Weekly Spiritual Meditations - December 7

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Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:4-5

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Focus On The Christ Child
Much has changed since the God of the universe decorated the night sky with the star of Bethlehem and directed the choir of angels in a chorus announcing the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. But the commercialism doesn’t have to rule in our hearts and homes. This year, let’s focus on the Christ Child and remember the true meaning of the holiday season. As we turn our eyes to the Babe in the manger, we will not view Christmas as a dreaded obligation or a major retail event. It will be a time of joyous celebration, honoring the One Who came to give us eternal life and worshiping our Heavenly Father. Let’s focus on celebrating a Christ-centered Christmas! --Sharon Jaynes

God is always with us — watching over us, guiding us, giving us a sense of security.

As we forgive, God forgives us.

When we focus on God and not solely on our feelings, we can respond to others with Christian love. When we look to the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction, we can reflect Christ to others.

By God’s guidance and with God’s help, we can help others to live with fewer worries. We can show them by our acts of love and care that God’s love is the answer to our worry or fear.

God gives us light for a few steps at a time.

God’s grace is sufficient for all our days.

When we commit to Christ, we become children of God. As we invest time in our relationship with God, we come to call out, “Abba, Father,” asking for help and knowing that God will respond with love.

God wants us to grow in grace. Effort required on our part does not mean that God’s love is diminished. Being faithful through our work and our struggles shows gratitude for the grace of God.

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You Never Let Go by Kristi Huseby
“Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.” (Psalm 73:21, NLT)
Has your heart ever been bitter? It is so easy to allow bitterness to hold a death grip on our life. When our life doesn’t turn out like we think it should, when we see other people receiving accolades that we feel are due to us and not them, where do we turn? When God seems distant in our greatest time of need, when friends let us down, bitterness can take root.
I confess I have struggled with bitterness at various times in my life. I can recall one of those times very clearly. We had a friendship but it wasn’t always easy. She always seemed to hold something back. We would be traveling along pretty smoothly in our relationship and then all of a sudden it was as if I ran smack into a wall – to high to climb, to wide to go around. It was disheartening and I found myself often questioning why we were friends. Then time and differences took us apart.
A couple of years later God brought us back together and I wondered if the relationship would be the same. For a while it seemed different, she was openly sharing some really difficult struggles. These struggles were pretty huge and I began fasting and praying weekly for her. Then slowly our relationship began to erode and we went our separate ways.
A few years later the tables were turned and I now found myself in a series of difficult situations but she was nowhere to be seen. I was hurt. I had been there for her, why wasn’t she there for me? And if that weren’t enough I began to see God’s blessing poured out in her life and the hurt burrowed deep into my heart.
I drank the poison, allowing bitterness to do its insidious work in my life. It colored everything – my circumstances, my relationship with God, my relationship with my family and other friends. I could feel myself pulling inward in self-protection mode. I knew it wasn’t healthy but had no power within me to stop. I became judgmental and jaded.
But God never let go of me during this time. He never gave up on me. Look at what the writer of Psalm 73 says as he continues his conversation with God:
I was so foolish and ignorant – I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. (Psalm 73:23-26, NLT)
“Yet I still belong to You” – even in the midst of my bitterness I still belonged to God. He didn’t give up on me or let me go! He doesn’t give up on you or let you go either! He is ours forever!
That difficult time allowed me to see God in a way I had never seen Him before and it showed me how easily I can lose my way and turn my heart away from the One who loves me the most.
That friendship has never been restored but God has taught me to pray for blessing in her life. Through that He has set me free from the bitterness that so long ensnared me and kept me from truly growing in my walk with Him. I wholeheartedly echo the words of the Psalmist,
“Whom have I in heaven but YOU? I desire YOU more than anything on earth! My spirit may grow weak but God remains the STRENGTH of my heart; He is mine FOREVER! (Psalm 73:25-26 NLT)
Thank you Lord, for never letting go and never giving up on me!
Questions: Does bitterness have a hold on your heart? Will you give it to God today?

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Nobody Remembered Author Unknown
"There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siegeworks against it. Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man." (Ecclesiastes 9:14-15)
Disaster was averted and lives were spared.
...."But nobody remembered that poor man."
Wise words of counsel were given and heeded and lives were blessed innumerably.
...."But nobody remembered that poor man."
Could sadder words be spoken? I think not.
...."But nobody remembered that poor man."
This time of year, we naturally think of giving more so than we do in any other season. But the best thing you can give this season - or any season - isn't for sale. It comes freely, but it only comes deliberately - and because you can't touch it, it can never wear out. It's called "appreciation."
This season, as you give, give your heart. As you share presents of possessions, also share presents of your heart to encourage the spirit of others - tell them of your appreciation for them.
Remember that poor man - and all the people like him. All the people God has sent your way and steered you away from destruction, time and again, all your life. Bless them today by remembering them. Those you know well and those whose names you know not. Give those you know what they need - your appreciation. Give those who have blessed you and you never knew it, what they need - your kindness, and so, your appreciation.
Your appreciation of the lives of others may very well be the very best gift you can ever give. So give it often. For it costs you little and those who receive it will be wealthy indeed.
"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?" (1 Thes. 3:9)

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"Why won't you give up on me?" By Bob Perks
What I am about to share with you is true.
God will never give up on you...NEVER!
You may feel like it. You may be in pain. You may even feel like you are in the deepest, darkest place in your life and everything is going wrong, but He has not given up on you.
Today I was simply without emotion. I was simply floating through the day.
I had an errand to run and needed desperately to get out in the sunshine.
On my way I happened to be driving by a Barnes and Noble. Now you should know by now that I have a book out since last December, "I wish you enough!" Having been approached by ThomasNelson Publishers to create that book was in itself a miracle.
Writers chase publishers, publishers don't chase writers.
The book has sold well by small publishing house standards, but I am guessing Thomas Nelson won't be calling again. Larger houses like Thomas Nelson need bigger sales.
Whenever I go the Barnes and Noble I "visit" the books of my favorite writer, Og Mandino. I actually say "Hello, Og!" Then I run I fingers across the bindings dreaming one day I, too, could have as many titles.
I had no plans to visit today.
Without explanation I found myself turning into the parking lot.
"Okay, I have a little time. Maybe I'll get a coffee and try to get a little more excited about the day," I thought.
I even paused for a moment to send a text message to my wife. Remember this is about His timing.
I walked in the store and headed straight down the middle to make my "visit." As I approached the kiosk in the center I heard a clerk say, "It's Perks or Parks, I'm not sure."
The other clerk said, "Here it is...it's Bob Perks." She then turned to a woman standing at the counter and said "It's in Religious Inspiration. Follow me."
I suddenly yelled, "Excuse me! That's my book! I wrote it." I said it loud enough that I startled people nearby.
I introduced myself to the woman, found out she received one as a gift as a volunteer in hospice and was there to buy two to give to two families she's working with.
She then asked me to autograph them.
I was stunned.
Imagine the perfection in that timing. If I had been even one second earlier or later I would never have heard my name, never had met this woman.
When she left, I said out loud, as I often do, "Why won't you give up on me?"
God just won't stop! There is a greater reason, purpose for my life that I can't even imagine and he won't give up on me.
I moved to another section of the store and the manager approached me.
"Remarkable synchronicity!" he said. Then went on to tell me that customers have requested books that he happened to have in his hand at that very moment. But it has never happened that the author was standing there.
"Imagine the timing!" he said.
Then just before he walked away he said, "We have over 90,000 titles in this store."
I'm not trying to say that God has big plans to make me a famous author. I'm not even suggesting to you that there is some big turn of events in my life that He wants me to be here for. I am no more important to God than you.
It could be something I may never know a thing about that I will do or say.
But God wants you to know that he won't give up on you either. For whatever pain, darkness, emptiness you are going through. He will not give up on you! Don't give up on Him.
Now, go ahead, say it out loud. I promise you that you will feel a connection to God like never before...say it,
"Why won't you give up on me?"
Because He won't.

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What Does Your “Squash” Look Like? by Rocky Henriques
At one time David Clay was the Pastor of the Ocean View Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. In the Fall 1997 issue of "Proclaim" magazine, Brother Clay described the time he served as a youth minister in a small farming and dairy community in Kentucky. He wrote that the people of the church were very generous with their garden produce -- including their squash. He and his wife didn't like squash, but tried every recipe they could think of to use the squash anyway.
Clay wrote that they got more than they could eat, and began storing the squash in a storage room at the house. Before long, the rotten smell of squash permeated the entire house. There was no garbage pick-up, and they didn't feel they could sneak the squash away. In his words, "In small communities nothing is a secret. We were afraid someone would see us and think we were ungrateful."
So they did the only thing they could think of -- they buried the squash one night in a flower bed behind the house. But -- you guessed it -- the next spring, the squash was coming up in the flower bed!
Now for the point. Clay writes, "What happens when life brings you squash, too much squash? What happens when you have more problems than you can handle?" The application can go many different directions from here, but in thinking about being thankful, what does your "squash" look like? Can you be grateful even for the things you don't like? Clay continues: "When problems get to be too much, remember, there's more to life than just squash. Life has its tomatoes, corn, okra, lettuce, and butter beans. So be joyful: rejoice! In this life even when we have a large amount of squash, the reality is we have so much more than squash.

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I Had No Idea There Were So Many!
A man was walking with his daughter one clear winter’s night. Suddenly she said to him, “Daddy, I am going to count the stars.” “Okay,” he said, “go ahead.”
He patiently listened as she counted one after another. Finally she said, “Two hundred and twenty-three, two hundred and twenty-four, two hundred and twenty-five…Wow!” she said. “I had no idea there were so many!”
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits,” reads Psalm 103:2. When we begin to enumerate all the blessings our Heavenly Father has poured out on us, we may find ourselves saying, “I had no idea there were so many!” So while we may not be able to count them, let’s make sure that we don’t forget them! --The Timothy Report

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Remember Truth by Andrea Debruin
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
Have you ever imagined that your thoughts can create fortresses or a home within your heart? Your thoughts create the reality in which you live. It might be hard to recognize at first, but in being honest with yourself can you see your own house? Today I want to ask you: Where do you live? What is the mood or the atmosphere of your house?
Are you consistently busy or is there a fireplace with a comfy chair you can sit in? Do you have a garden outside or is it full of thistles and thorns? Does the past have a grueling clutch on your heart or are you free to live in the present? As you read on, ponder the state of your house.
Keeping your house clean is a constant battle. Part of the strategy in keeping your house clean requires cultivating the truth. God’s gift to us is Himself and He wants us to remember the truth about Him, about ourselves and about others. Lies — coming in from media, culture and even our own family and friends — will try to welcome themselves into our homes.
The first thing to recognize in these struggles is that our dwelling place can change from “home” to “prison” all based on our thoughts and what we believe is true. As the gospel John relays in chapter 8, it’s the truth that sets us free. The bait that Satan gives to us comes in the form of lies or deception. But Satan has no power unless we agree with the lies.
Your belief system will determine how you live your life. Gaining control over your thought life is a crucial skill to attain. Why? When you hold to truth you will blossom inside. In truth you get to know the person of Jesus Christ. This truth is foundational for your life because it effects who you think you are.
So what shall we remember? Just as blood was spilt for the freedom of our land, so Jesus blood was also spilt for our total freedom overflowing into eternity itself. He died and rose again so that we could be set free from all the power and bondage of the enemy. This is the truth and the inheritance we have as His children. These are the kind of truths we should be dwelling on and allowing inside our houses.
Heavenly Father, You are a good and faithful Father. Thank you for the truth that you have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Lord, I ask for your wisdom in my thought life—help me to honor the temple that you have given me by thinking thoughts that align with Your truths. Expose any lies that I currently believe by the power of your name, Amen.
Questions: What does your fortress look like? What kinds of thoughts build your inner life? Do you have any cobwebs to get rid of?

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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
Beloved, I am taking you to a high place where I will reveal more of who you are in Me. Even though you have come a long ways, there is yet more to be revealed. Be prepared to navigate through places that are unfamiliar and uncomfortable. As greater revelation of My kingdom is made known to you, you will have to make the necessary adjustments that will allow for more complete unity with Me and those who belong to Me, says the Lord. Psalm 133:1-3 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.

Raise up a standard of faith in the midst of your circumstances. Take every opportunity to trust Me with all of your heart. Refuse to allow negativity, doubt, or unbelief to undermine your rock-solid faith, says the Lord. Face your fears and overcome. The outcome of your situation depends on it! Be strong and resilient even in great difficulty. I am with you to bring you through to victory. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

I am releasing a wave of extraordinary grace that will see you through the weeks ahead. For, I will indeed empower you to do what is necessary to fulfill that which is required of you. This is a time to lean on Me for strength and wisdom. Do not forget that I am your help in times of trouble, so you must not depend on your own understanding. Rather, rise up in the supernatural realm of the Spirit to gain insight and spiritual support, says the Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my weakness, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Set a watch for all manner of seduction that will take you away from maintaining right relationship with Me, says the Lord. These are days when you must fight to keep spiritual focus. Be faithful and refuse to get sidetracked by the world, the flesh or the devil. The fight will be worth the victory. Stay close to Me. 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

When you are faced with a difficult situation take the time to be quiet and ask for direction and wisdom. Your first instinct will be to move ahead without benefit of careful thought and consideration of the problem. Don't panic. Stay calm and work through your dilemma with confidence that nothing is too difficult for Me, says the Lord, and I will show you the way. Psalm 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before my face.

Watch for ways that small adjustments can make a difference in the outcome you desire. It won't be difficult, but will require that you pay attention and be diligent to do what is necessary to achieve your goal. As you do that in the natural realm, you can also apply this principle to the spiritual realm. You must maintain your eternal perspective in everything, says the Lord. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

A number of things will require and even demand your attention, but you must take things in stride and exercise great patience. Truly, I will stretch your time and give you the necessary physical, mental and emotional resources to deal with every situation if you will only put your trust in Me to do so. Frustration will not only kill faith, but will also prolong the process. Refuse to get overwhelmed, says the Lord. Galatians 5:24-25 Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit.

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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
"Set the trumpet to your mouth!" Hosea 8:1
I am indeed releasing a wave of grace. My grace is sufficient for you. Arise and run to the battle. Set the standard. Believe the word of the Lord. Dress yourself fully in the armor of God and defeat the enemy that is against you. For, you are designed for victory. I will help you. I will bring you through to triumph every time if you will only believe and establish My work in your life. You shall become extraordinary in this season, says the Lord God.

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Thank You, God by Garnett Ann Schultz
Did I say "Thank You, God" today
For all the joys along life's way
For morning freshness just at dawn
The lingering dark of nighttime gone?
Did I remember in a prayer
To thank you just for being there,
For leading me through trials and fears
And lending smiles in place of tears?
Did I remember God today
In such a very kindly way,
For hope and faith and trust and love
The knowledge that He rules above,
This whole wide world with beauties grand
The guidance of His sacred hand,
The little things that mean so much
A baby's smile, a mother's touch?
Dear God, and did you hear me say
I thank You in a special way?
Not just for worldly things, you see
But for the love You've given me,
A peace of mind, a joy supreme
A soul to yearn, a heart to dream,
The quiet beauty so sublime
That satisfies this heart of mine.
Did I say "Thank You" soft and sweet
For laughter real and joys complete?
And did I kneel in quiet prayer
To thank You for this life so fair,
With all its beauties far and wide
The glories of the country side?
My heart is filled with untold love
I thank You, Gracious One, above.

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Praise to God for my Redeemer,
Praise for all Thou dost provide!
Praise for times not but a mem'ry,
Praise for Jesus by my side!
Praise for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Praise for dark and dreary fall!
Praise for tears by now forgotten,
Praise for peace within my soul!
Praise for prayers that Thou has answered,
Praise for what Thou dost deny!
Praise for storms that I have weathered,
Praise for all Thou dost supply!
Praise for pain, and praise for pleasure,
Praise for comfort in despair!
Praise for grace that none can measure,
Praise for love beyond compare!
Praise for roses by the wayside,
Praise for thorns their stems contain!
Praise for home and praise for fireside,
Praise for hope, that sweet refrain!
Praise for joy and praise for sorrow,
Praise for heavenly peace with Thee!
Praise for hope in the tomorrow,
Praise thro' all eternity!
--An Old Swedish Hymn

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Thank You, Lord by Eddie Henson
For the sound of rain
On my windowpane;
For the rainbow's hue
And the sky of blue
When the rain is through;
Lord, thank you.
For the hurt you sent
'Til my will was bent;
For the pain I felt
'Til my heart did melt;
For the truths they taught
And the growth they brought;
For these things you've wrought;
Thank you, Lord, thank you.

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Safe Evermore! by Willaim O. Cushing
Under his wings, O what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life's trials are o'er.
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me;
Resting in Jesus I'm safe evermore.

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14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14

Who Is the Greatest?
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. Matthew 18:1-5

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

Do Not Worry
22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? 29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:22-34

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Living Sacrifices to God
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

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Never Too Busy for Jesus By Tricia Goyer
“Reverence for God adds hours to each day.” Proverbs 10:27 (TLB)
At this moment in time we’re preparing to move into a new house, I am under book deadline, and I have four children—including a very busy one-year-old. If I were to have an excuse not to take time to be with Jesus, this week would be it. Staying up every night until midnight, packing during the day and chasing a baby, you’d think I’d cherish every extra moment of sleep.
Yet my eyes still pop open in the morning. Not because I’m wide awake, but rather because my heart is hungry. I need Jesus. I need to read His Word and spend time with Him. After years of loving Jesus, my heart reveres Him. I stand in awe of what a difference spending time with Him makes in my life.
In Jesus’ arithmetic, “subtracting” time from our busy day multiplies the potential of every moment. Because of our time with Him we have a clearer vision, a more peaceful heart and a more joyful spirit. When I spend time with Jesus, I better discern what to spend my time on. My day seems to work better, and in the way Jesus works the hours of the day seem to multiply too.
This week is busy, yes, but when I spend time with my Lord I can make it through the day better than I anticipated I could.
Faith Step: Find at least two other times during the day to get away with Jesus. Think about times like the ten minutes when your biscuits are baking at dinnertime or the fifteen-minute break you have at work. Afterward, consider how that time focused on Jesus impacted the rest of your day.

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Heavenly Father, thank you for your assurance that in our loneliness and sorrow, you are always here to comfort us. Help us to comfort others in their worries as you comfort us. Amen.

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Read Through The Bible
Psalm 116
1 I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. 2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. 3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. 4 Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. 5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. 6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. 7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. 8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. 9 I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. 10 I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted: 11 I said in my haste, All men are liars. 12 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. 14 I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. 16 O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. 18 I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. 19 In the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord.

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Thank you, O Lord, for giving us what we need today. Thank you for your light that shines on us no matter how dark our path may become. Help us to reflect your light into the world, offering hope to those who are hurting and in need. Amen.

Wherever you are in life, whatever you've done, you can begin again. If you do not have Jesus in your life and wish to ask Jesus into your life please go to this link now to do so: http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130 .
Jesus is calling you to live a life that matters.