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January 2016
message 166: by Gabriela Jan 01, 2016 09:37AMJanuary 1: Life: Are You Living?
Today is the beginning of the new year. Happy New Year everyone!!! I still can't believe that it is 2016! Woah...
Anyways, there are times when I (maybe you do this too) stop and have to rethink the purpose of life. As the days turn into weeks and turn into months which turn into years we sometimes get so caught up in the rush of life. Going from one thing to the next. When we need to just stop and remember the point of this precious and short life we have hear on earth. Really, what is the point of living?
To know that, we have to know why God created us. God created us to glorify Him. We can do that worshiping God, praying to Him, reading His Word, being joyful in the Lord, etc.
We were also given a task. One, that only Christians can carry out. One, that everyone is called to do in some way.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
So as we enter into this new year let's remember the real reason for living and do it. I've been reading One Thousand Gifts and it talk about living life to the fullest. A way to do that is by living a life of thanksgiving. We can live that if we take the time to recognize the things around us that we can be grateful for. Once that becomes natural for us to do, we'll find ourselves living a much more joyful life in the Lord.
I hope that this will be a year of blessings and joy for you all. Happy New Year!
G. Paige
Life: Are you Living?Welcome to the New Year everyone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBLMw... (that isn't the video for the song but, I couldn't find the original. I hope that everyone is well and than none of us are grieving and, that we are all ready to take on the New Year with God.
'Life, are we living?' This is an intriguing topic, It is very thought provoking.
Romans 6 (King James Version (KJV)
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans is one of my favorite books of the bible. It is just so......I can't even find words to explain the joy I feel when I read the gospel in Romans, when I sit and realize just how awesome our God is. The words are just so powerful.
In my own words verse three and four says: Just as many of us are baptized into Jesus Christ we were baptized into His death. When he died, we died with Him. So we are dead to sin, sin is no longer our husband. And when he was resurrected, we were resurrected with Him and now we have dropped off our old man, we are new creatures, old things are passed away,we are born again!
In order for us to have been married to Jesus as the law says one member of the marriage must die, failing to do so we are adulterers. But because of God's unmerited favor- Grace- we died with him, we have divorced sin and we are now married to Jesus "sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace" So, are we living.?We are indeed living! And fortunately for sinful souls like us, Jesus died upon that tree. A song my church choir sings says "He came that you might have life and have life more abundantly, His goodness and mercies shall follow you" So as we enter this new year let us pray that we keep living, and that we life being not conformed to this word because we are spiritual beings having a physical experience. It's a hard task with all the temptations but as Jamaican gospel singer Kevin Downswell says' Jesus makes us stronger' 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApGSC.... There will be many challenges especially in this technological era, but we are so favoured that we don't have to wait weeks to get a priest to go and pray to God on our behalf, we can reach Him by just closing our eyes, or singing or reading the scriptures. He is available to us anytime so we should avail ourselves to Him. He gives us family to guide us along the way and I'm thank full for the many friends I've made in this group who I can share my journey with. We have so much to thank him for. So so much. I close this devotion with this song and this poem.
Thank you Lord for your blessings on me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKV80...
This man named Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hLRM...
Life - Are you living? (I was hoping to get this done sooner, but "life" got in the way ;)Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
From the very beginning of life, we humans have always tried to find the meaning and purpose of life. We keep searching for something more. We may be living "successful" lives, with a good job, a roof over our heads, family and friends that love us, etc., but many times we still find that something is missing. That is because a life without God is not a life worth living. He put in our hearts the knowledge of a reality much greater than our temporary existence.
Jesus is the very definition of life. Our standard of living.
John 14:6
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus is not only the Life, but the Truth and the Way to have a fulfilling life with God, the way we were intended to live. But we also have a natural preference to doing things our own way, to live "freely" if you will. But that is not true freedom. Adam and Eve sinned because they were fooled into thinking it would bring freedom, when all it brought was brokenness and sin. Just like when a small child decides they want to run into the road. They think they're living more fully when they run free, but this "freedom" only results in death, and that is what the parents try to protect them from.
Sin translated from the Greek means “missing the mark.” When we sin, we are missing the mark of life. We aren't living life to the fullest potential because we're trapped by sin.
Romans 6:23 tells us that though “the wages of sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord
When we surrender our life to the Lord, He enables us to live our life to the fullest, one without the sad, brokenness of sin weighing us down.
Good devotion Emilia, if only more people could see it.
Very great devotions Lee and Emilia!!! @Lee Are we doing the same topic this week, or are we changing it? Just a clarifying question... ;)
Thank you Tamara.Regarding the topic I'm not sure, Mary Kate has been busy and she hasn't contacted me about it so, I really don't know.
Okay, I just wasn't sure what I should write for next week, don't worry about it though, I'll make it up as I go along. ;)
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@Tamara- New topic (; Its, "Four NEW Resolutions For EVER!"
Haha. Sounds like I'm yelling, but that is just cause its important! Hehe. I'll clarify in the group message ;D
PS. Haven't had time to read the devotions yet, but I will for sure!!! (;
You're back!...No problem, you would've done it for me.Nice topic!
We all know you will :)
January 4th, 2016 - Four New Resolutions for LifeMatthew 22:36-40 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
So my first resolution is to love the Lord my God. What does it mean to love God? Spend time with Him -- in prayer and in the bible. Meditate on His word. Seek His will in my life.
The second is to love my neighbor as myself. For me, I think that means that I need to finally get going on a feature for our radio network. I know the station manager needs it, but I never seem to find the time. I need to stop putting it off and just spend some time at the studios and get it done!
Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Our church has focus groups, small group studies in the home. Normally we have a group in our home, but not during the winter since it's sometimes difficult to reach our house in the woods. However, it's a pretty simple matter for us to go to someone else's house, so I resolve to attend someone else's focus group when I can't have one myself.
Finally, I resolve to do my best learning my part in new worship songs. I tend to have so many irons in the fire that I don't have time to practice, except AT practice. This usually means I'm trying to learn or make up a part rather than knowing it when I go in. This isn't respecting the worship leader's time, and I need to.
How do these four resolutions translate to your actions?
Lord I commit my heart to love You, to read Your word and spend time in prayer. I resolve to not be a blocker to people who need my expertise in the studio. I resolve to fellowship with other believers in a winter focus group, and I resolve to do my best in learning my part in new worship songs.
I just took the time to read all of this great devotions posted the past week, and I want to thank everyone for taking the time to write them :) They are really very insightful and have great messages! So, keep up the good work.
January 4, 2016: “Four NEW Resolutions For LIFE!”This topic applies to everyone, and is very meaningful to me. When I read the title of this week’s devotion I immediately thought of the steps we take in life through God to reach eternal life with Him. I categorized those basic steps into four points for this particular devotion. You could also say these are the four steps to salvation, but I thought that might cause some confusion with who is actually doing the work in your life. This is not a how to, it is the truth of the Bible.
#1. CONVICTION
This first point is obviously and completely solely the work of God in your life. You do not make the decision to save yourself, God convicts you and softens your heart to His salvation. This is the first step in the life of a believer, and the most powerful when it comes to your testimony. The conviction of God in your heart leads you to His salvation.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
#2. CONFESSION
The second point is confessing your sinfulness and unworthiness to God. You could pair this point with conviction, but I decided that because of it’s importance, it should be a separate point. There is no greater humbling experience than admitting the truth of your sinfulness to a holy God. And this is not something you do one time, you have to confess over and over again and it’s definitely no easy thing to do. This is a small step in the direction towards your sanctification through Christ.
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Romans 10:9-11 - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
#3. DELIVERANCE
Point number three is deliverance from the sin of your flesh. After confession comes deliverance, and one cannot come without the other. There are many different ways the deliverance of Christ is received, but there is only one way that it is given, and that way is on the cross. When Christ died on the cross for you sin, He made a way for salvation and deliverance to come to His people, and that way was through Him alone! His deliverance is a great gift indeed!!
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Romans 6:14-19 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
#4. PERSEVERANCE
The last but very important point is perseverance. Don’t think that once you are saved you can just float in the background doing nothing and avoiding the attacks of the enemy. On the contrary, it’s very much the opposite to this. With deliverance comes many trials, temptations, and persecutions, and that’s why God call us to persevere in our faith, and to not stand in the background, but to fight with our fellow believers. Following Christ is not easy, and it never will be, our perseverance proves our love and our faith in God, it is the testing ground of the steadiness of our belief. So with the help of God we can persevere!
Hebrews 12:1-15 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
James 1:12 - Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
You might be wondering now after this long devotion what this has to do with personal resolutions. Well, I’ll tell you what it means to me. These four points encourage me in my walk with the Lord, and I’m resolved to listen to the conviction of God, confess my sins before Him, thank Him for delivering me from my sin, and with His help persevere till the time of His coming when I will be with Him! These are not resolutions for this year, these are resolutions for the rest of my life!! Amen!
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Good job Gabriela!!! Happy New year :D
Amen Lee!!! That was touching!!!!!!! :D
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Aw ;D
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@Karis- That was so sweet to say (((; Thank you!!
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Tamara wrote: "January 4, 2016: “Four NEW Resolutions For LIFE!”This topic applies to everyone, and is very meaningful to me. When I read the title of this week’s devotion I immediately thought of the steps we ..."
Well done my friend *cheers*
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January 6: Four NEW Resolutions For LIFE!So I'm going to go a bit off the hook and just give four things that I need to work on and probably many of you do too.
1-Devote more time to God's Word and glorifying Him.
We can all spend time doing this. We were created to glorify God, that is the point of why we're here in the first place. Unfortunately many of us don't spend as much time as we should glorifying Him. But God definitely deserves our praises either in song or reading His Word or praying to Him. He deserves our time.
This is one reason why I'm thankful for this group. It has helped me focus more on God and read His Word, otherwise I likely wouldn't do it as much.
2-Trust in God no matter what happens.
In the midst of our problems, we sometimes try relying on material things that can't really help us.
Psalms 23:2-4
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
We need to trust in God. Not only in the "good times", but in the "dark times". Because no matter what happens, He will be there with us. He is always there, no matter what. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He has a plan for you.
3-Remember everything we can be thankful for.
Though we go through hard struggles throughout our lives, we have so much to be thankful for. Stuff that we take for granted, maybe because we've just had it our whole lives. But if we take the time to remember what we can be thankful for, that will bring much joy into our lives. Just think, if we looked around and always noticed something to be glad and thankful for, what reason would we have to be upset? I'm talking about the big things (like family and a house) and the little things (like butter on warm bread and letters from friends).
Now I know that there are still going to be plenty of times when we're sad or unhappy, but it won't happen as often if we learn to be thankful all the time.
4-Be willing to speak up for Christ when given the opportunity.
I really am scared about speaking out about anything. I'm a shy type of person. But we're all told to tell others about the Gospel. It doesn't have to be by preaching sermons or going to a foreign tribe and teaching. We can do it right at home in our own towns. We can show Christ by our actions. By being kind. By being helpful. And when we don't know what to do, let's ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?"
Proverbs 25:11
Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.
G. Paige
That was beautiful, Gabriela. Especially the last part. I agree with Tamara, it was inspirational (:
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Thanks, MK! I was wondering if you had forgotten that it was your day. ;-)
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I sure did!! Haha. I don't know why but my mind was sure it was Wednesday xO xP
That's me just about every Sunday. You'd think I'd remember after going to church, but nope. Hahaha
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Devotional Thursdays - "Four NEW Resolutions For LIFE"
Thursday, January 7th, 2016
So, this devotion topic has really higgledy-piggledy, (did you know that was a word? Me neither xP) me... But... Hey, I'll just sit here, write, and see where the Lord Jesus wants to take this first devotion of the new year ;)

The first thing I'd like to deal with is the number four. I felt led to do four resolutions ... But, I am still not sure why... Speaking of which... I'm studying on it now xD
*Reference
- The number 4 derives its meaning from creation. On the fourth day of what is called 'creation week' God completed the material universe. On this day he brought into existence our sun, the moon, and all the stars (Genesis 1:14 - 19). Their purpose was not only to give off light, but also to divide the day from the night on earth, thus becoming a basic demarcation of time.
- The 4th of the Ten Commandments is to remember and keep God's holy Sabbath day (Exodus 20:9 - 11).
- Psalm 107 is the only section or chapter in God's word that contains the exact same phrase four times (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21 and 31).
- The four witnesses of God on earth are miracles, wonders, signs and the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:4).
- The number of times rainbows are referenced in scripture are four (Genesis 9, Ezekiel 1:28, Revelation 4:3, 10:1).
So, as we can see, the number four is pretty important! I do see a basic plot here, God has a purpose!! All of the things named above in fours were for a purpose- the greatest purpose we could fulfill- to serve God!
So let's get to it, eh? (;
#1. To love God!
The first resolution we should have for this year, and every other we are granted, is to love God!! He is the reason we are here; we are made to serve Him!! Knowing God is where we can find our strength, love, hope, and true happiness that will never pass away!! Knowing Jesus- means- knowing true love <3
- Luke 10:27 - And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind;
And how do we love God- to love God we must know Him!! Let us study upon His word, promises, and care for us so we may know and love our Lord more and more day by day for this new year, and for LIFE!
- 2 Corinthians 1:20 - For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
#2. To trust God more!
Human nature has a sad effect that makes us doubt the Creator more often than ever! You're like, "I'm gonna trust God and stop worrying so much ;)," then a few hours later, "What am I gonna do?! I lost my dollar!!!
I have quite a few New Year's resolutions, most of which I have already given up in the first week of January. "Eat healthier" (ha! Yeah right.) and "exercise more" (good one!) are some of the more popular ones, along with "pray more" and "read the Bible more." These can all be somewhat summed up into one resolution: "Prioritize" or "Use your time wisely." Scripture verses of the day:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; ...
John 17:4
I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.
Ephesians 5:16
Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
This is something that I myself desperately need to work on. I have a tendency to fill my schedule with activity after activity and then I forget what is really important. I read the Bible every day, but I'm sad to say that many times it is just an afterthought. I make myself so busy that the only time I can do it is late at night after everything else is finished, but then I don't really meditate on what I just read because I'm too tired to really understand. So what, then, have I accomplished?
I must set aside an appointed time to read, a time when I am most alert, and remind myself that it is okay to relax and spend time with the Lord, instead of doing it totally last minute (if that's what works best for you, go for it! But early morning and late at night have certainly not worked out for me in the past). I encourage all of you to stop and think about your daily activities and ask yourselves if any of those things are REALLY necessary, and if you don't already have an appointed "quiet time" with God, then replace that unnecessary activity with God-time :) then open up your heart to Him and listen to what He has to say. You'll find that His voice is so much more clear when you've cleared up your schedule and put God at the top if your list.
(Whew! I should reeeeally take my own advice)
Hope you had an awesome Sunday, everyone!!
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January 11th, 2016 - Life, at its best, is hardI beg your pardon... I never promised you a rose garden.
These lyrics, made popular by Lynn Anderson, sum up the Christian life. Scriptures make it clear that being a Christian will bring trials and tribulations:
2 Timothy 3:12 - "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
John 15:18 - "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you."
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - "We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed"
I've been listening to the Voice of the Martyrs radio, and they've recently been discussing the "underground" church in North Korea. A missionary there was surprised to learn that the North Korean Christians believed that they needed to pray for the "Western" Christians. This is probably the most repressive society in the world, where closing the eyes and bowing the head in prayer will likely get you pulled out of a crowd and "worshipping" the "Dear Leader" is required many times a day. Walking into a market, you'll pass a statue of the Dear Leader, and you are required to bow and worship it.
Yet they feel like we need prayer because our faith is in our freedom and our wealth. It is a subtle persecution -- we are pulled away from faith in God and into faith in our society.
Don't forget -- we live in a nation now where a person's bank account can be drained and their business ruined because they refuse to bake a cake for an activity that is clearly labeled as sin in the Bible.
What would Jesus do?
We know what He did -- He exposed the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and scholars, and He was persecuted.
1 Peter 4:12 - "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;"
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January 12, 2016: "Overwhelming...Life, At It's Best, Is Hard!"We all know that life can be difficult sometimes, but we don’t often remember that as Christians it is our calling in life to suffer for Christ. Following Christ is never easy, and it never will be, and that is the holy purpose of God. We forget that there is more than our present life in this world, and we get depressed with the trials of everyday life. We need to remember why we’re here and what our final destination is. This verse in Romans says what I’m trying to portray perfectly...
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
This is a very comforting verse for me particularly. It reminds me that there are better things to come and that I need to continue persevering. Everything is worth it in the end and no one suffers needlessly. Our life on this earth is only a second compared to the eternity of time that we will spend with our Lord at the end of it. This thought is so hard to grasp in our tiny minds, but we need only have faith and believe in the promise of God.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
God does not want us to worry about our past, present, or future, He only wants us to have peace and trust in Him wholeheartedly. He who worries, and speculates over the trials of life only brings more stress and difficulties upon himself. This is not what God wants of His people, He calls us to be of good cheer and praise Him even in the midst of our hardships. So how are we to do this?
The only way to live a life full of the peace and might of God is to give your troubles and your worries over to Him completely and forever. Hold nothing back, keep nothing away from Him, once you give the control to Him your heart will be at peace. This doesn’t mean you won’t ever worry again, in fact it’s likely you will, but when you fall God is there to pick you back up when you call upon Him. God’s Word is His reminder to us that we can always turn back to Him and ask for His help. Once you trust in Him again His peace will keep you from worry and help you focus on His ultimate plan for your future.
I’ll leave you today with this comforting verse from 1 Peter reminding us of God’s care for us and our need to surrender to Him. Amen!
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
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January 13: Overwhelming... Life, At It's Best, Is Hard!Yes, life is certainly hard. We all have anxieties and fears. We worry a ton (well, at least, I do sometimes). We get stressed out. And there are times when we just feel like the weight of the world is pressing down on us.
In all of that busyness, I think we tend to rely on material things for help and relief (I know that I do). We want something physical, something we can see to hold us up. But you know what? Nothing, absolutely nothing in this world will take away your stress, worries, etc. Even your friends and family can't really help you. The reason is because we're all sinful. This world is fallen, it has been that way ever since Adam and Eve sinned.
Though this world fails us, we can find help in God. God is in control of the whole world. Even when bad things happen, He is in control. There is a reason behind everything He does. He is always with you and He will never ever leave you.
Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
When life brings you down, don't rely on yourself or other worldly things. But rely on God. He is the only one that can bring you through anything that is going on in your life.
G. Paige
Gabriela wrote: "January 13: Overwhelming... Life, At It's Best, Is Hard!Yes, life is certainly hard. We all have anxieties and fears. We worry a ton (well, at least, I do sometimes). We get stressed out. And the..."
God is indeed in control , Thanks for today's devotional :)
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Thursday, January 14th, 2016
"Overwhelmed: Life, at Its Best, Is Hard!"

We have all thought upon the famous quote, 'When it rains, it pours!' And many times we have realized the truth of this! Just when life seems to be going good, bam! Life, happens. The scariest, most annoying trouble falls right down upon us. And then, what do you know that another problem after another seems to stack up around you.
* Job 7:1 - Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?
Life gets stressful, worrisome, and next thing you know you can't relax, your mind is going crazy, and you are about to lose all hope- it all seems overwhelming- and it truly is, but why?How come we have to deal with the worst problems all at once? When did life become overwhelming?
My Grandma left one of the biggest legacies on me, so its not hard to remember the saying she used to quote! She came up with it and quoted it quite regularly, I am told. But, the problem was that I didn't quite understand her fascination with this saying. You have to know that my Grandma was a naturally happy person; she had trouble, more than most of us, but she always kept it fresh in my mind how much Jesus loved me! Many times, in fact, I remember her singing hymns through her home! She was as happy as anyone I ever met!
So therefore, this saying didn't quite match up to her personality, or so I believed! That is, until I took the time to understand something many of us don't understand!
"Life, at its best, is hard!"
That quote, those six small words, mean so much more than what you would think!
Life is a journey! Life is problematic, cruel, and harsh, no doubt! Life is filled with its share of sad endings and burdensome aches!
As a favorite song of mine goes, "But I had no way of knowing
Just how hard this journey could be
Cause the valleys are deeper
And the mountains are steeper than I ever would have dreamed."
*(From, "Long Way Home," by Steven Curtis Chapman)
But, the beauty of life, is not the troubles or pain! The beauty of life is the gift that we have been given!
God did not make us to suffer and struggle through life, no! He made us to serve Him! It was our downfall that led to evil being introduced into the world, and therefore because of sin in the world we have sorrows and frets!
But, believe me when I say that the story isn't over! Because of our trouble, the God of the universe came down, in our form, to know what we went through, to feel what we feel, and then to die so that life WOULD be worth living!

Life isn't a mistake, an accident, or even a chemical combustion! Life is a planned and thought out gift that God gave to us! He gave us the gift of life so we might use the breath that fills our lungs to know Him, and praise His name!
And the best part about it all, life isn't all there is! This life isn't all there is! We have been given this life to prepare for the next one; the one that will not be accompanied by pain, hurt, anguish, crying, or fear! Eternal life is what we have been given a chance to attain!
The worries and pain can be used for good when they turn our eyes to the one who helps us through!!
And that is what my Grandmother knew when she quoted, "Life, at its best, is hard!" She realized that when we came to the terms with the fact that this life is hard, and that we will never be without worries; then you could come to terms that there must be a purpose! And, if there is a purpose, there must be a Creator who made that very same purpose! And if you can find Him, you can find the way to eternal life, a gift we could never afford! But, a gift already paid for by the God who gave it!!
*Matthew 7:7 - Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
*"Don't Let Me Miss The Glory," by Gordon Mote
Don't miss the point of this life; don't miss the gift! The decision is yours, we don't have but this life to choose! Don't let that chance slip away!
* Romans 8:18 - For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
* John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
Find the meaning of life today!! He loves you so much- Jesus loves you!!
For He first loved me <3
~M.K.
January 18th, 2016 - Dating & MarriageNow this is a subject worthy of several books! Even then, I hardly know where to start. So I'll just share what I believe to be the most important verse with regards to dating and marriage:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - Matt 6:33
Finding the right person for you is a no-brainier if you are seeking God above all things.
I'll also share the approach that my wife and I took with our kids:
Never alone.
That's pretty much it - one rule. Whoever you're dating? You're never alone. No riding in the car alone, no going over to a house alone. Movies, fine. Dinner, fine. On the phone, fine. Come to our house and hang out while we're home, fine.
The intent was to prevent temptation.
The most important thing in a dating or marriage relationship is God, not the other person. I guarantee they will disappoint you at some point, but God never will.
"Wives, submit to your husbands." - Eph 5:22
Why do you think God tells that to wives? Probably because it's hard, perhaps against human nature. It's hard to argue when you're commanded to submit.
"Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." - Eph 5:25
Thought you could rule the roost, eh husbands? Not so, says Christ. He commands you to love your wife AS HE LOVED THE CHURCH AND GAVE HIMSELF UP FOR HER! This means that you must GIVE UP the things you want, and be a servant. You must sacrifice your Sunday football to go visit the mother in law. You must get up off your butt and help with the laundry and the dishes.
This is Agape Love, and guys? We're commanded to do it, because it isn't in our human nature. We're selfish, sports watching project building workout obsessed macho men.
Wash the feet of your wife. You are her servant as well as the head of the household, both spiritually and naturally.
How well you do your jobs, husbands, wives, girlfriends and boyfriends, is reflected in the happiness, the joy of your significant other.
I'm thrilled when I hear someone at church tell me, "Matt, your wife is always happy and smiling!"
Check your reflections, folks, and see how well you are seeking the Lord, submitting and serving.
Nice one, Matt! I enjoyed that. Very true.
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Monday- Matt
Tuesday- Tamara
Wednesday- Gabriel
Thursday- Mary Kate (aka Me xP)
Friday- Danny
Saturday- Lee
Sunday- Emily
(I'm posting on behalf of Mary Kate)