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Devotions
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 07:00 |
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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
Why is it that it’s so hard to be strong, yet so easy to be discouraged? Why is it that fear is easier to instill than confidence? Is it because there is something innately inadequate about humans? No, friends. It is simply because fear and discouragement are not of God. They are tools of the enemy thrown at us during times of trial in the hopes of dashing our spirit and getting us to give up hope.
How many times have you heard that nothing worthwhile is easy? It’s hard work to stay focused, to stay confident and to throw out fear. We have to diligently and consciously remember that we are in this for the right reasons. Temptation is everywhere and all it takes is one slip to make some of us fall. Friends, I encourage you to stand your ground when it gets hard, that’s how you know you’re in the right place. Nothing worthy is easy. Only temporary pleasures come without work. Focus on the goal and move ahead in faith.
God, sometimes I don’t know which end is up. Sometimes it’s hard just to keep my head about water. I see people around me who are constantly telling me there is an easier way and sometimes I think to myself that maybe they’re right. Then I see it for what it is, Lord. I see it as a ploy, a game to get me distracted from you. God, I pray that I have the strength to say no when my relationship with you is on the line. MarisaGary.com
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Devotions
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Monday, 08 March 2010 07:00 |
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“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.” (Philipians 3:17-19 NIV)
Living for Christ isn’t something we just do in our homes and in our churches. We have to live differently at work, at the grocery store, at the soccer field. We have to be different in the way we talk, the things we do, the words we say. If we look, talk and act like everyone else, if nothing was different about us, why would anyone want our God? If we live just like them, what hope do we have to offer?
Being saved, being forgiven should change us. It should change so many things about us, those who know us should notice immediately. You never know who’s watching you live your life. You never know who is hoping to see a change in you so they too can be changed. You never know what your kids will take with them when they leave the nest and fly away on their own.
So, we need to be conscious and careful about how we live. If we mean it, if we are really sold out for Christ, then it should show in every aspect of our lives. There will always be those who will be there waiting to tear us down. It’s important to stay vigilant and be strong when opposition strikes. We are strong enough if we hold firm to the promise that He has made us.
God, it’s all for you; my life, my love, my everything. Take it and show me how to live my life. I am not afraid of those who oppose you, and by doing so, oppose me. They cannot shake my resolve to live in eternity with you. Marisagary.com
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Devotions
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Friday, 05 March 2010 06:00 |
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“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14 NIV) Sometimes, people think that God makes mistakes. They think God must not have been paying attention because he let a baby be born with a severe handicap. God must not be watching over everything, look what happened to that poor family. Sometimes we're given a gift that is so precious, so valuable, people can't even see it.
The blessings behind tragedy are sometimes so hard to see; especially when it involves those we love so dearly. Recently, a friend refused to abort her eighth child after discovering a severe handicap. They held firm to what God commanded and carried the baby, following God and not the world. Through their faithfulness, they learned more about life and love and family just by carrying Kara Faith to term and the glorious 49 days they had her. Sweet Kara blessed countless people simply by being born. She showed people how to love, even for a little while. She showed us how to hold on and how to let go. We are all blessed to have known her and her story.
God does not make mistakes. Sometimes it’s just hard to see the blessings with tears in our eyes and pain in our hearts, but God can and will use anything for his Glory. God can take our brokenness and use it for someone’s good. Sweet Kara Faith touched and blessed more in her 49 days than many will in their lifetime.
God, I give this pain over to you. It hurts so bad, I don’t think I will ever recover, but I walked through it with you and I will continue to hold you close through the tears and the emptiness. I know you are here and I know you are holding me. You gave her to us for such a short time and she moved a mountain, just like you said any of us could. Sweet Kara Faith
Born January 08, 2010
Returned to Jesus’ arms February 26, 2010 
MarisaGary.com
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