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A Devotional for the Anxious Heart: Romans 5:3-
Scripture: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our suffering, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3-4 ESV) Thought: These verses focus on the attitude and orientation of man. However, the way they are presented infers that God and his promises are worthy of both our patience and our suffering. He does not create circumstances for our suffering, but he certainly see us in our suffering and calls us to him. We can grow stronger in character and faith through our challenges and suffering. Application: Seek him always, but especially in the eye of the storm. He is doing a work in…
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A Devotional for the Anxious Heart: 2 Corinthians 4:17
Scripture: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) Thought: God is not unfeeling, but our salvation is important. As such, he will use our difficulties and afflictions to draw us closer to him. It is amazing to think that God wants us with him in heaven. Faith makes our difficulties lighter. When we change our orientation towards heaven, the whole of our experience changes—we become stronger, more capable, more humble. Application: What is my focus? Now or eternity. This life is fleeting, but the one to come is forever. If I focus on that, whatever I experience here…
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A Devotional for the Anxious Heart: Psalm 34: 18-19
Scripture: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:18-19). Thought: God is compassionate and always near, especially in our brokenness. He doesn’t sometimes deliver, he always delivers if we seek him, albeit maybe not in the way we think. Needy and dependent, but in a good way. God, our father, wants to be there for us in everything, but especially our brokenness and deep sorrow. We are righteous when we seek him above all else. Application: We have, in our brokenness and need, often tried to hid…
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A Devotional for the Anxious Heart: Deuteronomy 31: 8
Scripture: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV) Thought: God is our faith and ever present leader. Because God is faithful and present, we can and must put our trust in him and never be afraid. Application: Joshua was being commission by Moses to lead the Israelites into the promise land. His commissioning was a really big deal. Regardless of the significance of his call, Moses said Joshua should still fully trust God. Our calling is to also follow God’s lead. To trust that he has gone…
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My Comfy Shirt & Tattered Pages
In the spring of every year, I anticipate the time when I can put on a pair of flip flops or walk in the lush grass barefoot. I enjoy every minute of gathering natural Vitamin D. And true to myself, every fall comes and I can’t wait for the moment that I can start to layer, wear cozy socks, put on a big comfy shirt and enjoy a cup of steaming hot coffee. There is nothing better than pulling on that oversized, well worn, perfect fit comfy shirt or sweatshirt when the weather finally allows. Comfy shirts take time to develop. They are usually well worn, sometimes have a stain…