Monthly Archives: September 2014

When life is hard and we feel stressed-out about a current situation or our unknown future, when we are offended by others or are so afraid that life feels overwhelming and without hope for a resolution, then our human nature shouts, “Run away! Get out of this mess!” But running will never allow us to find true inner peace. King David experienced pressures that constantly shouted to him, fly away, wander away, pull away, and escape all these difficulties. But…..

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Balance is essential to being healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In the physical realm, if our diet consists of too many fats, carbohydrates, sweets, etc., and not enough vegetables, water or protein, etc., sooner or later we will experience sickness as a result of imbalance. Next, emotional balance is essential to living an abundant life. Few of us learn how to love ourselves and express our inner emotions-sadness, happiness, anger, and fear- in a healthy manner. Our out-of-balance emotions either…..

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Most of us have so much going on in our lives it’s sometimes hard to stay focused on what really matters, and to keep moving forward with purpose.The Lord knows we need help to stay grounded in stepping forward, so He speaks about doves’ eyes to give us a teaching picture. A dove has a single-purposed eye that can only gaze at one solitary object at a time. As we learn to keep our eyes’ on Jesus, through the ups…..

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When we hear the word blessed, most of us think of material increase or a carefree life without struggle. Yet, just because people have plenty of material goods or seemingly no major problems, living may feel quite commonplace- not blessed. Jesus offers so much more to those who call on His name when He proclaims, “Blessed are you.” Whether our circumstances are easy or hard, Jesus wants to bless us with His favor. This priceless blessing enables us to remain…..

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When we are anxious about our circumstances, and things just don’t seem to be going the way we think they should, it’s easy to feel down. In this state of anxiety, we may feel like quitting, and not pursuing the hopes and dreams God has put in our hearts. We may feel like it’s easier to quit, because we fear we will possibly be disappointed again by our circumstances. But in spite of our feelings, the truth is God loves…..

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Just as an occurrence of bad weather can stop us in our tracks and disrupt our plans, so can the storms of life. In these storms, we experience uncertainty and fear when we are suddenly bombarded with trying circumstances. On this certain day, Jesus’ disciples walked with Him, and were privileged to personally see and experience His wisdom, gentle love, and awesome power. Later that evening, Jesus said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.”…..

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At some level, we all like the approval of others and to be appreciated. When no appreciation or approval seems to evolve after we “perform”; work hard, give much, do good things for others, sacrifice, etc., it hurts, and can be frustrating or disappointing. But because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God accepts us as His children, we don’t have to perform for God to be accepted. Because we are God’s children, we do not need to be acknowledged…..

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The covenant God made with His people in the old testament required all to keep the law. Then when God’s people fell short and couldn’t keep the law, a Priest had to offer sacrifices for the peoples sin, year after year. But now we live by the new covenant, in which Jesus Christ, our high Priest, gave His Life, for our sacrifice once and for all. We are completely accepted by a holy God, because of the Beloved Jesus! In…..

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At times in our lives we overcome difficulties and process through our feelings by praying, leaning, relying, and trusting in God. But at other times- perhaps when we are physically, emotionally, or spiritually weary and continued negative circumstances keep hitting us- we feel beat-down, without hope, and are unable to get up. In this hard place- depression, fear, self-pity, hopelessness, and the lie that God does not listen, love, or care about our struggles keeps us from moving forward in…..

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With our words we create. As we speak positive words of light, goodness, kindness, love, patience, charity, and hope-or negative words of darkness, hatred, fear (Satan’s greatest tool), unkindness, intolerance, selfishness, despair, and discouragement-our tongues are producing life or death in our spiritual and physical world. Most of us do not understand that the words we choose can build up and bless or tear down and curse. By simply speaking positive words, we attract positive energy from our Lord’s spiritual…..

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