fall off, leaving the crab out of danger but useless to do anything except exist.
Meanwhile, crabs that continued the struggle grow and flourish. Their five pairs of legs become meaty and strong from resisting the powerful tides. And they learn to hide from their predators by skillfully scuttling under rock formations.
This law of nature, too, illustrates the law of the Spirit. As believers, we get tossed and pounded by wave after wave of difficulties. We face vicious predators in Satan's principalities and powers. But as we fight on, we grow stronger. And we come to recognize the devil's wiles when he employs them against us. We discover our true refuge, the "cleft in the rock," by trusting in Jesus. Only then are we truly safe in the midst of our battle.

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What is Forgiveness?
Forgiveness—it is something we all know we need. When God forgives us, He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west—never to be remembered against us again (Psalm 103:12). Jesus helps us understand that if we really grasped the depth of God’s forgiveness, we would forgive others (Matthew 18:21-35). He even tells us that if we don’t forgive those who have offended us, our Father in Heaven won’t forgive us (Matthew 6:14,15). But what does it look like for you and me to forgive those who have hurt us?
Many wrong ideas influence our thoughts about forgiveness; ideas like:
* I don’t have to forgive if the person who has hurt me doesn’t ask for forgiveness.
* If I forgive them, it will condone their sinful behavior.
* Forgiveness means that the relationship is restored and trust is rebuilt.
* Forgiveness means that I don’t remember the pain or have any negative feelings about the person who has hurt me.
Have you ever been confused by these ideas, or by your feelings? I know I have. Several years ago, someone hurt our family. I knew I needed to forgive them and I prayed fervently for the Lord to help me. But I wasn’t sure how to know if I had really forgiven them. When I saw them, I would get an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach. Those feelings would cause me to question if I had actually forgiven them.
Rick Warren describes forgiveness in a very tangible way, in the 40 Days of Love* videos. He says forgiveness is three things:
* relinquishing my rights to get even,
* responding to evil with good, and
* repeating those two things as many times as necessary.
Warren also helps us to understand that forgiveness happens in a moment, but trust must be rebuilt over time. And in order for there to be a healthy relationship, the offender must also make some changes.
I have come to understand that the choice to forgive says a great deal about the spiritual condition of the person. George Wood in his newest book, Living in the Spirit, says it this way: “When you ‘bump’ a genuinely Spirit-filled person, you will get love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, and self-control. But when you ‘bump’ a person who professes to be Spirit-filled but doesn’t have the evidence, out will come meanness, nastiness, bitterness, and hostility.”
Understanding these truths about forgiveness is helpful. These choices have nothing to do with our feelings. Of course we will remember the pain of hurtful situations. And human relationships change when a person intentionally hurts us. But we can be obedient to the command to forgive. Remember, when you choose to give up your rights to get even, you are forgiving. When you are depending upon the Holy Spirit to respond to evil with His goodness, you are obeying Jesus’ command to forgive.
Be encouraged—when you choose to obey, your feelings will eventually come around. Someone recently said to me, “You can never feel your way into right behavior, but you can behave your way into right feelings.”  Author Unknown

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Keep Preparing Yourself
I have seen a son of Jesse... who is skillful...  1 Samuel 16:18 NKJV
David didn't suddenly become an expert marksman with a slingshot when Goliath showed up, or a master harpist when King Saul invited him to the palace. He took the long, slow, disciplined route. David had no idea what his future held, he simply found joy and fulfillment in discovering and developing his gifts. Your greatest obstacle to personal growth isn't ignorance; it's the illusion of knowledge. It's in believing you've 'arrived.' When that happens you're done growing, which means you're done! Which zone do you live in? The challenge zone: 'I attempt to do what I haven't done before.' The comfort zone: 'I only do what I already know I can do.' The coasting zone: 'I don't even do what I've done before.' Phillips Brooks said, 'Sad is the day for any man when he becomes absolutely satisfied with the life he is living, the thoughts he is thinking, and the things he is doing; when there ceases to be forever beating at the doors of his soul a desire to do something larger which he seeks and knows he was meant and intended to do.'
David's brothers knew his skills, yet none of them told King Saul about him. Be encouraged; you'll get there without them! 'Then one of [Saul's] servants… said, "Look, I have seen a son of Jesse… who is skilful in playing, a mighty man of valour… "' (1 Samuel 16:18 NKJV)David didn't compete with his brothers or complain about his status as a sheepherder. He just kept developing his relationship with God and sharpening his skills, and when the time was right God promoted him. So, keep preparing yourself.  The Vine

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Refuse To Be Afraid
Live each moment by faith and refuse to be afraid. 
As wars continue around the world, we must remember our true battles are not against flesh and blood - not against terrorism or deceptive governments, nor an oppressive boss or unappreciative spouse - but "against the spiritual forces of evil in the Heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).  The true battles occur in a world which is real, but unseen; and yet, the battles we see and hear everywhere we turn are the ones which tend to consume our thoughts and cause us to become angry...and to fear.
As Jesus was teaching and healing around the Sea of Galilee, large crowds of people began to come out to Him.  One evening, Jesus decided to leave the crowds behind and sail with His disciples to the other side of the sea.  As Jesus slept in the back of the boat, a terrible storm soon developed.  The disciples woke Jesus and cried out in fear, "Teacher, don't You care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38).
Mark 4:39-40 "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'"
The disciples had seen Jesus cure a man with leprosy, heal a paralytic, and teach with the authority of Almighty God; but now they thought Jesus didn't care.  When Jesus rose, He rebuked the storm as well as His disciples.  These men who were chosen to walk with the Son of God were now accused by Jesus of being afraid and living without faith.
This same event occurs in our life today.  Jesus climbs into our boat and directs us to a distant shore.  We've heard about His miracles so we joyfully cast off, expecting a smooth sail.  Suddenly, the wind begins to blow and the waves turn white - this is probably not the voyage we had in mind.  No longer able to see the shore, we begin to wonder why we ever set sail.  Did we really hear His voice?  And in our desperation we pathetically cry out, "Don't You care if we drown?" ... Is our faith really so weak?
In the midst of our fears, we must remember that He is the same God who created the Heavens and the earth, sent His Son to die for our sins, and gave us His Spirit "with whom we were sealed for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30).  He is the same God who chose us to walk by His side!
Jesus is still committed to our journey, and still in complete control.  In His perfect timing He will calm ALL the wind and waves - ALL the roaring seas.  When doubts begin to surface, we must draw even closer, hold on even tighter, and trust Him even deeper.  No matter what battles we see with our eyes and hear with our ears, we must be determined to live each moment by faith and refuse to be afraid. Have a Christ Centered Day!  Steve Troxel

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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
You are now sensing and know in your spirit and soul that there has been a well-defined change from the past that has been in process over the past months.  I already made you aware that I am doing a new thing in your life and the lives of My people, and you accepted that word by faith.  But now, you can actually discern the change and see it with your eyes.  Expect to have a short break or lull, but be aware that if you don't understand what this is or why it is happening, you may feel disoriented.  This is a time to draw close to Me, says the Lord, put your faith in Me and rest.  Romans 14:22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God.

Every deterrent is being blown away by the wind of My Spirit.  And, in this new season you will begin to see and experience My presence in a more powerful way.  As you allow distractions to be swept away and your focus on Me to be uninterrupted, you will enter this time of spiritual vitality and growth.  There is an air of expectancy in the realm of the spirit.  Go forth with a sense of purpose and boldness, says the Lord.  Psalms 138:3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.

As, I waited in the presence of the Lord, I found myself craving routine and a sense of stability in circumstances. But, the Lord broke in and said, "I am still shaking many of your places of comfort because they represent areas where you have become stale and religious. I want to bring a fresh wind that will stir renewed interest and excitement in the work that I am doing as opposed to what you are doing! Too many of My people have taken great pride in believing they possess special knowledge, which they use to elevate themselves in the Kingdom. But, I'm looking for those with humble, open, and hungry hearts. They are the ones I will use mightily in this next season. Let My wind blow and let go of thoughts of routine and comfort. Arise to a new level of adventure and expectation."
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Beloved, because of your faithful prayers and strong stand against the wiles of the devil, the pall of oppression is lifting.  The light of righteousness is piercing the thick gloom of darkness.  I call you forth into healing, restoration, and renewal.  It is time for you to emerge from the caves and shadows where you have hidden yourselves, and come into the light of a new day, says the Lord.  Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

The enemy has launched an attack against you, My people, to cause confusion, misunderstandings, miscommunication and hindrances.  You must rise up in the spirit realm and shut the door on this attack and call forth a clearing of the air ways.  And, I will give you clarity and open the door and clear the way for you to proceed unhindered, says the Lord.  Be diligent to wage a good warfare.  Victory is assured.  1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.

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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
"Set the trumpet to your mouth!" Hosea 8:1
I'm the Lord who watches over you.  Do not forget it, for I have spoken in My word that I would be with you always.   Even though the enemy would try to convince you otherwise, I say to you that I am here and I am with you and I will walk with you.  I will produce in you the water of life, the water that flows out of your innermost being.  So come and walk with me.  Dare to believe that those things that you have heard in these days shall come to pass in your life.  Dare to believe what I have called you to be.  Walk in the power of My Spirit.  For each season has its own power and each season has its own anointing, says the Lord.  Walk in the power of this season where a greater flow of My spirit will come forth.  John 7:38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."

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Love And Compassion
Lord help me to show your love to others
just as you have shown your love for me;
Help me reach out to those who are lost and hurting 
and lift them up to you lovingly.
Help me not to turn away from one
who needs a helping hand;
To be there for those who are tired and weary
and show them I care and understand.
To be an example of you my Lord
and reach out in compassion and in love;
Helping them to see that they too can receive,
when they give themselves willingly to their Father above.
Help me oh Lord that I'll never
be guilty of biasness or bigotry;
That I'll not forget where I came from
and what a great price you paid for me.
Helen Johnson

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Today
A new day is dawning, 
the sun's coming out,
while I'm sitting here wondering
what my life's all about.
Have I made a difference, 
have I done all I should?
Or is there something more, I
could do if I would?
Have I made someone happy
just being there?
Have I shown it in action
telling them that I care!
Have I shown someone kindness,
with a touch or a smile,
Taken time to listen for
just a little while?
Have I said that I love you
to someone today,
and taken some time 
to kneel down and pray?
Have I reached out to others
with a helping hand
just letting them know that
I understand?
Lord, help me to make
the most of each day
By helping others who
pass my way!
Don't let my self pride
come between you and me
or keep me from listening
and following thee.
You have given to me
this lovely new day;
Help me make the most of it,
for this Lord, I pray!
Helen Johnson

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And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3:18

I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.  1 John 2:12

The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.  Proverbs 11:18

Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.  Hebrews 13:16

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  Proverbs 3:5

The Lord says, "I will come to you and save you."  Jeremiah 30:11

We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10

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On Living Simply
“Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil” (Proverbs 15:16, NIV).
Ask any rich person, and he or she will tell you that money won’t make you happy. As a matter of fact, the stress and anxiety of keeping all that money and maintaining all that stuff can easily steal what joy you had in the first place. But we don’t really want to hear that. We think if we  could just have bigger house or a car that doesn’t always break down or a family vacation to Disney World, then we’d be satisfied. In reality, there will always be more stuff to want. The only thing that will truly satisfy is a personal relationship with the One who created us. If we have that, we’ll be satisfied with very little—or, perhaps even more when we have a whole lot.
God, open my eyes to see all of Your blessings around me. Give me a grateful heart, and make me a person who thanks You and praises You often. Teach me to be content in any situation, knowing that all I really need is You.  Reprinted from The Busy Mom’s Guide to Wisdom by Lisa Whelchel

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Words To Live By
The glory of old men is... [wisdom and experience]. Proverbs 20:29 AMP
The Bible says: "The glory of old men is… wisdom and experience," so listen up! An elderly man gives us words to live by: "Time has a way of catching you unawares. It seems like yesterday I was young, just married and embarking on my new life. Where did the years go? I know I've lived them all, and I get 'glimpses' of how it was back then… my hopes and dreams. But here it is… the winter of my life… How did I get here so fast? I remember seeing older people and thinking winter was so far off I couldn't fathom or imagine it. But here it is… my friends are retired and getting grey… they move slower… I see great changes. I remember when they were young and vibrant, now we're the 'old folks' we never thought we'd become. Each day I find that taking a shower is a real target, and taking a nap isn't a treat anymore, it's mandatory, otherwise I fall asleep where I'm sitting! I'm unprepared for the aches, pains, and the loss of strength and ability to do the things I wish I'd done and didn't. Winter's here and I'm not sure how long it will last. If you're not there yet, let me remind you it'll be here faster than you think. Whatever you'd like to accomplish in your life… do it today. Don't put it off, because you can never be sure if this is your winter. There's no guarantee you'll see every season of life, so say all the things you want your loved ones to remember. Your life is a gift from God, how you live it is your gift to Him and ensuing generations."  The Word For Today

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Tenth Step Prayer
God, I pray I may continue: To grow in understanding and effectiveness; To take daily spot check inventories of myself; To correct mistakes when I make them; To take responsibility for my actions; To be ever aware of my negative and Self-defeating attitudes & behaviors; To keep my willfulness in check; To always remember I need Your help; To keep love & tolerance of others as my code; and To continue in daily prayer how I can best serve You.

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Read Through The Bible
Deuteronomy 6
The Greatest Commandment
1 “Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the LORD your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, 2 that you may fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. 3 Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the LORD God of your fathers has promised you—‘a land flowing with milk and honey.’ 4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Caution Against Disobedience  
10 “So it shall be, when the LORD your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, 11 houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full— 12 then beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 13 You shall fear the LORD your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in His name. 14 You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are all around you 15 (for the LORD your God is a jealous God among you), lest the anger of the LORD your God be aroused against you and destroy you from the face of the earth. 16 “You shall not tempt the LORD your God as you tempted Him in Massah. 17 You shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, His testimonies, and His statutes which He has commanded you. 18 And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land of which the LORD swore to your fathers, 19 to cast out all your enemies from before you, as the LORD has spoken.
20 “When your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which the LORD our God has commanded you?’ 21 then you shall say to your son: ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand; 22 and the LORD showed signs and wonders before our eyes, great and severe, against Egypt, Pharaoh, and all his household. 23 Then He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in, to give us the land of which He swore to our fathers. 24 And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. 25 Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us.’

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Eleventh Step Prayer
God. I pray to keep my connection with You Open and clear from the confusion of daily life. Through my prayers & meditation I ask especially for Freedom from self-will, rationalization, & wishful thinking. I pray for the guidance of correct thought and positive action. Your will God, not mine, be done.

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.christianrecoverysupport.com/forums/index.php?/topic/112-how-to-ask-jesus-into-your-life/  .  
Jesus is calling you to live a life that matters.