A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE
By Gail RodgersThe boxes were piled high and the Twin Otter aircraft was at the dock waiting to be loaded. We were moving south from our isolated northern location. As a bush-pilot's wife, moving was familiar to me. I had grown used to making our home in unconventional places... a rustic cabin, a mobile home where the pillows froze to the wall, and even in the top of a hangar.

And here I was, being asked to move again, to another unconventional place. This time the invitation came in God's Word. It stood out to me as I read it...

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, '"He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'" (Psalm 91:1,2).

I already knew God and visited with Him regularly, but I sensed this was different. I thought about what it might mean to take up residence in God's shelter. Not just to have little visits there now and then, but to actually live there daily. To make His presence my dwelling place and to completely trust Him with my life.

Living there gives me the privilege of resting in His shadow every day. There I have a refuge. God is the fort around my heart, and I can rest trusting in Him. Yes, this is where I want to live!

You are invited to live here, too. Don't live another day out in the cold of worry and fear. Ask Him to manage your mind and guard your heart today. As His child, you have an open invitation to live here...every day.

Ask the Almighty God to take the concerns of your heart and bring peace to your soul and daily guidance to your steps. When fear or uncertainty threatens to overtake your heart, remind yourself where you live. Ask God to help you rest your worried mind. Ask Him to be the fortress around your heart, giving you peace in place of anxiousness. Ask Him to help you simply trust Him to hold you steady. It's the safest place to live! Your Refuge!

~ Father God,
Thank You that I can know You in a personal way. Forgive me for the times when I keep You at a distance and worry my way through my day. Thank You for Your offer of a dwelling place, a safe place to bring my heart. Today I want to feel Your presence with me. I ask You to shelter my heart and bring rest to my mind. Give me wisdom and guidance in the things that I can change in my life. Help me to trust You to keep me sheltered and calm in the things I have no control over. Help me to rest here today. You are my Almighty God, and I trust you with my life. In Jesus' strong name, Amen.

Related Links

When God calls, will you obey?
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FREEDOM
By Suzanne Benner

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"In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free" (Psalm 118:5 NIV.)

How do you define freedom? Is it to live, study, work, and worship without oppression or fear? Is it to dwell in relationship without manipulation or abusiveness? Does it mean release from addiction or compulsion?

Our world has been in bondage since Adam and Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden. That is why we all need to be set free. Bondage isn't merely the result of poor education, the lack of development in your nation or low social standing. Regardless of the type of tyranny that enslaves you, bondage comes as a result of sin.


True freedom is living in right relationship with God and it can only come through Jesus Christ.


"To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31, 32 NIV.)


The truth is that sin separates us from God, our Creator. By Jesus' death on the cross, we are freed from sin and able to come into relationship with God.

Free. God loves you just as you are.
"To him [Jesus] who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood" (Revelation 1:5 NIV.)

Free. God accepts you. You don't have to try to win His approval -- you already have it. He delights in you.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1, 2 NIV.)


Free. Nothing said about you or done to you can negate the fact that you have a secure home with Jesus for eternity.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36 NIV.)

~ Thank you God for freeing me! May glory and power be to Your name for ever and ever!

These devotions are wonderful, thank you for sharing! :)

Thank you for sharing the site with us all.

MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT By Gail Rodgers (http://christianwomentoday.com/devotionals/daily/#authorbio)

(http://christianwomentoday.com/devotionals/daily/2891.html)


Shelly spent a lot of time and energy thinking about herself and her needs. The needs of others were often an intrusion and a frustration. She felt that she just needed to find herself right now.

It’s true that there are times in life when we need to catch our breath and regroup after change has come our way. But God cautions us not to stay there.

In these busy days we live in we often feel tempted to back away from people and keep as much of our lives to ourselves as possible. Sometimes a deep loneliness in our spirit develops as we try to cocoon ourselves.

God invites you to deposit your life into His hands or His account. He wants to use your life to touch others and bring you fulfillment in the process.

He says, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).

God created you as a package that is uniquely you. He put gifts, ideas and passions into you that He wants to bring back to the surface to be used by Him to touch others. This is where you will find your greatest fulfillment--in letting the God who created you work through your uniqueness to touch others.

Be careful not to spend your days just in “finding yourself.” Deposit your life into God’s account for Him to spend in ways that will amaze you and bless you as He uses you to do just what He created you to do.

~ Father God, sometimes I feel wearied by people and all their needs and demands. Thank You that You have created me uniquely. Thank You that when I put myself in Your hands You will use my uniqueness to touch some other life… and I will be blessed. Today I deposit my life in Your account believing, that as I spend my life for Your sake, I will actually find myself. Thank You for Your amazing grace that can use me as I am today because You will flow through me. Fill me now with Your Holy Spirit so I may walk today in Your plans for me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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GLEANING IN OTHER FIELDS
By W Smith

** Read the book of Ruth with us -- take our free e-learning Bible study:
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Recently I read again the story of Ruth, a young widow who went to the city of Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth, following the provisions laid out for those in need, went out to glean in the fields of a landowner in that town. Boaz notices this stranger and extends his kindness to both Ruth and Naomi. He graciously commands his servants to leave extra for her as she gleans. Learning that he is a near relative, he considers the opportunity to redeem (buy back) the property of the family and to marry this remarkable young widow.

In Ruth 4, we find Boaz marrying Ruth, and providing for Ruth and Naomi. Their land is redeemed, and their future is changed. They now have a home, a place to belong. The neighbors see and rejoice in the blessing.

What a wonderful picture of redemption! God came, in the person of Jesus Christ, to redeem us, to set us free from our past. He paid the debt, and has made us a part of His own family. He's chosen to love us and call us His own.


How incomprehensible it would be if, that next year, Ruth would have left the house one morning to glean in the fields of another man. Boaz loved her and had been gracious toward her. He married her and brought her to his home. He was attentive to her and provided for her needs. For Ruth to glean in the fields of another landowner would be ungrateful, unreasonable and even downright foolish!

How often, may I ask, do we as believers consider "gleaning in other fields?" God has loved us and made us His own. He has provided everything we need for life and godliness. Yet other fields beckon us. What fields, you ask? Women turn to material things, power, and prestige every day to satisfy the need for love and belonging. Some go outside of marriage, longing for acceptance. Some try to climb a corporate ladder, thinking that reaching the top will satisfy their desire for significance. Addictions of all types seem to make promises, but they do not provide lasting satisfaction of the heart's deepest needs. Even relationships with friends, spouse or children will not substitute for our relationship with God. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, placing your faith in Him, He has redeemed you. No other field will satisfy!

~ Dear Lord,
Help me to see what You have given, and even more, help me to desire to be in close intimate relationship with You. I never want to go back to those "other fields." Your love for me is great, and Your provision is bountiful! Thank You for redeeming me. Help me to love You well. In Jesus' name, amen.

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THE HEALING POWER OF FASTING AND PRAYING
By Vonette Bright

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land"( 2 Chronicles 7:14.)


Norma's alcoholic parents had divorced when she was three. She had been angry at them for many years, especially her father. Norma hated men and the idea of marriage.


Norma began to fast and pray.Slowly, God began to heal that anger in her heart.She forgave her parents and learned how to honor them.

Norma began dating again and eventually married a Christian man.Now Norma is fasting and praying for others who are struggling.


Oh friend, have you ever experienced this spiritual discipline? During my special times of fasting and prayer, I have enjoyed such an incredible intimacy with God.

If you're burdened or struggling, consider humbling yourself and seeking God through fasting and prayer.

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If you like to know how, stop by:
http://www.fastingandpraying.com/

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http://www.christianwomentoday.com/prayer/prayspouse.html

About the Author


Vonette Bright co-founded Campus Crusade for Christ with her late husband, Dr. Bill Bright. She has written several books, and recently entered novel territory with the Sister Circle series and its accompanying studies and Discovery Diaries (co-written with Nancy Moser). http://www.campuscrusade.com/Books/sister.htm

You can listen to Vonette's daily radio program online:
http://www.womentoday.org

THE MILLER FAMILY
By Vonette Bright

"He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe"(John 1:7.)

Life seemed good to the Millers and their two daughters.That is until Kate Miller, a devoted wife and mother, was diagnosed with a malignant, inoperable brain tumor.In a matter of months, Kate would lose her life.


But God used that trial to draw the Miller family to Himself.Kate attended a Bible study and eventually became a follower of Christ.Her husband trusted the Lord shortly thereafter and eventually, both daughters became Christians.


Before long, the Miller family decided to devote their complete attention to telling others about Jesus Christ.When Kate Miller did die, she immediately stepped into the very presence of God.What a wonderful promise!


My dear friend... if you were to die today, do you know where you'll spend eternity? If you don't know, please take a minute to click through this interactive introduction on how you can be assured of this eternal promise through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Related LinksYou'll find it at: www.journeyofjoy.com
Sure about salvation
http://www.christianwomentoday.com/growth/salvation.html



About the Author


Vonette Bright co-founded Campus Crusade for Christ with her late husband, Dr. Bill Bright. She has written several books, and recently entered novel territory with the Sister Circle series and its accompanying studies and Discovery Diaries (co-written with Nancy Moser). http://www.campuscrusade.com/Books/sister.htm

You can listen to Vonette's daily radio program online:
http://www.womentoday.org

JESUS IS THE WAY TO THE FATHER'S HOUSE
By Mary Kassian

Enjoy this devotional? There's more! Check out the full book.
Click here:
http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/gk.asp?k=5F86905BF4

The first few verses of John 14 contain some of the most often quoted words of Jesus. The occasion was the night before the crucifixion. For months Jesus had been telling His thick-headed disciples that He was going to Jerusalem to die. Finally the message began to soak in. On the eve of His own suffering, Jesus comforted His friends:

"'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.'

"Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?'

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:1--6).

The Father sent His Son to bring us into the Father's house. In the future we will go there and see him face-to-face. But we do not have to wait to begin to enjoy this privilege. We can begin to enjoy the Father's house the moment we meet Jesus. We will not fully experience it until we reach heaven, but even now we can know that we have passed through the door.

Let me say something that ought to shock you a bit. We need to realize that knowing Jesus is not the ultimate goal of Christianity God's purpose has always been that we know the Father through Jesus.

Coming into the Father's house through His Son is what the Christian journey is all about. We come to Jesus so that we can get to know our heavenly Father.

In the following verses note who initiates the invitation for you to come to the Father's house:

"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37).

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me" (John 6:44--45).

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight" (Ephesians 1:3--4).

The Father gave the invitation for you to come to His house! He sent His Son to make it possible for you to come. You have entered the door of His house through Jesus. But are you content to stay just inside the door? Or do you long to travel further in to get to know its owner, your Father? Which of the following two statements do you want to describe how you feel about being in the Father's house?

* Jesus brings me to His Father's house, but I pay no attention to the Father.

* Jesus brings me to His Father's house, and I am falling in love with the Father.

If you are attracted to Jesus, you will really love the Father! That's because Jesus reveals the Father to us. The fatherhood of God is the reality that Jesus came to reveal and the relationship He came to restore. Close this devotional by thanking the Father that He brought you to His house through His Son, Jesus. Tell the Father that you would like to move further into His house to get to know Him better.

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In My Father's House
http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/gk.asp?k= 5F86905BF4

PRAYING OR OBEYING
By Gail Rodgers

NEEDED: Increase your ministry impact by coming alongside those who write in to the TruthMedia network of websites. Currently we are in need of both prayer and e-mail mentors. Learn more about these flexible online ministry opportunities:

Prayer mentoring
http://training.truthmedia.com/mentoring/prayer_mentor.html

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http://training.truthmedia.com/mentoring/definerole.html

Application
http://training.truthmedia.com/mentoring/mentorapply.html

Cathy shared with me how she longed for God to intervene in a certain circumstance in her life. She had been waiting, crying and agonizing before God. But she only felt grieved, disappointed and frustrated at the lack of an answer and God's seeming silence.

Then God spoke to her heart. She read something in the Bible and a fresh realization hit her. These are the words God used to speak to her.

"Dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1).

With the sudden clarity that comes when the Holy Spirit sheds his light on the Scripture, Cathy knew that as she was pleading with God for an answer to her circumstance, He had been pleading with her to live differently.

She thought about it awhile. God pleading with her! God was waiting for her to present her body as an act of worship to God. How could she do that in a practical way on a busy morning as she headed out the door to work? Just what did it mean?

Cathy remembered God had asked her to do something about a physical habit in her life and she had not bothered. She now recalled how God had been nudging her about her harsh words and critical attitude, but she hung on to it anyway. She knew He wanted her to contact that woman down the hall and have coffee with her but she hadn't had time. She had been too busy to bother with any of it.

We talked about it later. When we plead with God to do something for us, we expect Him to act. When God pleads with us to give Him ourselves as a living sacrifice, He expects us to act. Yet while we wait for His answer, we seem to believe our part is optional.

Has God asked you to do something that you have pushed to the back corner of your heart and mind? Are you worshiping Him by offering yourself to Him everyday for His purposes? When God works His purposes out in your life it will bring a fulfillment you never knew possible... because that's what He created you for! He waits for you.

~ Father God, please forgive me for the times when I have been praying yet not obeying. Thank you for reminding me that You plead with me and want me to move ahead in my walk with You. You have more in mind for me than just answering the cry of the circumstance in my life. Today I offer myself afresh to You. Show me the ways in which You want me to adjust my habits, my thinking or my actions. I want to worship You today with my whole life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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OAKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
By Gail Rodgers

NEEDED: Increase your ministry impact by coming alongside those who write in to the TruthMedia network of websites. Currently we are in need of both prayer and e-mail mentors. Learn more about these flexible online ministry opportunities:

Prayer mentoring
http://training.truthmedia.com/mentoring/prayer_mentor.html

E-mail mentoring
http://training.truthmedia.com/mentoring/definerole.html

Application
http://training.truthmedia.com/mentoring/mentorapply.html

Noreen knew God had plucked her life from the ruins. And she was so grateful. When she read Isaiah 61:1-3 she knew she was one of those who had been broken hearted and a prisoner in another lifestyle. She knew the power of His love as He bound up her broken heart and brought beauty out of the ashes of her life.

Yes, she was grateful... but still rather timid to step out and do much for God. She still felt so inadequate and sometimes worried about what people would think if they really knew the path she had come.

She read the familiar verses again but this time she saw something more. The Spirit of God opened the eyes of her heart. After the words describing how God binds up the broken hearted, brings beauty out of ashes and joy out of mourning, she read these words that had never penetrated her mind before:

"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor" (Isaiah 61:3b).

Wow! Her mind could barely take it in. God said she was an "oak of righteousness", planted right where she was today by the Lord... to display God's splendor and show what He can do in a life that says "yes" to Him.

She thought awhile about the oak tree; strong, durable, able to weather the storms of time, and mighty. Yes, a mighty oak. She didn't feel very "righteous", yet someone had just told her that righteousness was simply having a "yes Lord" attitude in all areas of her life. She truly did want Him to permeate every decision and every part of her life.

Noreen got ready for work with a new view of herself and a new purpose in her heart. She would be that mighty oak today, planted just where she was in order to show the splendor of God's healing touch.

As she headed out the door she breathed a prayer asking God to give her an opportunity today to share the difference He has made in her life. Yes, her broken heart had been touched by God and beauty was beginning to come from the ashes in her life...and she would declare His splendor.

Even though she knew she was still in the process of her healing journey, she caught a glimpse of how God saw her today, and she would walk in it because He had declared it!

~ Father God, thank You so much for seeing me differently than I see myself. May I honor You today and display Your splendor in living a changed life by the power of the Holy Spirit! In Jesus' name, Amen.

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LIVING IN THE YESTERDAYS?
By Marilyn Ehle

** Open to a new ministry opportunity? There's so much you can do via the Internet!
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"The Lord's... compassions never fail. They are new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22, 23).

The story is told of a man who had retired from the wheat-filled flatlands of Alberta, Canada to the neighboring province of tree-lined, mountainous British Columbia. When asked how he liked living in his new environs, he replied, "It's OK I guess, but these mountains keep getting in the way of the view!"

I was greatly encouraged recently by speaking with a tiny, white-haired woman in her 90's who could hardly contain her enthusiasm over our new pastor. While our retiring senior minister is a great man of God and has been the instrument of much blessing to our congregation, the new man has new preaching styles, new vision, new ways of relating to people. "My husband (he's 101, you know!) and I are so excited about where God is leading us through the ministry of our new pastor," she said. "We can hardly wait to see the new things God will be doing!"

Too many of us frequently miss the beauty of today by living in our yesterdays. God has done great things in the past and we are reminded in Scripture to look back and praise Him. But just as His compassions and faithfulness are "new every morning," so He wants to do new things in and through us. God, through the prophet Isaiah, says, "...do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"

Although new paths, new ministries, new ways of doing things often make us uncomfortable, take us out of our comfort zone, it's exciting to see God work in us when we eagerly join with Him in the new things.

~ Father, help me open my eyes each morning eagerly anticipating the new things You have for me. Thank You that Your faithfulness will grace each experience.

WALKING IN FREEDOM
By Suzanne Benner

"I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts" (Psalm 119:45 NIV.)


There are two pitfalls to avoid when walking in freedom. One is forgetting the freedom that Christ purchased for us on the cross and the other is abusing that freedom.


First of all, we forget that it is by grace we have been saved through faith when we live legalistic lives. By imposing strict guidelines for living, we send the message that the things I do or don't do are what have saved me. As soon as we add one thing - some good work or legalistic requirement -- we have lost the freedom that Jesus gave us.


Paul addressed this issue in the book of Galatians, when some in the church started saying that a person must be circumcised in order to be a true believer. (Galatians 5:1 -- 12) He gives a strong warning against that thinking. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1 NIV.)

The opposite trap, though just as perilous, is to misuse God's grace by treating His unconditional love and forgiveness as a license for sinful behaviour.



The Bible instructs us, "Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God" (1 Peter 2:16 NIV.) and in another place, "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love" (Galatians 5:13.)

The book of Romans takes it one step further. "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness" (Romans 6:18 NIV.)


~God give me the grace to walk in freedom without getting tied up with rules. Show me also what it means to become a slave to righteousness.



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http://www.christianwomentoday.com/parenting/contrition.html

About the Author


Suzanne Benner lives in Calgary with her husband and three school-aged children. She leads a small group Bible study in her local church and is passionate about Scripture memorization.

Tips for memorizing Scripture: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/growth/scripturememory.html

YOUNG AUGUSTINE
By Vonette Bright

"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature"(Romans 13:14.)

Monica's boy was frightfully smart. She loved Christ and prayed for her son. But the boy cast off his simple faith in God for modern heresy. He mired in the "sewage of lust" which resulted in an illegitimate son.


Monica continued to faithfully pray for her son for 10 years. All the while, his brilliant mind influenced others to heresies as well.

Finally, at age 29, the young man succumbed to the end of his rope. He picked up a long-ago familiar book, the Bible, and read, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh." He did just that.

A praying mother's lifelong desire fulfilled, her son, we know as Saint Augustine, now a follower of Jesus Christ.

Oh, the power of a praying mother! Never stop praying!

Related LinksPrayer from a parent's heart
http://www.christianwomentoday.com/parenting/prayer.html

NO "EXCEPTS" WITH GOD
By Marilyn Ehle


** A free e-learning course for you: "The Character of God"
http://www.thelife.com/study/charactergod.html

"Now Solomon loved the Lord except..." (1 Kings 3:3)

How many "excepts" creep into our lives when we are least aware? Small things which, when viewed with the whole, seem so insignificant?

Solomon loved God, worshipped Him, ruled with integrity and honor, built the Temple in honor to God. "Except..."

There is no indication that God rebuked or punished him at this time for his weakness. We see grace even on Old Testament pages. But this one exception grew to unmanageable magnitude when Solomon's "small" sin extended to direct and massive disobedience.

~ Father, help me become more sensitive to the "excepts" in my relationship with You. I want to be free to love and worship You, and yet always be mindful of my weaknesses and human tendencies.

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EMOTIONS
By Gail Rodgers

" We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life"(Romans 6:4.)


As I walked into work one day, I had forgotten to wear my I.D. badge. The receptionist stopped me at the front desk.


"I'm Vonette Bright and I don't think it will be a problem," I responded curtly.

As I hurried toward my office, the Holy Spirit tugged at my heart. Suddenly, I felt such conviction about my wrong attitude and actions.

That young lady was just doing her job! She was protecting our building from any potential harm!

I called her supervisor and apologized for my actions. I commended this employee.

Oh, friend, just like you, I struggle with sin.But if we confess our sin and allow the Lord Jesus to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, we are made clean again.


Aren't you glad we're forgiven? I know I am!

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GOD'S WORD CHANGES LIVES
By Vonette Bright

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart"(Hebrews 4:12.)

Singer Michael W. Smith will never forget the day Pastor Don met him at the lake. As they walked along, talking, Don said, "Michael, €˜since the day I heard about you, I have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will...' "

Don quoted the entire book of Colossians to Michael from memory! Michael couldn't believe the power of the spoken Word of God. It was as if each word was written directly to him.


Today Michael quotes scripture into others' lives. Recently, he quoted Psalm 139 on stage. One couple decided not to abort their baby after hearing that scripture.

Oh friend, the Bible is life-changing! It IS written for you! Memorize portions of it. Speak it to others. And watch how your life, and other's lives, will change.

Related Links

Memorizing scripture will change your life http://www.christianwomentoday.com/growth/scripturememory.html

A SHORT SUPPLY OF LOVE
By Gail Rodgers

When Susan thought of some of the dear people in her life, spontaneous feelings of love sprang from her heart. Then there were others who were not so easy to love. They challenged her sense of justice, her patience and even her Christian faith as she grappled with how to love them.

She re-read the chapter in her Bible that outlines the characteristics of love. One phrase stood out to her... "Love is patient and is kind..." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

She thought about the group at church who were talking about the pastor and trying to get him to leave. Or the woman at work who just seemed to want to make her life miserable. She had a neighbor who mistreated his wife and she felt disgust for him. The politician who represented her was making decisions contrary to her beliefs. Even some extended family members were awfully trying. She felt justified in withholding her love.

Yet here God was clearly outlining the characteristics of love. His Word said the world should know we are Christians by our love. Love should be the hand-rail that will steady us in all our relationships and dealings with the world around us. Yet how is it possible? One could not just turn a blind eye to injustice, mistreatment and gossip.

The springs of love are within God; love does not naturally exist in our own hearts when love is not returned. God tells us exactly what is required of us when we face this dilemma in our hearts. Listen to His wisdom...

"And what does the Lord require of you?

* To act justly
* To love mercy and
* To walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8)

It began to make sense to Susan. Her responsibility was simply to walk humbly with her God. She would allow Him to keep her heart soft with mercy while striving for fairness. This would make the difference in the situations where people seemed so irritating. His Holy Spirit would give her patience and the ability to be kind. This approach would even bring balance to situations at church or work that were getting out of control. This love made sense to her. She had new perspective. Mercy and fairness from God's heart could help her deal with some of the hard spots in life.

Father in Heaven,
You have called me to love the world around me. It's not an easy thing to do. Thank you that You not only spell out how but You also offer the resource of Your mercy and Your wisdom to bring balance to circumstances that seem so out of balance. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit today and let Your love flow through me so others see You through me. In Jesus' name, amen.

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LOVE, AFFECTION AND BOUNDARIES
By Katherine Kehler

"But the fruit of the spirit is ... self control" (Galatians 5:22)

"I wanna hug Bobbi" Tia said.

Tia is my two-year-old granddaughter and she is totally fearless. Bobbi is our eight-month-old Saddlebred foal. She is tiny and he is really tall. Both of them are young, affectionate and unafraid. As she leaned her head on the colt's neck, Bobbi responded by nuzzling her neck. Tia's older sister Mercedes was gently petting the neck of the foal's mother.

Children and horses alike respond to gentleness and affection, but they both need a firm hand once in a while. Tia wanted to walk into the field with the horses. I had to firmly explain to her that it was very dangerous--the foal might run over her.

Then Tia decided it was time to go see Mommy. She was half way down the driveway before I noticed. I couldn't call, "Tia, come back here," because I knew she would run away from me toward the highway, so I began asking questions and she stopped and listened. I caught up to her and carried her to the house explaining that going to the road was very dangerous. Children need love, affection and guidance and parameters.

Women respond to love and gentleness, but we too, need parameters. Many times the satisfaction of momentary pleasures can be tempting, the but results can be devastating. God has set up boundaries in His word because He loves us. They are there to keep us safe. Practicing self-control means saying "no" to the things that God says "no" to. God's rules are for our benefit. We can follow them fearlessly.

Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit and You will produce self control in our hearts. Amen.

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EPITAPH EVANGELISM
By Vonette Bright

"Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death"(Psalm 68:20.)

While waiting to conduct a graveside funeral service, Charles Simeon read an epitaph. It read: "Jesus hath lived and died for me."

He was deeply moved by the words. Charles was compelled to share that message with someone. He saw a young woman, obviously distressed, and called her over to read it as well. Simeon discovered the woman had been in the cemetery five hours contemplating suicide.

Simeon's genuine concern eventually led to getting her help and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


Friend, God has placed you in just the right place at just the right time. He asks us to simply share that great news of Jesus Christ.

Who comes to your mind right now? Make it a point to tell them today that Jesus offers eternal life! Now that's an epitaph worth sharing!

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About the Author


Vonette Bright co-founded Campus Crusade for Christ with her late husband, Dr. Bill Bright. She has written several books, and recently entered novel territory with the Sister Circle series and its accompanying studies and Discovery Diaries (co-written with Nancy Moser). http://www.campuscrusade.com/Books/sister.htm

You can listen to Vonette's daily radio program online:
http://www.womentoday.org

GETTING ORGANIZED
By Vonette Bright

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" ( Matthew 6:33).

I meet so many women who tell me they're too busy to spend time with God ... they say their schedule is too full.

Oh, they may be creative with timesavers like cooking a week's worth of meals at a time. They may have a cleaning schedule and a list of the children's chores to keep the house running. Some women even use personal electronic organizers to keep a handle on their time.

But the timesaver they often miss is spending time with God! Jesus says if we seek God first, all the other things we worry about will be taken care of! It's a great promise -- one that will put the rest or your "rush" in perspective. Don't miss out on the blessing and advantage of starting your day with a concentrated time with our Lord.

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TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO ONCE WERE BLONDE
By Suzanne Benner

It happens to a lot of women. While blonde most of their lives, the years had washed their hair into a shade that can now hardly even be classified as "dirty blonde." So when someone asks, "Is that your natural color?" a problem arises. You see, they still think of themselves as blonde, although it's plain enough to see that any traces of blonde have long since disappeared.

Perhaps we all have an image of ourselves that we created, framed and immortalized in our minds at an early age. We cling to it tenaciously.

The idea of putting on a few pounds and getting a few gray hairs or wrinkles is threatening, if not appalling. Not that this is pure vanity. I think my mother looks beautiful with her extra pounds and gray hair and wrinkles. But, in my mental picture, she has always been old. I, on the other hand, have always been young.

And what about those things that are less superficial? I used to be active with endless energy. Now, with Crohn's disease, everything is measured. Work around the house, day-long hikes or tearing around with the kids do not come without cost or consequence.

The crisis
The problem is: I like who I was! Why do I have to accept that I've changed? Truth is, I have changed. Like it or not, I'm no longer who I used to be, nor can I do what I used to do. The crisis comes when my identity and worth are based on a perception that is no longer true.

It's easier to accept changes I have instigated myself, than to yield to those beyond my control. If I embark on a program to become more physically fit, I can think of myself as athletic. If I choose to go to university, I can see myself as educated. If, on the other hand, I have an accident that results in chronic pain, it's much harder to accept that I'm also the one who can no longer do all the things I used to do.

A resemblance of who I am
What if who I was - that image I have in my brain that defines me - isn't quite right? What if it is only a shadow, a likeness, a resemblance of who I really am? What if I haven't yet discovered who I really am? Soren Kierkegaard said, "And now, with God's help, I shall become myself." How can I become myself? It is possible only when I realize that I am not yet who I was meant to be. Not that I have somehow been wrong all these years-that my personality, or that the way I do things is not good enough - but rather that I've always felt a little uncomfortable in my shell. It hasn't ever fit quite right, because my shell is merely a poor reflection; it's not me.

"Who am I?" is a question that has plagued mankind for ages. Women have quit jobs, left families and embarked on journeys-all in the name of solving that dilemma. The problem is, I don't think it's the right question.

The right question
Perhaps the question is not, who am I, but rather, who am I meant to be? You see the answer is not inside me. The inquiry should not even be directed toward me. I did not make myself. I was created by Almighty God; created in a specific way for a specific reason (neither of which I fully understand). Thus I must go to God and ask, "Who was I meant to be? What did you have in mind when you created me? What do you want me to do? How do you want me to live? What is your plan for my life?"

My resistance to letting God change me into the person I was meant to be, has to do with simply being used to the way I am. Although it's not a particularly good fit, it's the only shell I know and without it, I feel rather naked.

Yet when those questions fill my heart with yearning, I sense that only in seeking God's answers and being released from my immature mental image, can I find what I'm really looking for: satisfaction, fulfillment and peace.

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ARE YOU GETTING IT?
By Gail Rodgers

I've been a Christian a long time. There have been few years in my life where I did not know the love of the Heavenly Father. So, when I read these verses recently, the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart, "Do you get it yet?"

Read them with me and ask yourself the same question...

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You,
who walk in the light of Your presence, O LORD.
They rejoice in Your name all day long;
They exult in Your righteousness.
For You are their glory and strength..."
(Psalm 89:15-17a)

As Christians, we want God to be our strength as we walk the road of life. We know we need Him. We want Him to be our glory, to show who God is as He works in our lives and through us. Our prayers reflect our desire to have Him intervene in our lives.

And He tells us exactly what our part of that equation is. Those who will know God as their glory and their strength will be characterized by three things...

*They will be people who have learned to declare publicly and enthusiastically that God is the source of all we need in life.
That doesn't mean you have to be a public speaker. Yet it might mean you honor Him by giving Him credit for His help and His blessings as you chat by the water cooler.

*They will walk in the light of His presence. They will focus on the Lord with their will and lift their eyes off themselves and their circumstances.
When you feel compelled to have a pity party or feel the grass is greener somewhere else, choose to lift your eyes to Him and thank Him that He is right beside you, and He will guide your path as you invite Him to.

*They will rejoice in the name of the Lord and grow in learning all that His names reveal about Him as our source.
Let your heart find joy in the fact that He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and our Prince of Peace. He wants us to know Him for who He is.

Father God,
I want Your strength and Your glory in my life. I ask that You would help me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to keep my eyes on You and to grow in my understanding of You. Help me to be excited about my faith and willing to share Your presence in my life. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

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DAY BY DAY
By Suzanne Benner

" Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you"(Psalm 9:10.)

You've heard it before -- "Take one day at a time" or "Don't worry about tomorrow". It may be good advice, but it sounds trite in the midst of your own personal crisis.

Jesus himself said it in Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."


Thus, there must be more to these words than simply a stereotyped answer which people give.

Obviously, it is about trust. Do I trust God to look after my future, or do I need to look after myself? Yet, it is also about obedience.



Remember when God promised to send manna to the Israelites in the desert, so that they would always have bread to eat? (Exodus 16:1 - 36) Some people didn't believe God would send manna again the next day; they weren't sure they could trust Him, so they gathered extra just in case. The next morning the manna they had collected was crawling with maggots.

Listen to what God said to Moses about the situation. "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions" (Exodus 16:4.)

The people's obedience to God was a measure of their faith in Him. If they followed His instructions, it was proof that they trusted Him.



When Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow, it wasn't merely a wise suggestion. It was a good command. He knew we would be overwhelmed by the weight of the future (remember the Israelites were in the desert for forty years.) Therefore He instructed us to obey Him today and trust Him for tomorrow.

~God, you have promised to look after me. Give me the strength to obey You today and trust You for tomorrow.



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WHEN I'M NEEDY
By Gail Rodgers

Abby hated to feel needy. She could spot neediness in others and was often irritated by it. Yet this last while she had felt fragile and... well... needy. She saw it as a weakness and was irritated with herself.

She hadn't expected God to address this subtle thing in her heart, yet there it was, this Bible verse said it all: "May the poor and needy praise your name" (Psalm 74:21b).

She pondered that thought for a while. There are times when we all will feel poor in spirit and needy in some way. It's not a weakness or a fault; it's simply part of life.

Your own neediness will change from time to time.

* Sometimes it will be physical with needs in the practical arena of life: money, a job, a car or even something like a bed for the kids.

* It may be a need to have a lonely place filled in your heart.

* You may need emotional stability in a greater way at times in life where there is challenge or change.

* Your neediness could surface when you face confusion or question marks in life and have a desperate need for wisdom and insight.

* It may be patience you need as you wait in God's waiting room in some circumstance in your life.

God gives us a simple tool to use in times of need in our own lives. He says we are simply to praise His name. He knows that when we feel poor and needy our focus will turn from Him to our circumstances and ourselves. We can plummet in our need. It's important to intentionally bring our focus back to Him.

When we choose to declare our praise of the name of our God, something happens. Praising His name helps us focus on what His name means to us. It is not empty words of repetition. It is the source of life to our hearts in the midst of trying times.

Listen to one of the meanings of His name. God is called El-Shaddai in the Hebrew language of the Old Testament. It means the All-sufficient One. When we face our need and begin to praise Him for being the all-sufficient one in our lives, something shifts within our heart and in the spiritual realm.

When we praise His name in our need and even when we don't feel like it, God begins to fulfill His own Word to us...

"My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

* Our God is sufficient for the needs of His people.
* He is enough for your needs.
* Praise Him right now because He understands your neediness.
*Praise Him because He will be sufficient to meet it.

Your focus will change from centering on your own need to being encouraged by the sufficiency of our great God. Your spirit will be lifted. It's a promise!

Father God,
You know the state of my heart and my life right now. You see the needs within my emotions as well as the practical ones in my life. You know I don't like to be needy. I thank you that You know there will be times we will all be needy. Thank you that You are the One who can meet these needs. Right now I ask that You would help me to focus on Your sufficiency as my all-sufficient God. I choose to praise You for the way You will sustain me and meet my needs. I praise You for Your enduring love and care for me...even when I am the author of my own needs. Thank you Lord. In the powerful name of Jesus I pray, amen.

CONSECRATED
By Darla Walker

Check out our free e-learning course on Celebrating God:
http://www.thelife.com/study/celebrategod.html

"And Joshua said, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you" (Joshua 3:5).

This is how Joshua addressed the people as he was preparing them to cross the river into the Promised Land. Moses had died and passed over the leadership to Joshua. Joshua went to the Lord and received his marching orders, and when he gathered the people together, he told them: "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."

I like this verse because it clearly outlines our part and God's part. Our part is to consecrate ourselves. We know that this means to set ourselves apart, to be wholly usable for God. In other words, to have no unconfessed sin in our life, and to be clean vessels for Him to use.

But the meaning of this command goes even deeper; it also means to compose our minds and hearts to hear from God, and obey. That's my part. Usually I am rushing around too much to compose my heart and mind to listen to anything, least of all the Lord. I need to build that time into my life, to listen to Him, to read His Word, to understand what He is saying to me, and then to be prepared to obey. That's our part.

God's part is also very clear, "Tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." We know for sure that it's not we ourselves who do the amazing things, for only God can do supernatural things. Only God can change the hearts of men and women. He promises to do it, and He promises to do it among us. He is giving us a ringside seat to watch what He is doing in the spiritual realm, and there is a correlation between the promise and the command that Moses gives.

As we are consecrated, as we are available for Him to use us, we will be able to watch Him do amazing things, but He will do them among us. So the question is, are you consecrated? Are you set apart for Him? Are you composing your heart and mind to hear what He says in His Word, and then obey? If you are, get ready for some amazing things!

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USE YOUR WILL
By Gail Rodgers

Natalie looked fine on the outside. She joked with the girls at work. Yet inside she was a wreck. She simply could not forgive herself for some of the choices she had made and the avalanche of consequences that was now her life.

Oswald Chambers said, "The profound thing in man is his will, not his sin."

God understands when we find ourselves sitting on the ash heap of life. He even understands when we have struck the deadly match ourselves. He offers hope and help.

He asks us to use our will to turn our focus to Him.

"But as for me,
I WILL always have hope;
I WILL praise you more and more.
My mouth WILL TELL of your righteousness, and of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.
I WILL come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD;
I WILL proclaim your righteousness, yours alone" (Psalm 71:14-16).

All the unhealthy and wrong choices we've made, the decisions that ignored His ways and His principles; even our deliberate acts of selfishness will all be covered over and forgiven when we confess them to Him.

Whether you feel ...

* burdened down by guilt
* spiritually dry and running on empty inside
* needing a little refreshment in your spirit
* or praising God for the wonder of His work in your life

...let these words of Scripture help you focus on God and His hope as you chose, with an act of your will, to lift your eyes off yourself and your circumstances. Your perspective will change as you ask His Holy Spirit to help you make this your prayer today.

Father in Heaven,

My vision gets so blurred as I focus on my failings instead of on Your greatness. Right now I declare that I WILL put my hope securely in You and believe You will strengthen my heart. I WILL focus my praise on the many good things and the blessings You have brought into my life even in spite of me. I WILL determine to tell others of Your rescuing power even though I am still learning of it myself. I WILL tell others that it is You and You alone who can cover over the ash heaps and bring beauty out of ashes. Thank you Father God! In the name of Jesus I pray this, amen.

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RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR WHICH WE HOPE
By Suzanne Benner


"You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope" (Galatians 5:4, 5 NIV.)

Righteousness.As believers, it is that lofty goal of holiness, the desire to be like God.

It is good to want to do what is right, to honour God with our words and deeds. Yet when the desire for righteousness surpasses our longing for God, it becomes the object of our worship.


As Paul pointed out to the Galatians, when we try to be justified by law, by following the rules, we are separated from Christ and the grace He offers.


The righteousness we are hoping for is through faith alone.

Hope signifies future tense. No one hopes for something she already has. As well, the verse speaks of waiting for righteousness. Therefore the righteousness we are looking forward to isn't something we can accomplish, but instead, it comes by grace through Jesus Christ and will only be complete when He returns.


Yes, we do good things, but as Paul points out in the next verse, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" (Galatians 5:6 NIV.)

Our task is to believe that Jesus will provide righteousness for us and to express that faith through love.

Our hopes for forgiveness -- to be completely washed from our sins and made pure, our hopes for eternal life -- to be in right relationship with Almighty God, our hopes for fulfillment in this life -- to have purpose, all are pinned on Jesus -- He alone can achieve these things for us. This is the righteousness for which we hope.

~Holy God, thank you that You have provided a way for me to be righteous. Increase my faith, that I may eagerly await what You will do.

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BECAUSE HE LIVES
By Gail Rodgers

Should they bring a child into this messed up world? Carla played the question over and over in her mind. Jim was unsettled about it too. The evening news was enough to make one cringe at what their child might be facing in another 10 years. Together they asked God for wisdom.

Carla put a CD in and let the music wash the dust off her weary emotions. The words of the song settled over her with an unexpected peace.

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives all fear is gone.
Because I know, I KNOW, He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives." (Bill & Gloria Gaither)

Carla shared the song with Jim. Could they trust their Heavenly Father to hold their future in His hand?

Thoughts and emotions tumbled in Carla's heart and mind. She asked God to speak to her as she picked up her Bible. These words touched her heart...

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure"(Hebrews 6:19).

Carla read the surrounding verses and saw the certainty of God's promise and His unchanging nature. With assurance in her heart she knew she could not allow fear to dominate any decision.

Many decisions face us as we contemplate the future and the condition of our world. Sometimes one can be tempted to retreat; not to travel in case something happens; not to bring a child into the world; or not to pursue a particular stand on an issue. Fear can become our guide if we allow it to. Fear-based decisions are not God's way of doing things. He offers His own wisdom to us (James 1:5-8).

He is our God. We can count on Him to anchor our soul in a world that is set adrift with very little that is firm and secure. Fear need not rule our hearts when God is our anchor.

Father in Heaven,
You know how fear seeks to over-ride my heart and affect my decisions. Help me to trust in You to give me the wisdom that I need. Keep my faith strong and focused on You as my anchor. Thank you for the certainty of your firm, secure hand giving me hope and help in the face of fear. I declare my trust in You and ask You to fill me with Your Holy Spirit today. In Jesus' strong name I pray, amen.

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HE CALLS ME FRIEND By Charlene Friesen "Greetings, Rabbi!"* Judas cried as he embraced Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. With a kiss of death, Judas confirmed Jesus' identity to the religious leaders and a gang of ruffians. Jesus, with steely resolve, looked at Judas and said, "Friend, do what you came for." Judas was pushed aside as the crowd angrily descended upon Jesus. Cowering in the distance, Judas was haunted by one word -- friend. Judas, the traitor, the one who sold Jesus to the Pharisees for 30 silver coins -- was considered a friend. He stumbled away, his job done, his payment jingling in his satchel. Every step, every rattle of those dirty coins reminded Judas of his greed and betrayal. Filled with remorse, he flung the coins at the Pharisees' feet, scattering the silver on the floor. "Traitor! Filthy sinner!" the coins seemed to taunt. "It's done," the chief priests added. "We don't want blood money, it's your problem." The chief priests were mistaken; the treachery was no longer Judas' problem. When Jesus called Judas "friend," the betrayal became Jesus' issue. Judas was forgiven; mercy extended in the name, "friend." For Jesus, the word friend is all-inclusive. He included crusty fishermen, shifty tax collectors, abrasive loudmouths and eccentric locust eaters in His circle. He befriended those who would betray Him, deny Him, and criticize Him. Jesus' friends were as diverse and unique as fingerprints. Who are your friends? Shake the tendency to surround yourself with only those who have your best interest at heart. Gather a ragtag band. Partner with those who hold you spiritually accountable and then minister to the Judases in your life. You can never have too many friends. *Matthew 26:47-50; 27:1-10

REPRESENTING CHRIST BEHIND THE WHEEL

By Vonette Bright

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:17-18.)

The Apostle Paul tells us to "live in harmony with one another, not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
Yet sometimes when we get behind the wheel of a car, we forget that!Tom was a self-described aggressive driver. He complained about the idiots who drove too slow and the maniacs who drove too fast.

He could not control his temper behind the wheel......Until he put a Christian emblem, a fish, on his car. THAT is what tamed him as a driver! You see, it's a reminder he represents Christ to the world, even when he's driving his car.Dear friend, God can help you live in harmony with others.

Represent Him well: in your home, at your work, and behind the wheel!

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ALL WE HAVE IS TODAY
By Vonette Bright

"Give us today our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11.)

When I was a little girl, I would ask my mother when "tomorrow" would get here. She would always say, "Tomorrow will never come, because it is always TODAY."

There's truth to this in the Christian life as well. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus said, "Give us this day our daily bread." He didn't ask for tomorrow's bread. He simply addressed care for the physical needs of today.

Every day in Jesus is a new day. So, while you may plan for the future, look to God for today's provision. Victory is in the day-by-day journey, not the destination.

Dear friend, don't miss what God has for you today. Trust God for today's "daily bread." His mercies are new every morning. Make today count for Him.

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HE KNOWS MY NAME
By Marilyn Ehle

"Jesus said to her, 'Mary!'" (John 20:16)

His resurrection will soon be known to and believed by many. Two of His disciples will rush to the tomb when they hear the report of its emptiness. But it is Mary of Magdala and a few other sad women who are the direct recipients of the angel's earth-shattering message. Even they react in "trembling and astonishment," but reality takes hold with a fierce grip when Mary hears her name. Jesus takes time from His post-resurrection agenda to make sure that this hurting, wondering, wanting-to-hope, forgiven woman knows beyond any shadow of a doubt that He is alive again. Here I see the heart of my Lord. He takes time to meet * me*...to know * my* heart...to call * my* name.

~Father, I know You will meet me one day face to face and call me by name. Help me to so carefully listen even now that I hear Your loving whisper.

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THE MEN IN OUR LIVES
By Gail Rodgers


We talked easily about life and love and how God fits into the picture. The crowd at work had a different value system than he did. It was often hard to live out his faith in that environment. He was young and the world shouted messages that were sometimes confusing. He had questions.

Our world is changing at a rapid rate. Advice, advertising, medical information and even temptation is available at our fingertips when we sit at our computers.

The men in our lives also face challenges in the daily pressures of this changing planet...Financially there are constant pressures to not only survive but to invest for the future. Growing relationships challenge them emotionally.Temptation meets them in the social arena of their lives. Many want to grow in their spiritual journey and are asking for resources to help them.

We know how valuable the Christian Women Today website has been to the thousands of women like you who have a sincere heart to follow God. You are growing and we are growing with you.

Men have also been finding our site and asking for resources unique to some of the challenges they face. We are so thankful that God has enabled Truth Media to launch a brand new evangelistic site FOR MEN where they can have their spiritual questions addressed.

Now there is a resource at their fingertips to

*help encourage them to begin a relationship with God and

*become men who are better equipped to face the challenges of today.

Invite the men in your life to visit this new website: http://www.mentodayonline.com. Tell them about it. You never know how God will use this great resource in their lives. He is an amazing God!

God's Word promises blessing for the man...who takes God's counsel in his life.who considers what God's Word says and eagerly applies it to his life.

God promises that this man will be like a tree planted by the water...his life will be productive.the storms of life will not overtake his spirit (Psalm 1).

This is what we want for the men in our lives. Let's pray for them together...

Father in Heaven,

You see the face of every man that we, as a group of women across the world, bring to you right now. You know the particular joys and challenges we each have as we deal with these men we care deeply about. You understand the challenges and concerns on their hearts. Please open the hearts of these men to this website that You have brought into being. Make their hearts receptive to go there and speak to them by Your Holy Spirit. Help these precious men to grow in knowing You. You are their hope and You are our hope. Thank you for Your patient work in always drawing us to You. Bless this new website in the powerful name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Blessings to you today.

REST FOR THE SOUL
By Suzanne Benner

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28 -- 30 NIV.)

I'm just so tired. There's been a stretch of time where I've been just managing; coping, but nothing beyond that.

Emotionally and physically worn out, there nothing left in my energy tank. The desire for relief and refreshment is paramount in my mind.

Sometimes we need to get to this point in order to realize that our souls also need rest. We understand that our physical bodies need rest to function and that mental and emotional rest is necessary too.

Yet, how often do we consider rest for our souls?


Rest for your soul can only come from God. As Scripture says, "My soul finds rest in God alone" (Psalm 62:1 NIV.) Sleep or a vacation will provide rest for our bodies; the easing of stress will provide relief for our minds, but none of these will give our souls rest.

The Bible tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 NIV.)

You see, soul rest comes from knowing God. Knowing that God is Almighty, knowing that He is in control, releases us from worry and fear.


We need to stop our mad rushing around, our useless attempts to hold everything together. In the stillness, away from the noise of the world, where people and things constantly vie for our attention, we need to fall into God's loving arms and allow Him to give us rest.

~Loving Father, I need rest. Show me how to be still, to know that You are God and to find rest for my soul.

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WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED TO LOSE HEART
By Gail Rodgers

Are you sometimes tempted to lose heart over some situation in your life? We all are. It happens when bumps come along on the road of life.

I love how Jesus anticipated what life would be like for us at times. These words recently caught my eye...

"Jesus told them a story in order to show them that they should always pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1).

He recorded a story that would encourage us... She was a widow, desperate and with someone on her heels who was treating her unjustly. Persistently she went before the local judge with her plea to have him bring justice on her behalf. He is recorded as being a man who neither feared God nor cared about people. The situation looked hopeless. Yet the woman did not lose heart. The judge, exasperated, finally granted her request.

Jesus used the story to make a point. He contrasted the uncaring, godless man who responded impatiently to this persistent plea, with our Father in Heaven who loves us and cares deeply for us. How much more readily will He bring justice when we persistently ask.

Then Jesus poses a final question that gives us insight as to why God sometimes allows us to be in situations that require persistent prayer. He asks, "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:1-8).

Could it be that persistent prayer keeps us focused on God and strengthens our faith?When we feel scattered and disorientated we can recall that, "The Lord is my shepherd, I will not want" (Psalm 23:1).When we don't know which way to turn He has promised, "In all your ways acknowledge (recognize and respond to) God and He will direct your path" (Proverbs 3:6).When our situation seems hopeless we can focus on "The God of Hope who fills us with joy and peace as we trust in Him" (Romans 15:13).When worry wants to overtake our hearts and minds we can rely on the fact that peace will come as we "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).When we can't see what to do we can know that "If any of you lacks wisdom He can ask of God who gives generously to all without finding fault..." (James 1:5).

Persistent prayer keeps our eyes on the Source of all we need as we navigate life's hurdles. When you are tempted to lose heart... take it as a call to prayer. Your faith will be strengthened as you focus on who your God is.

Father in Heaven,

When Jesus returns I want Him to find faith alive in my heart. When the persistent trials of life seek to discourage me and weaken my faith, help me to lift my eyes up to see You in all Your wonder. Help me to focus on all You are and to lean hard into Your arms of love. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

ARE YOU RUNNING WITH FOCUS?
By Poppy Smith

A couple of weeks ago I went for an hour's walk, determined to not only exercise my "temple" but also my brain. I decided to memorize Acts 20:24:

"I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace" (NIV).

Naturally, I began to ask myself some questions:

Do I really consider my life worth nothing to me? Or do I want and go after what pleases me?

Am I still eager to finish the race, or am I being side-tracked and enticed to take it easy?

Do I know what task the Lord Jesus has given me? Am I taking it seriously? Do I sincerely long to complete what He uniquely designed for me to do? (Ephesians 2:10)

Am I testifying to the gospel of God's grace in the ways God has equipped and called me? At home, with family, through words, hospitality, generosity, acts of kindness, staying in touch with unbelieving relatives and friends?

Spending an hour with these questions and asking the Holy Spirit to search my heart unveiled a lot of stuff I needed to acknowledge. But you know, and I know, that merely acknowledging our failings with humble repentance is not the end goal of times like this. God wants us to make changes -- otherwise our repentance is merely sentimentality.

To further emphasize His point that we are called to complete the tasks He has for us, God declares through Paul:

"Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58, NKJV).

I need that message every day. My mind needs challenging when I dwell on the obstacles, pressures, stressors, and negatives. It needs reminding that inertia, laziness, self-indulgence, and faithlessness is not the way of Jesus, nor of His followers.

Paul challenges us to "run the Christian life with focus, train, compete with passion, fight with purpose, master the flesh, and work to receive an eternal reward" (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Leadership Bible).

Are you challenged by these verses? Are you convicted as you look at your priorities? Will you take time to pray over what the Spirit is saying to you about your view of living the Christian life?

I am glad He is "working me over," speaking to me through numerous Scriptures, prayer, and other books that challenge me to live fully for Him.

Do you need to ask Him to work a changed heart and perspective in you, too?

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ARISTOTLE DROPS THE BALL
By Vonette Bright
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple&amp ( Psalm 119:130.)
Remember the children's riddle: which weighs more, a pound of feathers or a pound of lead? Well, of course, the answer is neither... they both weigh a pound!That was the kind of puzzle Galileo was attempting to prove in 1589: that a one pound ball of lead would drop as fast as a ten pound ball.

For 2000 years, science believed otherwise. So, he went to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, dropped the balls, and both landed at the same instant. But the observers refused to change their mind.Oh how that's true for so many skeptics! They're faced with Christ's life, death and resurrection, yet they refuse to believe. We, as believers, are simply called to present the weight of God's truth. Do that today, and trust Him to change the heart of your friend.Related LinksTell it often, tell it wellhttp://www.christianwomentoday.com/growth/tell.html

CHINESE FOOD
By Vonette Bright

"Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up" (Romans 15:2.)

Chris and Arthur were two men living together across the street from Kathy. When Kathy noticed one of them was sick, she decided to take them some Chinese food.

When Kathy went to the door, they yelled for her to leave. As she walked away, Chris came out and apologized. He said, "My roommate Arthur is dying. That's why we're fighting."

Kathy said, "I just wanted you to know someone cares and is praying for you."

A month later, Kathy went back to visit. Arthur had died. Chris told her, "I knew you would come over because I know you care."

Dear friend, what about your neighbors? Do they know you care? Take time today to do something that will show them you do care. Ask God to open a door to share Christ with them.

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A POSTCARD FROM HEAVEN
By Claire Cloninger

Early in my Christian walk, someone told me that the Bible was a love letter from God to His people. I've never forgotten that. I can hardly think of a crisis in my life, little or large, from that time to this, when I haven't gone to the Word of God for comfort, guidance, and strength. And I've never come away empty-handed.

Many times when I've needed a touch from the Lord, He has led me to a particular verse or passage. Years ago I learned to "personalize" those special messages, to rephrase them as from God's heart directly to me.

I began to think of these "personalized" Scripture verses as "postcards from heaven." What power they have had over the years to alter my attitude and increase my faith!

Perhaps this "postcard from heaven" will speak personally to you today:

"Shout for joy, O heavens;
rejoice, O earth;
burst into song, O mountains!
For the Lord comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones...
'Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.'"
--Isaiah 49:13, 15 -16

"O Lord, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in -- behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
--Psalm 139:1 - 6

Dear child of mine,

I look back on the years of your growing up, and My eyes can see all the times and situations in which you were hurt, whether intentionally or unintentionally. I can hear the wounding words and see the harmful deeds, and I know the scars you carry in your personality because of them. Sometimes the very people you looked to for love and affection were the ones who wounded you most. Sometimes they were members of your own family!

But hear Me now, My child. Though they have wounded you, I will never wound you. Though they have let you down, I will never let you down. Though their words and deeds have harmed you, I speak to you words of hope and healing. I reach out to you with justice and kindness and love. I am constantly thinking of you, my child. You are always with me. I cannot forget you for one moment. See, I have written your name on the palms of My hands. Come now and let me heal the wounds of your childhood.

Your loving Abba,
God

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WORK IS KILLING ME
By Gail Rodgers

Kristy hung up the phone and sighed. She hated her job. It had been okay at first and she was enjoying the environment and the people. But something changed, politics in the office; projects that did not go well; price hikes and very little affirmation among co-workers or bosses.

The atmosphere was tense and relationships were strained. Even the client she just spoke to left her with an earful of complaints and criticism. She felt powerless to change the dynamics. Others were in charge. Yet she knew her spirit was being affected by the negative surroundings.

Kristy knew she only had power to change herself and her reactions to her environment. She asked God to give her wisdom to know what to do.

God is always faithful to answer the earnest request for wisdom. He spoke to Kristy through His Word as she took time to read it that night. The words painted a picture of encouragement for her.

"But You are a shield around me, O LORD; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head" (Psalm 3:3).

Kristy thought about it. Here God was pictured as a shield around her. She thought of her tattered spirit and how she did indeed need a shield around her in the negative environment at work.She asked God to shield her spirit so the earful of complaints and the harsh water cooler talk would not penetrate her heart and mind. She didn't want to take them home with her.She asked for wisdom to respond in a manner that was fair and with kindness.She asked God to keep her heart soft and to help her see beyond the issues of the moment.She asked Him to be the one who encouraged her heart and lifted her head when there was little affirmation or appreciation around her.She asked God to keep her mindful of His help and protection as she worked day by day.

With a thankful heart Kristy knew she would get through this season at work. With God as her shield she knew she would be sustained through this challenging time.

Father in Heaven,
Thank you that You are a shield around me. Help me to rely on Your strength and protection as I face the challenging people and situations in my life. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

BLESSED ARE THE OVERWHELMED
By Suzanne Benner

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:3 -- 5 NIV.)

Everything that Jesus spoke in his Sermon on the Mount, (Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7) is counter to our way of thinking. Yet it's true.

I experienced its truth last week, as I added my own beatitude to the list:

Blessed are the overwhelmed, for God will look after them.

It takes a while for me to reach overwhelmed. I can competently manage most things I'm responsible for and have an independent nature, but months of strain had taken its toll. Thus when my van unexpectedly gasped its last breath, with my husband in a foreign country and the rest of us on vacation, it was easy to admit that the situation was too much for me to handle.

A good thing about being overwhelmed is the realization that we are not in control.

Intellectually, I remind myself of that truth often, but it doesn't sink in to a gut level. Instead, I continually live my life as if everything depended on me. Therefore, it is a positive thing to face the reality that circumstances and people are beyond the scope of my power to regulate.


Still, the best part of being overwhelmed is that God looks after us.

There was nothing I could do about the situation; I couldn't fathom a solution -- I couldn't even try.

Then, God intervened. God provided for all my needs, both physical and emotional. I was thoroughly amazed by His mercy and grace.


There was only one question left in my mind: Why didn't I stop trying and let God look after me sooner?

~Jehovah Jireh, Our Provider, thank you for the wonderful way You supply all that we need. Thank you for allowing me to become overwhelmed, so that You could demonstrate Your power in my life.

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LISTENING FOR THAT STILL, SMALL VOICE
By Gail Rodgers

Ann was awake in the night. Lying there in bed her thoughts persistently went to a friend she had not heard from in awhile. With a sense of urgency on her heart she began to pray for him. She asked God to protect him and give him wisdom. She prayed he would be aware of being held in the palm of God's hand.

Later that day she was surprised by an e-mail from her friend's home. He had been in surgery in the early hours of the morning. God had called her to pray.

Ann thought of the times she had been going through something and the phone would ring and someone would say, "You've been on my mind and I've been praying for you."

When we ask God to direct our path and we commit our way to Him, He will honor that request. His Spirit will be in touch with our spirit.

God tells us in His Word, "The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes His covenant known to them" (Psalm 25:14).

As a believer whose heart is bent toward God and His purposes you can expect to hear from Him. You can expect Him to be at work confirming His promises.

Anytime you sense God may be nudging you, ask yourself if it is in line with the loving, gracious and just principles of His Word. God always works in harmony with His Word and through His Word.

God's still, small voice is so easily drowned out in our busy world. That's one reason we often hear Him in the night when the other sounds are silenced.

Sharpen your ears to hear His Spirit. He waits for a willing heart to listen. He works through our prayers and He calls us to pray.

Father God,
Forgive me for the times I rush through my day with no thought of hearing from You. Sharpen my ears to hear from Your Spirit. Help me to be obedient to pray and to act when I know it is Your loving voice calling me. Thank you that You desire to communicate with me. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

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THE RACE OF A LIFETIME
By Charlene Friesen

My arms are like lead and my legs are wet noodles. This mild mannered walker, who loves nothing more than a brisk stroll, is now coloring outside the lines. I've upped the ante to a gaited jog.

Exercise has given me time to reflect: First, never run with a full bladder, especially if you've given birth to at least one child. Second, throw away the old gardening runners and splurge on new jogging shoes and a sports bra. Third, friendships are worth every blister I've acquired.

Six months ago I took stock of the acquaintances in my life - most were committed Christians. I began to pray for connections with those who needed Jesus. It wasn't long before God introduced me to a wonderful lady who has a passion for fitness. I have never met anyone who is so spiritually open and inviting. Our friendship has flourished.

One day she commented, "It's like we were meant to be together." With a satisfied heart I answered, "You are the friend I have been praying for."

I am humbled and excited that God has entrusted me with someone who is hungry for Him. As we train for the Vancouver Sun Run, I anticipate toned muscles, physical exhaustion and spiritual exhilaration. Not necessarily in that order.

You and I are surrounded by needy souls. Make the time; tithe your time, by investing in others' lives.

Pray that God's chosen person would linger on your path. Seize the opportunity to make a difference for Him.

Allow His course to become your course of action. You may meet the most delightful jogging partners along the way.

~ Lord, I don't want my life to be a rat race. I want to run the race of life with godly perseverance, focus and utmost obedience. Bring others alongside -- the lost soul, discouraged co-worker and lonely widow. Make me aware of others' needs.

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PRAYING IN THE WAKE OF HURRICANE KATRINA
By Gail Rodgers

As we offer our prayer support and our concern to the thousands affected by the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, it can seem like too little. Yet as I read the words of Paul to the believers of his time, during days of great hardship, I am reminded how very necessary our prayers are for one another... even when we don't know each other's names.

"We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life... On God we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers" (2 Corinthians 1:1-11).

Let's agree together as we pray for those in these distressed areas today.

Father God in Heaven,

We see the massive destruction and feel for those whose lives are spinning out of control today. You have invited us to come boldly to Your throne of grace to ask for mercy and help in our times of trouble. So we join our hearts together and ask You to comfort those who mourn the loss of someone dear to them. Hold their broken heart in Your hand of love.

Be with those who are waiting to be found among the rubble somewhere. Strengthen them. Give divine guidance to those who search. For those suffering great personal hardship today, we ask for Your wisdom to filter through the confusion around them. Steady them by Your hand of mercy. Give clarity of thinking. Send believers alongside those who do not know Your help in trouble. Give them boldness to pray with one another. Give patience to those organizing help on every level.

Father, You see and know the details of every hurting heart and body today. You understand pain because Your own Son, Jesus, died an excruciating death. Yet You also are the giver of life and the author of resurrection power. Pour Your Spirit out over these troubled areas and bring Your peace to these troubled days.

Father, as the storm and destruction rages on the outside, anchor the souls of these people. Help them run to Your arms of love and not away. Keep them in our thoughts and prayers as the days go by. May we do all we can through prayer and practical help. Thank You for the great network of prayer. May we be diligent servants of Yours as we stand in the gap and pray for our brothers and sisters. Be their peace and strength in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

Thank you so much for your prayers with us.

BICYCLE PUMP
By Vonette Bright

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you" (Psalm 5:11.)

I love people who use creative ways to reach others for Jesus. Take Jarvis Ward for example.

He and his wife moved their home next to an urban housing project. They wanted to reach the community, but weren't sure how... until they noticed a lot of children with flat tires on their bikes. Jarvis simply purchased a bicycle pump.

Now, on any given day, the doorbell rings non-stop for a shot of air in the tires. The Wards have met dozens of children. And, their prayer list continues to grow.

Expressing the love of Christ tangibly provides an open door to share the gospel. Look for ways to establish a relationship with your neighbors or coworkers.

Find the "bicycle pump" of friendship in your world. People around you want you to introduce them to Jesus.

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FROM CRUSHED GRAIN TO BAKED BREAD
By Marilyn Ehle

"Grain for bread is crushed..." (Isaiah 28:28a)

For the child of God seriously wanting to be made whole and usable, the Father quite literally puts her "through the mill." He knows that there is only way for the raw natural product to be transformed into bread for the world. The rod of the thresher and hooves of his horses often leave bruises and the painful memories linger, but oh, the delicious aroma of the freshly baked loaf!

~ Father, thank You for loving me so much that You are persistently, consistently forming me into the perfect shape and product. May I be ever more willing to be made into bread to feed Your world.

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FEEDING YOUR SPIRIT
By Gail Rodgers

Do you notice how your spirit is affected by the things you feed into it? We feed our spirit by the things we dwell on in our minds. When doubt, discouragement, depression or fear drag our spirits to the depths, we need to look at what paths our thoughts have been running down.

God knows us so well. He knows the tendency we will have to sometimes settle into the depths of despair. He gives us five verses in Psalm 103:1-5 to address this very thing. Turn your thoughts to God's Word and choose to lift your eyes off yourself and raise them to Heaven.

"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name."

Sometimes it takes everything in us to turn our eyes to Heaven and to offer the sacrifice of praise from a heavy heart.

"Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

When our eyes move from our own state of affairs we can look at all God offers us. Listen to the refreshing, life-giving things God asks us not to forget:

*Who FORGIVES all your sins
Thank you, Lord, that I am forgiven. Fill me with the wonder of a clean heart. Help me to declare my forgiveness when I am tempted to wallow in the pit of despair over my past, my failures and my weaknesses. I am forgiven!

*And HEALS all your diseases
Lord, I bring my aching body to You and ask You to touch me with Your hand of healing. Give me wisdom and understanding of what to do physically. I also bring the diseases of my heart to you. Lord, remove all bitterness and pride and show me the things that erode my spirit.


*Who REDEEMS your life from the pit
Lord, I am amazed at the fact that You reach into the pit that I even sometimes dig myself... and You lift me up. You bring beauty out of ashes as I trust in You. You buy back all the broken pieces and give me new life! Thank you!

*And CROWNS you with love and compassion,

Lord, Your care and tenderness to me is a constant surprise even though I know You love me. Thank you for the attention You give to the details of my life as I offer it to You.

*Who SATISFIES your desires with good things

Thank you that Your plans for me are to find my fulfillment in You as I offer myself to You. You made me and You know how to grow me into all I ever wanted to be.

*So that your youth is RENEWED like the eagle's."

Lord, when I see how You forgive me, heal me, redeem my life, crown me with Your love and satisfy me, I am truly renewed in my Spirit.

Thank you for this wonderful view of Your desires for me.

I WILL praise you with everything that is within me.

"Praise the Lord O my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy name."

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GOD'S GOOD RULES
By Suzanne Benner


" But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people"(Ephesians 5:3).

When our children were young we gave them boundaries. We put a fence around our yard so that they would know where the limits were and play safely within those confines.


When thinking about God's laws or boundaries, I like the phrase "God's good rules." God put His rules in the Bible to give us freedom, not to enslave us.


I tell my children not to play in the street, not because I am a mean old mom trying to limit their fun, but because I love them. I know the tragedy that will come if they play there.


In the same way, God put boundaries around sex. He told us that sex was to be reserved for marriage, not because He is a mean old God trying to limit our fun, but because He loves us. Women, God knows the tragedy that comes when we give ourselves to a man outside of the parameters- the love, trust and security -- of marriage.


This is a vital message in our day. Everywhere I see young girls to grown women dressing provocatively, not realizing the message they send. Over and over I hear the story of women who have slept with men, "so that I won't lose him" or "so that he knows I love him" or tragically, "so that I won't be alone."


Women who have walked that road know that what they find is a cheap imitation of love.


Sisters in Christ, you are much more valuable than that. You are God's chosen (Ephesians 1:4) daughter, the apple of His eye (Psalm 17:8.) He loves you with an everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3) and a lavish (1 John 3:1) love.

There is freedom in following God's good rules.


~Lord God, may we throw off Satan's lies which say Your commands enslave us. Show us the freedom that comes in living by Your good rules.

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----------End of Devotional Text----------
This devotional is copyrighted by the author. However, you are most welcome to forward it to a friend.

CLEANING THE HARD DRIVE By Debbie Ogrodnick (http://www.christianwomentoday.com/devotionals/daily/#authorbio)

(http://www.christianwomentoday.com/devotionals/daily/#)



(http://www.thelife.com/disaster)
In our world of advanced technology, computer cleaning has become as much the norm as house cleaning. Each year I go through my hard drive and delete massive amounts of obsolete files.


To read full devotional click: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/devotionals/daily/