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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    9/20/2001 10:06 am  
To:  ALL   (1 of 165)  
 
  207.1  
 
  

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 \  /  TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT   --   http://www.heartlight.org/
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                                                    September 19, 2001

VERSE:
   The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to
be revealed. Romans 8:19

THOUGHT:
   Eagerly waits!  Don't you just love that idea!  Sounds like an
oxymoron.  It's not.  Think of a groom waiting for his bride to
come down the aisle.  Imagine parents of a child that is due to be
born.  Remember what it was like as a child waiting for Christmas
morning.  Eagerly waits!  That's what creation, so caught up with
decay, disaster, and death, is doing!  And what is creation waiting
for so eagerly?  Our transformation and revelation as God's
triumphant and glorious children.  Sounds pretty wonderful for a
time and world like ours.

PRAYER:
   O LORD, God of all creation and source of all redemption, I long
for the day that every tear is dried and my bondage to decay is
over.  Please keep my heart set on the glory that is to be revealed
when Christ returns.  In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.

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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    9/20/2001 10:07 am  
To:  ALL   (2 of 165)  
 
  207.2 in reply to 207.1  
 
Verse:
   Not only they, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the
Spirit, even we ourseles groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, to wit, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:23

THOUGHT:
   The Holy Spirit, who lives in us, is our guarantee of a greater
glory that is to come (cf. 2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5).  The Spirit is the
firstfruits of that glory that is to be revealed in us (cf. Rom.
8:18). Our current state is only a foretaste of what lies ahead
for us; we yearn to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling and to be
at home with God (2 Cor. 5:1-8).

PRAYER:
   Dear Father, you have blessed me with so many wonderful
blessings.  I thank you for each and every one of them.  At the
same time, dear Father, I do long to be brought into your presence
in glory as your child.  The pain and heartache of the world, the
fragility of my body, and my frustration with my own vulnerability
to sin keep we longing for the day that your Son returns in glory.
Until that day, help me as I try to be your holy child.  In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.

 





David A. Brown
Basic Christian: Forum



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edited 9/20/01 1:14:18 PM ET by DAVIDABROWN 
  
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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    9/21/2001 9:07 am  
To:  ALL   (3 of 165)  
 
  207.3 in reply to 207.2  
 
VERSE:
   Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves
me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love
him and show myself to him. John 14:21
    

THOUGHT:
   Love is much more than a feeling or an attitude:  love is an
action.  When we love, we show it by our deeds.  As disciples of
Jesus, our love is shown by our obedience to the things Jesus
taught.  Of course, that obedience brings an incredible blessing --
Jesus reveals himself to those that obey him!

PRAYER:
   Dear LORD, my Abba Father, please forgive me for my sins.
Empower me to resist the Evil One.  Help me find delight in obeying
the teaching of my Lord and Savior, Jesus.  In the name your Son I
ask this. Amen.

 





David A. Brown
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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    9/22/2001 8:41 am  
To:  ALL   (4 of 165)  
 
  207.4 in reply to 207.2  
 

VERSE:
   Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to
offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God --
this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer
to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's
will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

THOUGHT:
   The motivation for our holiness is God's incredible mercy and
grace. We offer ourselves to him because he has already shown us
his love through the sacrifice of Jesus.  As we offer ourselves to
honor him, we are worshipping him.  As we refuse to be molded into
the lifestyle of the world, we offer him praise.  As we
consistently do these things with our lives, God's will becomes
even more clear.  With the Spirit's help, we are daily being
transformed to be more like Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18) as we display more
of the character of God (Gal. 5:22-23).

PRAYER:
   Father, as the old hymn says, "Have thine own way Lord... mold
me and make me after thy will!"  I gladly offer you my heart, my
life, and my future to use to your glory.  In Jesus' name. Amen.
 





David A. Brown
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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    9/23/2001 6:41 pm  
To:  ALL   (5 of 165)  
 
  207.5 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he
must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
Luke 9:23

THOUGHT:
   Offering ourselves to God isn't easy because it means we must
first die to our own selfish will.  Like Jesus did in the Garden of
Gethsemane, we face our own cross and must cry out, "Not my will,
dear Father, but your will be done!"

PRAYER:
   Dear Father, thank you for sending Jesus as my Savior.  Lord
Jesus, I want to follow you.  I don't want it to be half-hearted or
hypocritical.  I want your life to be seen in me.  So please,
gently show me the areas where my heart needs to be softened and my
character needs to be shaped by the Spirit so that I can more
perfectly reflect your glory, grace, and character to those around
me.  In Jesus' name. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    9/26/2001 8:39 am  
To:  ALL   (6 of 165)  
 
  207.6 in reply to 207.1  
 

VERSE:
   What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous
   desire will be granted. Proverbs 10:24

THOUGHT:
   The wicked fear the triumph of goodness, holiness, and
righteousness. They fear not being in control.  They fear death
overtaking them.  The righteous desire the triumph of goodness,
holiness, and righteousness.  They offer their life to be
controlled by the Holy Spirit of God.  They recognize death is an
enemy, but one that has been conquered by their Savior.  In times
like these, isn't it comforting to know that the fear of the wicked
is really all the wicked can be sure of receiving!

PRAYER:
   O LORD God, please bring your justice, mercy, and righteousness
to triumph in the lives of all who seek after you and your will.
Please make my heart more like yours in regard to evil and those
who perpetuate it and stir in me a deeper passion to lead those to
Christ who do not know you.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.





David A. Brown
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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    9/26/2001 8:49 am  
To:  ALL   (7 of 165)  
 
  207.7 in reply to 207.6  
 

VERSE:
   You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You
   anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5

THOUGHT:
   While the enemy of the righteous may flourish for a season, God
will lavish his love and show his favor on the righteous.  As the
apostle Paul reminded his dear friends in Philippi, their prayers
and the work of the Holy Spirit guaranteed his deliverance:  he
would either be delivered from prison and death to serve them, or
he would be delivered from prison through death to go be with the
Father (Phil. 3:19-23).  Either way, God's righteous will get a
banquet, a place of honor, and a royal welcome that will vindicate
their faithfulness before those who oppose them.

PRAYER:
   Father, King of the ages, I do believe that you will throw a
party in my honor and treat me as one of your royal children.
Thank you for this promise.  Thank you for the assurance of
ultimate vindication.  Thank you for making my life overflow with
your love and grace.  In Jesus' name I praise you! Amen.

 





David A. Brown
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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    9/26/2001 8:51 am  
To:  ALL   (8 of 165)  
 
  207.8 in reply to 207.6  
 

VERSE:
   You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You
   anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5

THOUGHT:
   While the enemy of the righteous may flourish for a season, God
will lavish his love and show his favor on the righteous.  As the
apostle Paul reminded his dear friends in Philippi, their prayers
and the work of the Holy Spirit guaranteed his deliverance:  he
would either be delivered from prison and death to serve them, or
he would be delivered from prison through death to go be with the
Father (Phil. 3:19-23).  Either way, God's righteous will get a
banquet, a place of honor, and a royal welcome that will vindicate
their faithfulness before those who oppose them.

PRAYER:
   Father, King of the ages, I do believe that you will throw a
party in my honor and treat me as one of your royal children.
Thank you for this promise.  Thank you for the assurance of
ultimate vindication.  Thank you for making my life overflow with
your love and grace.  In Jesus' name I praise you! Amen.

 





David A. Brown
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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    9/27/2001 9:01 am  
To:  ALL   (9 of 165)  
 
  207.9 in reply to 207.2  
 

VERSE:
   The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of
   the wicked only what is perverse. Proverbs 10:32

THOUGHT:
   How many times have you said just the "wrong" thing?  For me, it
is more often than I would like to recall.  Jesus words on this
topic are indeed convicting to me:  "Out of the abundance of the
heart does the mouth speak."  In other words, poor words and bad
timing in our speech are more issues of our heart than issues of
social skills and decorum.  Let's ask God to purify, mend, and
re-focus our heart on his will and passions.

PRAYER:
   Almighty God, loving and merciful Father, please purify my heart
of all evil, hate, duplicity, prejudice, malice, lust and greed. By
the powerful name of Jesus, please drive away any evil power or
enticing tempation that would corrupt my heart and wound my soul.
Fill my heart with love, grace, righteousness, holy passion,
gentleness, forebearance, sensitivity, courage, conviction, and
forgiveness.  Give me discernment to know which of these qualities
are needed at any given moment.  Sanctify me, body, soul, and
spirit with your Holy Spirit.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    9/28/2001 8:01 am  
To:  ALL   (10 of 165)  
 
  207.10 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over
   me. Psalm 119:133

THOUGHT:
   God's word is a light to our dark path in a morally uncertain
world. It must be our standard for right and wrong, righteousness
and evil.  As God's will and Word have sway in our life, we are
delivered from all sorts of destructive practices that can ruin our
lives.

PRAYER:
   Great and Almighty God, who raises the dead and restores the
fallen, make my heart delight in your truth and my life more
perfectly conformed to your will.  Lead me in your way and guide my
footsteps in righteousness.  Empower me to freedom from any form of
bondage that Satan might use to control me and ruin my godly
influence.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    9/29/2001 7:06 pm  
To:  ALL   (11 of 165)  
 
  207.11 in reply to 207.4  
 
VERSE:
   And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not
   worthy of me.  Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever
   loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:38-39

THOUGHT:
   Jesus wants us to seriously look into our hearts and surrender
those things that hold us back from fully following and serving
him.  We know what they are.  He comes to us with his now
nail-scarred hands and reminds us that he gave up everything to
redeem us.  He now wants us to surrender to the Cross the things
that hold us back.  Let's do it today!

PRAYER:
   Father God, Almighty King, I am sorry for the areas of my life
that I have kept hidden away from the righteousness that your
Spirit is working to cultivate in me.  I now confess those secret
areaa of sin to you and ask that you cleanse me and liberate me
from Satan's power that binds them to me and holds me back from
whole-hearted service to your Son.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/3/2001 8:26 am  
To:  ALL   (12 of 165)  
 
  207.12 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your
laws. Psalm 119:30      

THOUGHT:
   Yesterday we made a commitment to follow the Lord Jesus
whole-heartedly.  Let's not forget it and slip back into old habits
and bad patterns.  Let's choose the way of truth again today, and
tomorrow, and...

PRAYER:
   Righteous Father, your way and your Word are my source of life
and guidance.  I chose your will and your truth today. Help it
come alive in me through joyful obedience.  In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

 





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/3/2001 8:27 am  
To:  ALL   (13 of 165)  
 
  207.13 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on
my lips. Psalm 34:1

THOUGHT:
   One way to keep our life on track and our hearts surrendered to
the will and work of God is to praise our glorious LORD
continually.  Let's put our praise for God on our lips with song
and memorized Scripture.  Let's tell his wonderful and great deeds
to our children, grandchildren, and friends.  Let's give him thanks
for all that he has done for us.  Just as surely as he is with us
always (see Ps. 139), let's praise him always.

PRAYER:
   Almighty God and eternal and loving Father, I praise you for
your great might and incredible creativity displayed in your
creation.  I marvel at your vastness and incomprehensible glory
revealed in the great expanse of the heavens.  Thank you for your
power, mercy, faithfulness, and grace demonstrated by your care for
your people and the sending of your Son as you promised.  You are
wonderful.  You are awesome.  You are majestic.  Thank you for
loving me.  In Jesus' name. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/3/2001 8:29 am  
To:  ALL   (14 of 165)  
 
  207.14 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and
   rejoice. Psalm 34:2

THOUGHT:
   We have no basis to boast in our own might. We can't preserve
our life.  We can't topple kingdoms.  We can't see the edge of the
heavens.  We can't determine the future or change the past.  So
what do we have in which we can boast? God!  We are living proof
of his grace and mercy -- he saved us when we didn't deserve it, he
rescued us from sin and death when we had no power to preserve our
life.  Those in sorrow, brokenness, and night can look at us and
rejoice, because we are living proof God saves the sinner, raises
up the disheartened, and mends the broken.  Praise the LORD for his
glory. Praise the LORD for his grace.

PRAYER:
   Father, thank you!  Thank you for all that you have done for me.
 Let others see your work in me and understand that you can do a
great thing in them, as well.  In Jesus' precious name I pray.
Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/3/2001 8:30 am  
To:  ALL   (15 of 165)  
 
  207.15 in reply to 207.2  
 
VERSE:
   Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
   Psalm 34:3

   THOUGHT:
   Isn't it good that we can sing alone and know God loves our
song!  Isn't it even better that we can join others in songs of
praise and lose ourselves in wonder, love, and praise! Let's spend
today finding other believers and praising God together.  All
around the world, hundreds of thousands strong, let's reach out to
other believers and ask them to join us in glorifying the Lord!

PRAYER:
   Almighty and merciful God, please be pleased with my praise and
my attempts to join others in bringing you glory.  Forgive me for
sins, slips, and slights.  Empower me to be a living witness to
your magnificent grace.  In Jesus' name. Amen.

 





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/4/2001 12:22 pm  
To:  ALL   (16 of 165)  
 
  207.16 in reply to 207.2  
 
VERSE:
   I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all
   my fears. Psalm 34:4


THOUGHT:
   Have you sought the LORD lately?  Many of us made a commitment
to turn all of our lives over to him last week; how have you done
at that commitment?  God promises wisdom to those who ask and don't
doubt. Have you asked for wisdom recently?  Let's join our hearts
together, and with the Spirit's help, let's seek our Father so that
we can honor and glorify him, finding our blessing in his presence.

PRAYER:
   Majesty on high, the Holy One of Israel, my Father and my God, I
seek you with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.  I want to
know you more completely.  I want to fully respond to your leading
and your will in my life.  Be near me today.  In Jesus' name I
pray. Amen.

 





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/7/2001 11:16 pm  
To:  ALL   (17 of 165)  
 
  207.17 in reply to 207.16  
 

VERSE:
   Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered
   with shame. Psalm 34:5


THOUGHT:
   We are like the moon; the glory we show is the reflection of the
greater life in our lives that does not originate in us but is a
blessing to others through us. Look to God for your hope, your
strength, your values, your foundation, your security, and your
light.

PRAYER:
   Father, I look for you and to you.  Be near me as I face
challenges and temptations.  Don't let the evil one bring me shame
because of my sin and weakness.  Triumph over evil in my life for
your glory.  In Jesus' name. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/7/2001 11:17 pm  
To:  ALL   (18 of 165)  
 
  207.18 in reply to 207.16  
 
VERSE:
   This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out
   of all his troubles. Psalm 34:6

THOUGHT:
   So few hear the cry of the poor or respond to the plight of the
disadvantaged. If we are going to be true children of our Father,
his values must become our own, his lost sheep must become our
quest. Let's help others around us who are in need find that when
they call to God, they are not forgotten.  Let's be his delivery
system of grace.

PRAYER:
   Gracious and Holy Father, please use me to be a delivery system
for your grace.  In the name of Jesus, your greatest gift of grace.
 Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/7/2001 11:18 pm  
To:  ALL   (19 of 165)  
 
  207.19 in reply to 207.16  
 

VERSE:
   The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he
   delivers them. Psalm 34:7

THOUGHT:
   I don't see him, but I know he's there!  The same angel of the
Lord who destroyed Israel's enemies is now fighting to win the
spiritual battle that rages around you and me.

PRAYER:
   Give me faith, dear Father, to believe that your heavenly
messengers are around me to deliver me to you with glory and great
joy.  Thank you!  In Jesus name. Amen.






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   From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/12/2001 10:40 am  
To:  ALL   (20 of 165)  
 
  207.20 in reply to 207.1  
 

VERSE:
   Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who
   takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8


THOUGHT:
   Some aspects of faith are indescriblable:  they can only be
experienced and known by doing them.  Taste the Lord.  Sample his
goodness.  Lean on his grace.  Take refuge in his care.  We are
blessed to find him near and take our refuge from life's greatest
dangers and death's greatest fears.

PRAYER:
   Help me, dear Father, to know you better.   Open my heart, dear
Lord, so that I will more fully entrust myself to your care.  Open
my eyes to see just how gracious you are - not to impress me, but
to share in your grace.  Thank you for your goodness.  In Jesus'
name. Amen.

 





David A. Brown
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From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/12/2001 10:41 am  
To:  ALL   (21 of 165)  
 
  207.21 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack
   nothing. Psalm 34:9

THOUGHT:
   "Fear of the LORD" is one of the great themes of the Old
Testament.  The phrase is particularly hard to translate,
especially in light of the repeated message of the Bible to "fear
not" and John's reminder that "perfect love casts out all fear."
It means more than "hold God in reverence."  Generally, "fear of
the LORD" means that we remember our place in the order of things.
 We know we are deeply loved by our holy Father in heaven.  We
recognize that we are weak and sinful in comparison and are saved
by God's mercy and grace.  We acknowledge that his majesty and
holiness are far beyond us and that we pale in significance before
God.  We come to God acknowledging our need for him and our
unworthiness to demand anything from him.  The incredible reality
is that when we approach God with this sense of awe and profound
respect, he in turn welcomes us with open arms and brings us close.
 (See Isaiah 57:15)

PRAYER:
   Holy and Righteous Father, God Almighty, thank you for your
mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Thank you for your love,
faithfulness, and justice.  I come to you on my knees, recognizing
that you are holy, majestic, awesome in power, and righteous in all
that you do.  Without your grace and the gift of your Spirit, I
know I could not come into your presence with such boldness.
Righteous Father, forgive me for my sins and empower me to be a
person of integrity and grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/12/2001 10:42 am  
To:  ALL   (22 of 165)  
 
  207.22 in reply to 207.4  
 
VERSE:
   The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD
   lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10

THOUGHT:
   While even the most fierce hunters cannot ensure their security
and nourishment, those whose hunger is for God will find themselves
nourished, blessed, and sustained.

PRAYER:
   Thank you, Father, for the promise that you will never leave me
or forsake me even though friends and partners may betray and
forsake me.  I confess that it is sometimes hard to fully
comprehend, much less believe, that you are always faithful.
Confusing and hurtful times come and I waver in my confidence in
your grace.  Please forgive me and renew my hope.  I do believe,
dear Father, that you love me like no one else can.  I do believe,
Almighty God, that you care about my wounds and worries.  I
recommit my heart this day to trust in your daily care, provision,
and grace for me.  In Jesus' name. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/12/2001 10:44 am  
To:  ALL   (23 of 165)  
 
  207.23 in reply to 207.4  
 
VERSE:
   Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of
   the LORD. Psalm 34:11

THOUGHT:
   Is there any greater definition of what a parent's role is than
this?  Let's make sure that in the swirling demands and
involvements of our lives we do not forget the MAIN thing that God
has given us as parents, teachers, and friends to do in the lives
of children.

PRAYER:
   O Master, LORD God my Savior and Sustainer, please keep my heart
set on your priorities with the children in my life.  In Jesus'
name. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/12/2001 10:45 am  
To:  ALL   (24 of 165)  
 
  207.24 in reply to 207.4  
 
VERSE:
   Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,
   keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
   Psalm 34:12-13
   
THOUGHT:
   God reminds us that our words and the way we use our speech
greatly impact the quality of life we enjoy.  Nothing cuts short a
vibrant life like evil speech and lies we tell.  They set loose a
force of deception and damage that we cannot control.  This
unleashed power not only damages those about whom and to whom we
speak, but they eventually boomerang and come back and bring their
deadly payload back into our own lives.  Let's be people who speak
what is right, good, wholesome, holy, true, and a blessing.  (cf.
Ephesians 4:20-5:12)

PRAYER:
   Holy and Righteous God my Father, purify my heart and cleanse my
words of all deceit, slander, vulgarity, wickedness, untruth,
exaggeration, mean-spiritedness, distortion, guile, and words that
wound. May the words of my mouth and the intentions of my heart be
pleasing to you, O God.  In Jesus' name. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/16/2001 10:27 am  
To:  ALL   (25 of 165)  
 
  207.25 in reply to 207.1  
 

VERSE:
   Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
   Psalm 34:14
   
THOUGHT:
   It is not enough to turn from evil. We can clean the putrid
things out of our life, but if we do not actively pursue what is
good then a worse evil will rush into the void.  (cf. Mat.
12:43-45)  Let's be a people eager to do good and with a passion to
"wage peace."

PRAYER:
   O Father, let me be an instrument of your peace.  Where there is
hatred, use me to share your love and grace.  Where there is
injury, sin, and brokenness, use me to bring healing, forgiveness,
and comfort.  Please, Abba Father, use me to do your good work in
my world.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/16/2001 10:28 am  
To:  ALL   (26 of 165)  
 
  207.26 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are
   attentive to their cry...  Psalm 34:15

THOUGHT:
   We are righteous because of God's grace.  We are remembered
because of God's faithfulness. We are heard because of God's
faithfulness.  We are blessed because God is God.

PRAYER:
   Thank you, Father, for seeing my needs, hearing my cries,
answering my prayers, and coming down to save, comfort, and bless.
In Jesus' name. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/16/2001 10:30 am  
To:  ALL   (27 of 165)  
 
  207.27 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off
   the memory of them from the earth. Psalm 34:16

THOUGHT:
   God hates violence and demands that we not admire those who are
violent or share in their violent lifestyle.  (Prov. 3:31)  God
abhors those who do evil.  God not only opposes them when they are
alive, he also mitigates their influence after they are gone.  He
helps them be seen for what they really are.  Far from being viewed
as heroes, their legacy of hate and wickedness is spurned, shunned,
scandalized, and forgotten.

PRAYER:
   In our own time of terror and wickeness, O LORD, please make
worthless the threats of the wicked and make their memory a foul
stench in the nostrils of those they are trying to deceive and
co-opt to do their evil will.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/16/2001 10:32 am  
To:  ALL   (28 of 165)  
 
  207.28 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them
   from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

THOUGHT:
   Deliverance!  A great theme of the Bible is that God is a God of
deliverance who keeps his promises and faithfully shares his grace,
mercy, and justice.  Let this promise stir you to righteous living
and then and to cry out to God in all your troubles.  One way to do
this is to read through the Psalms regularly, letting these
inspired words from so long ago offer a rich topography of prayer
from which you can call to God.  Whether you use the Psalms or not,
however, cry out to God with the praises, questions, and wounds
that life brings.  Let his presence be real to you and your heart
open to him.

PRAYER:
   Father, our world needs your deliverance.  In your majesty and
power, please destroy the plans of the wicked. In your mercy and
grace, please raise up your people who find themselves facing
hardship and trouble.  In Jesus' name. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/19/2001 7:58 am  
To:  ALL   (29 of 165)  
 
  207.29 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are
   crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

THOUGHT:
   The LORD is... ...near!  ...present!  ...close!  How do I know?
He came close in the manger.  He walked among us in ministry.  He
suffered with us and for us at Calvary.  We know that in tragedy,
trial, heartbreak, and brokenness he is near to us to save us. So,
will our hearts be open to him and will we be seeking him to come
near?  Don't let troubles or heartache lead you to pull away from
God or doubt his nearness.  Let him draw close to you.

PRAYER:
   O LORD, please be near me today.  Make your presence known in my
life.  Father, I also ask that you bless those I know who are
struggling with their faith, and with broken and disappointed
hearts.   Please be active in their lives and make your presence
known in their lives.  In Jesus' name. Amen.

 





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/19/2001 7:59 am  
To:  ALL   (30 of 165)  
 
  207.30 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers
   him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will
   be broken. Psalm 34:19-20

THOUGHT:
   We know that the righteous can have troubles, but how do we
understand that God delivers us from them all? How do we
understand that he protects all our bones, especially in light of
recent tragedies and the persecution of believers in many places in
the world?   Paul demonstrates the answer:  whatever happens to him
will turn out for his deliverance -- whether it is through his
death to be with God or whether it is through his release from
prison to continue ministry (Phil. 1:19-23).  Our deliverance is
secure.  We are conquerors in Christ.  Nothing Satan can do to us
can steal us away from God's love, not even death (Romans 8:32-39).

PRAYER:
   Father, please give me the faith I need to believe that whatever
happens in my life will not steal me away from your love and
deliverance for me.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/19/2001 8:00 am  
To:  ALL   (31 of 165)  
 
  207.31 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be
   condemned. Psalm 34:21

THOUGHT:
   God has promised a closing time, a reckoning where human power
and influence cannot buy out the truth and where each person will
have to face up to what he or she has done.  Evil will overtake
those who have been partners with evil.  Those that hate good
people, righteous people, will be condemned in their own hate.
God's righteousness, truth, and justice will not be
short-circuited!

PRAYER:
   Father, thank you for making clean and whole by the purifying
work of your Holy Spirit.  Teach me to be righteous.  Help me
develop a revulsion for what is sinful and evil.  Use me to help
someone caught in the evil one's work to find deliverance.  In
Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/29/2001 6:51 am  
To:  ALL   (32 of 165)  
 
  207.32 in reply to 207.5  
 
VERSE:
   The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who
   takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:22

THOUGHT:
   God not only buys us out our bondage and debt to sin, but he
also assures us that he will provide refuge for those who trust in
him.  Our future is tied to him and not to our ability to provide
and protect what we need.

PRAYER:
   O LORD, God of heaven and earth, I place my life and my future
in your hands. Please use me to bless others as I do your will.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/29/2001 6:53 am  
To:  ALL   (33 of 165)  
 
  207.33 in reply to 207.5  
 
VERSE:
   Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
   Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in
   all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with
   the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
   
THOUGHT:
   We are comforted because we are heartbroken.  We are comforted
because we need a blessing.  We are comforted because God loves us.
 We are comforted to comfort others.  While each of the above
statements is true, the last is the most crucial one.  There is
something about comfort that cannot be fully realized until it is
shared with someone else.  It is that final step in the healing
process of grief, disapointment, hurt, and loss.  Until we share
the comfort we have received, until we pass it on to another, our
comfort is weak and shallow and limited.  Comfort, pass it on!

PRAYER:
   O LORD, God of heaven and earth, Creator of the universe, thank
you for knowing my heart, caring about my concerns, and comforting
me when I am wounded.  Help me to share your grace, mercy, and
comfort with someone else today.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/29/2001 7:04 am  
To:  ALL   (34 of 165)  
 
  207.34 in reply to 207.5  
 
VERSE:
   May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other
   and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 1 Thessalonians  3:12

THOUGHT:
   "I'm not sure I can love them any more!  My supply of love is
gone, my capacity to love is exhausted."  Yes, there are times when
it seems others will exhaust our ability to love, either because of
their need being so great or because of their unwillingness to love
in return.  How do we go on?  We need a community of love; other
believers who will support and love us.  We need brothers and
sisters in Christ who will pray for God to increase our capacity to
love.  We need to trust that in response to all of our prayers, God
will pour more love into our hearts through his everflowing stream
of grace, the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom. 5:5).  When love is low, don't
withdraw or give up.  Draw near to God and draw near to his people
asking for his grace to help in your time of need (Heb. 4:16).

PRAYER:
   Dear Father, graciously pour your love into my heart and pour
your love into the hearts of those in my family and church family.
We need your help to love those around us more.  In Jesus name I
pray. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/29/2001 7:05 am  
To:  ALL   (35 of 165)  
 
  207.35 in reply to 207.5  
 
VERSE:
   For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of
   power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

THOUGHT:
   When we became Christians, Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy
Spirit (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:3-7).  The Spirit lives in us, making
our bodies a Temple (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and blessing us in many ways
(Romans 8).  We can be courageous people even in the face of
attack, criticism, and ridicule because of the Spirit's presence.
The fruit the the Spirit produces (Gal. 5:22-23) and the love the
Spirit pours into our heart (Rom. 5:5) does not make us week.
Instead, the Spirit's presence is a powerful force to help us
overcome sin (Rom. 8:13) and live self-disciplined lives.

PRAYER:
   Father, thank you for the Spirit's constant presence in my life.
 Please empower me with even greater courage and strength as I face
the daily challenges in my life.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/29/2001 7:07 am  
To:  ALL   (36 of 165)  
 
  207.36 in reply to 207.5  
 
VERSE:
   But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
   and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
   Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

THOUGHT:
   God has a plan to reach the world with his grace.  We start
where we are and reach out to those around us. We then share the
story of Jesus with those in region.  Then we reach out and take
the gospel all over the world. As we offer ourselves to be used,
we also trust that Holy Spirit's power and presence will go with
us.

PRAYER:
   Father, use me to reach those around me with your grace.  bless
our congregation as we share Jesus with those in our city.  Father,
I also ask that you bless our outreach efforts world-wide.  Please
use us to fulfill your plan to reach all nations with the message
of Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

 





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/29/2001 7:09 am  
To:  ALL   (37 of 165)  
 
  207.37 in reply to 207.5  
 
VERSE:
   For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be
   holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be
   adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his
   pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:4-5

THOUGHT:
   God wants us as his holy children.  That was his plan for us
even before the world began.  God paid the huge price of our
adoption into his family, the sacrifice of his Son Jesus.  God's
motive in doing this?  His desire and delight in loving us.

PRAYER:
   Loving Father and Holy God, my words cannot adequately express
my thanks for your love and grace.  I am honored to be one of your
adopted children and want to bring you joy in the way I live.
Forgive me for the times I have disappointed you or not lived up to
what you desire of me. I want my life to be a holy thanksgiving to
you for your grace.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/29/2001 7:52 am  
To:  ALL   (38 of 165)  
 
  207.38 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as
   wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are
   evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

THOUGHT:
   Even though we are God's holy children, we also need to be aware
of what time it is in our world.  The evil one still exercises his
control over the hearts of many people.  God wants us to "redeem
the time," making the most of every opportunity we have to touch
the lives of others with his grace and to resist the temptation and
overcome the opposition of the evil one.

PRAYER:
   Give me wisdom, O LORD, to discern the best way to use my time
and my influence.  Open my eyes to see the temptation the evil one
puts in my path.  Give me courage to boldly stand for you and
sensitivity to know the best way to bless others according to their
needs. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.





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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/29/2001 7:54 am  
To:  ALL   (39 of 165)  
 
  207.39 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
   Ephesians 6:10
   
THOUGHT:
   Some of our strength to fight evil comes from our experiences in
the past, from the encouragement of others, and from our knowledge
of the truth in the Scriptures.  Ultimately, however, our power
comes from God's mighty power. Paul uses his letter to the
Ephesians to remind Christians that this power is what raised Jesus
from the dead (1:19-20).  Through that power in us, God can do much
more than we can ask or imagine (3:20-21).  Most important of all,
as we put on our spiritual armor and dedicate ourselves to
spiritual discipline, God blesses us with his power and might. We
can be strong in God's mighty power.

PRAYER:
   O LORD God Almighty, my Abba Father and loving Shepherd,
strengthen me with your might and grace so that I can withstand the
attacks and temptations of the evil one.  In Jesus' name I ask it.
Amen.






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   From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/29/2001 7:56 am  
To:  ALL   (40 of 165)  
 
  207.40 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
   against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11

THOUGHT:
   So often we are focused only on the things we like, we are good
at doing, or we are interested in accomplishing.  God wants us to
use every piece of his spiritual armor.  He wants us to be
disciplined and grow in the areas of our spiritual weakness and the
areas we don't necessarily find exciting or interesting.  Our evil
opponent is crafty and will try to attack us in the areas of our
weakness and vulnerability.  So let's not just commit to be
diligent in the areas of our interest and strength, but especially
in those areas where we are not.

PRAYER:
   Father, strengthen me in the areas where I am most vulnerable to
sin or lethargy.  Open my eyes to help me see my areas of weakness.
 Rekindle my heart to passionately seek after your holiness.  In
Jesus' name I pray. Amen.





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From:  David (DavidABrown)    10/29/2001 7:58 am  
To:  ALL   (41 of 165)  
 
  207.41 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
   rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark
   world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
   realms. Ephesians 6:12

THOUGHT:
   The battle we face is not a physical one.  Instead, it is a
spiritual battle with powers that we do not easily see and which
are very powerful.  We shouldn't dismiss this as an imaginary
battle or as an irrelevant struggle.  Just as clearly as Satan was
crouching at Cain's door, desiring to have him, so he crouches at
our door (Gen. 4:7).  He will use his forces of evil to do all he
can to defeat, destroy, or corrupt us. We must take this war
seriously and recognize the spiritual power of our foe.

PRAYER:
   Father, forgive me for the times I have not taken the threat of
evil seriously.  Give me a holy revulsion for anything that is tied
to what is unholy and opposed to your work and will.  Let me not be
deceived by temptation and deliver me from the power of the evil
one in all of his forms.  In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.






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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/2/2001 7:28 am  
To:  ALL   (42 of 165)  
 
  207.42 in reply to 207.12  
 
VERSE:
   You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and
   surround me with songs of deliverance.  Psalm 32:7

THOUGHT:
   Out of the attacks of evil come the victories of God and the
victory chants of God's people.  Let's find our strength and
protection in our holy God!  Let's let God be our hiding place.

PRAYER:
   Father, thank you for the confidence I have in your power and
your might to deliver me from every attack of the evil one.  You
are worthyl of all glory, honor, power, and praise.  In the name of
your Son and my Lord, Jesus Christ, I thank you for deliverance and
praise you for you might. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/2/2001 7:29 am  
To:  ALL   (43 of 165)  
 
  207.43 in reply to 207.12  
 
VERSE:
   For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world
does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.
On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We
demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against
the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it
obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

THOUGHT:
   In our battle against evil, we use the spiritual weapons of God
that enable us to know the truth and the freedom that the truth
brings.  The devil's greatest tools are deception and death.  God's
grace allow us to see through the deception and demolish its
falsifying grip on the minds of men and women. God's power has
broken through the barrier of death and given us victory in Jesus
Christ.  Our task in this victory march?  To obey our Lord and help
others to do the same, finding his grace and power sufficient to
help us overcome all that we face that could defeat us.

PRAYER:
   Father, please use me to defeat the power of the devil and his
influence on the lives I love. In Jesus' name. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/2/2001 7:31 am  
To:  ALL   (44 of 165)  
 
  207.44 in reply to 207.12  
 
VERSE:
   Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may
   bring forth. Proverbs 27:1

THOUGHT:
   Humility about the future!  We don't control tomorrow.  At times
in our lives we took tomorrow for granted; not so anymore.
Tomorrow may not come. Tomorrow something horrible could happen.
Tomorrow everything we possess could be gone.  We do know one
thing, however, God holds tomorrow in his hands.  If our life is
hidden with Christ in God (cf. Col. 3:1-4), then our tomorrow is
secure.  It might not be what we expect.  It might not go as we
planned.  But, it will go as God determines, and that should be
enough for us!

PRAYER:
   Father, my tomorrows all rest in your hands.  I ask that I can
be useful to you today, courageous enough to not worry about
tomorrow, and loyal enough to not waver in my love for you and my
commitment to you.  In Jesus' name. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/2/2001 7:32 am  
To:  ALL   (45 of 165)  
 
  207.45 in reply to 207.12  
 
VERSE:
   I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my
   God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:2

THOUGHT:
   "In God we trust."  That's the phrase written on much of the
money in the United States.  It's a great reminder.  The financial
climate ebbs and flows, always vulnerable to instability in the
world. Only God is our refuge and fortress during the storms of
life.  He is eternal.  He desires to bless us. He has earned our
trust.

PRAYER:
   Heavenly Father, I am so thakful that I can trust my life with
you.  Mold me and use me in ways that are a blessing to others.
You are my source of security and strength.  Please continue to
make your presence known in my life.  In Jesus' name. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/5/2001 7:11 am  
To:  ALL   (46 of 165)  
 
  207.46 in reply to 207.17  
 
VERSE:
   For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by
the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness
of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in
sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law
might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful
nature but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4

THOUGHT:
   Jesus did what we could not do; he lived perfectly before God.
He showed that sin isn't a necessity in our lives and that it does
not have to hold us captive.  He poured out his Spirit on us so
that we could not only share in his forgiveness and cleansing
grace, but also so that we could have power to live in a way that
pleases God.  Jesus is our sin offering and our Savior.

PRAYER:
   Thank you Father for providing the sacrifice for my sin.  Thank
you, Lord Jesus, for being willing to pay the awful price to ransom
me from that sin.  Thank you, Holy Spirit, for living in me and
empowering me to live for God. Thank you, O God, for your
salvation!  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/5/2001 7:13 am  
To:  ALL   (47 of 165)  
 
  207.47 in reply to 207.17  
 
VERSE:
   We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that
   God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
   1st Thessalonians 4:14
      
THOUGHT:
   Jesus' resurrection was just the beginning! His resurrection
means that those of us who have faith in him, who trust in the
Father that raised him from the dead, can have confidence that
those who belong to him, whether they are living or dead when he
comes, will also share in his victory over death.

PRAYER:
   Loving Father in heaven, thank you for giving me the victory
over sin and death in Jesus.  I know that just as you raised him
from the dead, you will also raise me up at the great day of Jesus'
return.  Please use that resurrection power in me to help me live
more victoriously today.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/5/2001 7:14 am  
To:  ALL   (48 of 165)  
 
  207.48 in reply to 207.17  
 
VERSE:
   If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will
certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know
that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin
might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to
sin... Romans 6:5-6
      
THOUGHT:
   Paul reminds us that our baptism was more than just a dunking in
water. We shared in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.  What
he did to save us is now shared with us.  We die to sin and are
raised to be a new person, cleansed and made holy, empowered by the
Holy Spirit.  We have been set free from the power and the penalty
of sin.

PRAYER:
   Father, thank you for giving me new life in Jesus.  I am truly
thankful that my guilt was covered by your grace.  I ask for the
power to live my life of freedom from sin.  Forgive me for my
moments of mediocrity and flirtation with sin. Give me a strong
sense of revulsion toward anything that would pollute my soul or
distract my heart from your will.  In the name of Jesus I pray.
Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/13/2001 8:08 am  
To:  ALL   (49 of 165)  
 
  207.49 in reply to 207.20  
 
VERSE:
   So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be
   afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:6

THOUGHT:
   How can we be confident in what happens today?  What is our
assurance for tomorrow?  Where do we muster excitement about
eternity?  The Lord is our helper!  Fear will not be our master
because our future, our destiny, our eternity rest in the hands of
the eternal Lord.  The worst that man can do is to send me home to
my Lord.

PRAYER:
   Almighty God, my Father and my helper, I place my trust in you.
As the Alpha and Omega, I trust you for all of my tomorrows and
place my trust and dependence in you for today.  In Jesus' name I
praise you. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/13/2001 8:10 am  
To:  ALL   (50 of 165)  
 
  207.50 in reply to 207.20  
 
VERSE:
   Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,
   not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful
   giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

THOUGHT:
   God is working in us to conform our character and will to be
like his own.  God is a giver. God finds delight in generously
blessing us.  Now he asks us to do the same.  Giving is not some
arbitray task given us to support our churches and ministries; no,
giving is part of our character transformation to become more like
God.  It may be one of the truest ways we have placed our
allegiance, dependence, and priorities in the gracious work of God.

PRAYER:
   Father, forgive me for the times I have been miserly with the
abundance you have shared with me.  Make me a conduit of blessings.
 I know that all I have is yours.  Please help me use it as you
would. In Jesus' name. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/13/2001 9:05 am  
To:  ALL   (51 of 165)  
 
  207.51 in reply to 207.50  
 
VERSE:
   If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the
   Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8

THOUGHT:
   We are the Lord's.  He bought us out of bondage to sin and
death. We have voluntarily placed our lives in his hands.  No
matter what we do or where we go, his grace goes with us.  He has
promised to never leave us.  He has assured us that nothing can
separate us from his love.  So let's live with a sense of excited
anticipation, looking to see where the Lord will lead us.  Let us
face difficulty, and even death, with the assurance that we will
not face tough times alone.  Even in the shadow of death, we don't
have to fear what the evil can do.  We are the Lord's.

PRAYER:
   Father, thank you for sending your Son to redeem me.  Lord
Jesus, thank you for coming to earth, paying the price for my sin,
and sending the Holy Spirit to be your presence in me. Take my
life and use it to your glory. May my faith not fail in the face
of life's worst challenges.  I pray that whether I live or I die
that you be glorified in me.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/13/2001 9:07 am  
To:  ALL   (52 of 165)  
 
  207.52 in reply to 207.50  
 
VERSE:
   Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all
   your crops. Proverbs 3:9

THOUGHT:
   Honoring God comes first in everything.  We don't give him the
last, the least, or the leftovers.  He gave us his best, most
precious, and most perfect of gifts -- his Son Jesus.  Thanks be to
God for his indescribable gift!  How could we give him anything
less than our best, our first, and our most precious?

PRAYER:
   Gracious God and loving Father, thank you for every good and
perfect gift you have lavished upon me.  Please accept the offering
of my heart which I freely give to you.  Soften it and make is
gracious and generous like you.  I commit to give you and your work
in the world, my first and best.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/13/2001 9:09 am  
To:  ALL   (53 of 165)  
 
  207.53 in reply to 207.50  
 
VERSE:
   Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give
you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle
and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my
yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

THOUGHT:
   I guess we could call it the irony of discipleship. To follow
Christ means that we give up everything and follow him.  To follow
Christ means that we receive untold blessings in this life and
eternal life with God in the life to come.  So is it hard?  Yes,
sometimes it is.  But life is hard.  Is the burden light as Jesus
promised?  Yes, because we know our lives are not lived in vain,
that we are living life as God intended it, and when life is over,
it isn't really over!  We get to go home and be with our Lord!

PRAYER:
   Give me courage, O God, to face the challenges that I must
confront.  Give me charity to deal appropriately with those I meet.
 Give me thankfulness for all that you have done to bless me. Give
me clarity to see that living for Jesus is the best of all choices.
 In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/13/2001 9:10 am  
To:  ALL   (54 of 165)  
 
  207.54 in reply to 207.50  
 
VERSE:
   Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on
   disputable matters. Romans 14:1

THOUGHT:
   Our life in Christ is such a blessing!  We welcome new
Christians into our fellowship to share that blessing. We don't
bring them in to scrutinize their past failures or the current
struggles, but to bring them into the love of God's famiily.  God
has welcomed us graciously and compassionately.   Let's do the same
with new Christians.

PRAYER:
   Father, please make me more understanding and patient with my
brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who are new
Christians.  In Jesus' name I pray.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/13/2001 9:12 am  
To:  ALL   (55 of 165)  
 
  207.55 in reply to 207.50  
 
VERSE:
   May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other
   and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
   1st Thessalonians 3:12
      
THOUGHT:
   God is love.  God is also the source of love.  He pours love
into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).  So how do we
make our churches, our families, our small groups, and communities
more loving?  We pray for God to grow the love in those in groups,
let them know that we are praying that prayer for them, then
communicate and demonstrate our love to those very same groups.

PRAYER:
   Father, use me to help be an example of love to those around me.
 Please pour your love into my heart through your Spirit and then
channel that love out of my life to others.  Please help the loving
spirit in our our congregation grow more and more, not just to each
other, but also to those around us who are not part of your Kingdom
family.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/13/2001 9:13 am  
To:  ALL   (56 of 165)  
 
  207.56 in reply to 207.50  
 
VERSE:
   Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead,
   make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in
   your brother's way. Romans 14:13


THOUGHT:
   It is so easy to be judgmental of others.  We don't know their
struggles.  We don't know their situation.  Most of all, we don't
know their hearts.  When we are judgmental, we erect a barrier
between others and ourselves.  We often spread that judgmental
impression to others in gossip.  Our stubborness to only view them
with a judgemental spirit erects a barrier, a stumbling block, that
can cause them to become discouraged and stumble.

PRAYER:
   Father, please be with my attitude toward others.  Help me be
more patient with the failures of others, just as you are patient
with mine.  Forgive me for not being more of an encouragement to
those who are weak and struggling.  Forgive me for sometimes being
a hindrance to others. Please use me to be a blessing.  In Jesus'
name. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/19/2001 8:09 am  
To:  ALL   (57 of 165)  
 
  207.57 in reply to 207.25  
 
VERSE:
   Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master
   he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make
   him stand. Romans 14:4
   
THOUGHT:
   Paul is talking about passing judgment on folks in matters that
are central to our faith.  He reminds us whose job it is to judge
these sorts of matters.  He also reminds us that the person we are
judging actually belongs to the Lord and what right do we have to
pass judgment on that person.  So often we can fault with others,
pass judgment on them about some inconsequential matter, but then
never deal with the blatant sin in our own life.  Let's remember
that we will answer to God for what we do every bit as much as
someone we are wrongly passing judgment upon.

PRAYER:
   Father, forgive me. I confess that I have wrongly passed
judgment on others when I had no right or authority to do so.  I
know Jesus died to redeem them.  I know you love them and have a
plan for each of them. Please use me to be an encouragement, never
a stubling block, to them.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/19/2001 8:11 am  
To:  ALL   (58 of 165)  
 
  207.58 in reply to 207.25  
 
VERSE:
   "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in
the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" you and your household."
Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others
in his house.  At that hour of the night the jailer took them and
washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were
baptized. Acts 16:30-32

THOUGHT:
   Faith in Jesus is the absolutely crucial response to God's grace
and is such a life-transforming blessing.  For the jailer, faith
meant hearing the gospel of Jesus as Lord and responding by
believing that message, being baptized immediately, demonstrating a
life change, and sharing in fellowship with other believers (cf.
Acts 2:42-47).  Imagine going from being the jailer over men to
washing their wounds in your own home! Think about being
responsible for the painful incarceration of men, then have these
men baptize you and your family that same night!  Imagine locking
in chains men who would later sit at your table sharing a meal!
Isn't God incredible!  Isn't his grace indescribable!  No wonder we
rejoice when those who are lost truly believe! Life is forever
different.

PRAYER:
   Father, thank you for the surprises you have brought to me by
your grace.  Please bless me as I try to share your grace by
presenting the Gospel of Jesus this week to those I love.  In the
name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/19/2001 8:13 am  
To:  ALL   (59 of 165)  
 
  207.59 in reply to 207.25  
 
VERSE:
   Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all
   circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
   
THOUGHT:
   Want to know something you can do that will please God?  Rejoice
in his grace.  Pray for others.  Give thanks for your blessings.
It's simply something that he wants us to do.

PRAYER:
   Heavenly Father and Almighty God, I am thrilled at the very
thought of being your child.  Abba Father, please hear my prayer of
concern for several people who are on my heart today...  Loving
God, thank you so much for the blessings you pour into my life each
day.  In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.



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   From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/19/2001 8:15 am  
To:  ALL   (60 of 165)  
 
  207.60 in reply to 207.25  
 
VERSE:
   The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will
take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will
Rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

THOUGHT:
   God is with us!  That's the great message of the story of Jesus
(Matt. 1:23).  That's the message of hope Zephaniah gives the
defeated people of God.  God is among us.  He is mighty to save.
He loves us.  He delights in us.  He stills the storms of our
hearts with his loving touch.  He sings us lullabies of joy.  God
longs to be close to us and invites us to draw near.  What will
your response be?

PRAYER:
   Father, strengthen my resolve as I turn away from evil and seek
to draw near to you.  I don't want any imitation relationship with
you.  I don't want some artificial symbol of you.  I want to know
you.  I want to experience your presence and to be used as your
tool of grace in the lives of others.  I need your presence to
settle the disquietude of my soul.  Thank you for being near.  In
Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/19/2001 8:17 am  
To:  ALL   (61 of 165)  
 
  207.61 in reply to 207.25  
 
VERSE:
   But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
   Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
   2 Peter 3:18

THOUGHT:
   Where do you need to grow in your walk with the Lord?  How about
keeping the tandem targets of grace and knowledge together as your
goal.  So often we pursue one or the other.  But something seems to
come unhinged in our soul when either of those becomes more
important than the other.  Let's keep grace and knowledge together
because we see them together in our Savior.

PRAYER:
   Holy God, I want to grow to be more like Jesus.  I know I cannot
do that without your Spirit's power and my hearts desire.  In
addition, dear Father, I want to grow in being a gracious person.
I want to know and experience Jesus' presence in my life.  Please
bless me in this holy quest.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/19/2001 8:19 am  
To:  ALL   (62 of 165)  
 
  207.62 in reply to 207.25  
 
VERSE:
   Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and
   to mutual edification. Romans 14:19

THOUGHT:
   "Make every effort!"   That's quite a challenge.  But notice
where that exertion is to be focused:  peace and mutual
edification.  Both sides of this exhortation are two way
responsibilities.  I must pursue and share peace if I am going to
have it myself.  I must edify, and be open to being edified, if
mutual edification is going to happen. In other words, we live
with other people in God's family.  He wants us to be responsible
for making relationships work in our spiritual family. He reminds
us it will require strenous effort.  But, isn't  it true in every
family relationship?  Love means sacrifice, effort, and concern for
others.  When we share our love willingly, however, we're much more
likely to see it coming back to us!

PRAYER:
   Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for my impatience and
selfishness.  Defeat the bad attitude of competitiveness that I
often display in arguments and disagreements with others in your
family.  Energize me by your Spirit to see areas where I can be a
blessing and an encouragement to others.  In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/19/2001 8:51 am  
To:  ALL   (63 of 165)  
 
  207.63 in reply to 207.32  
 
VERSE:
   Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master
he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make
him stand. Romans 14:4

THOUGHT:
   Paul is talking about passing judgment on folks in matters that
are central to our faith.  He reminds us whose job it is to judge
these sorts of matters.  He also reminds us that the person we are
judging actually belongs to the Lord and what right do we have to
pass judgment on that person.  So often we can fault with others,
pass judgment on them about some inconsequential matter, but then
never deal with the blatant sin in our own life.  Let's remember
that we will answer to God for what we do every bit as much as
someone we are wrongly passing judgment upon.

PRAYER:
   Father, forgive me. I confess that I have wrongly passed
judgment on others when I had no right or authority to do so.  I
know Jesus died to redeem them.  I know you love them and have a
plan for each of them. Please use me to be an encouragement, never
a stubling block, to them.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/21/2001 7:37 am  
To:  ALL   (64 of 165)  
 
  207.64 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy
   to my soul. Psalm 94:19

THOUGHT:
   God is our comforter, sustainer, and Lord.  Only his gracious
presence and tender blessings can bring consolation and comfort to
our restless and discouraged souls.  So let's turn to him, honestly
confessing both our sins and our sorrows.  Let's ask him to take
our anxiety away and restore to us the passion, the joy, and the
confidence of our salvation.

PRAYER:
   Almighty Shepherd, in the noise and confusion of many thoughts
burdened by many concerns, minister to me through your Holy Spirit.
 I need your comfort and peace.  I ask for your presence and your
grace. In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/21/2001 7:38 am  
To:  ALL   (65 of 165)  
 
  207.65 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask
or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to
him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all
generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

THOUGHT:
   What grand "Kingdom dreams" do you have for God's glory?  What
incredible ideas can you imagine requesting that God would bring to
fruition?  What are you expectations of heaven with God?  Now that
you have stretched mind, challenged your imagination, and loaded up
your expectations, are you ready for some down to earth truth
straight from the Marvel of heaven?  God is able to do far more
than any of that.  His power is at work in us to do his glorious
will and accomplish his eternal purposes.  So let's not set our
sights too low and expect too little.  Live for his glory and
expect to see it at work in your life.

PRAYER:
   O LORD, God of heavens and earth, my Abba Father and loving
Shepherd, please stir my thoughts by your Spirit to dream bigger
dreams and have higher hopes than my earthbound and selfish brain
can imagine.  Give me a sense of wonder and expectation as I live
for your glory.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/27/2001 7:04 am  
To:  ALL   (66 of 165)  
 
  207.66 in reply to 207.32  
 
VERSE:
   Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify
   ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit,
   perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

THOUGHT:
   God has blessed us with so many wonderful promises. He has
secured them through the sending of his Son "to conquer death and
bring life and immortality to life."  He will "transform our lowly
bodies to be like his glorious body."  He will take us home to be
with him eternally, but until that day, he will live inside us and
reveal himself to us.  He will make us more than conquerors and
will not allow anything to separate us from his love.  So what
should our response be?  Yes, sure we should offer him praise.
But, we must not limit our praise to words.  God wants our lives to
pure, staying away from what is evil, vile, putrid, and corrupt.
He wants us to do this, not so we can claim some moral superiority,
but so that we can show him our adoration and reverence.  In our
desire to offer God praise, let's not forget that one of the
greatest ways to praise him is to seek him in purity and holiness!

PRAYER:
   Forgive me, Heavenly Father, for my sins.  Purify my heart and
cast out any foothold the devil may have in me because of my sin.
Empower me to holiness and accept my life as an offering of praise
and thanks to you.  In the name of Jesus, I offer you my heart, my
life, and my all. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/27/2001 7:06 am  
To:  ALL   (67 of 165)  
 
  207.67 in reply to 207.32  
 
VERSE:
   Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful,
   but the proud he pays back in full.  Be strong and take heart, all
   you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:23-24

THOUGHT:
   Love the LORD!  Be strong because of your hope in the LORD. In
other words, recognize where your strength is. Acknowledge your
source of grace.  Give praise to God for his abundant mercy and
power lavished on us through his Holy Spirit.  The LORD God does
preserve his people.  He does honor faithfulness even if it is
mocked in this world.  The LORD will bless his people and deal
justly with those who mock and abuse them.

PRAYER:
   Give me strength, O LORD, for I find myself in trying times with
enemies at my door and opponents on every side.  Please give me
wisdom to see your grace that leads me.  Please give me courage to
stand up for what is right, pure, and holy.  Please give me vision
to see the things you want to use me to do for your glory.  Please
keep my hope passionately alive as I wait for your work in me to be
accomplished.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/27/2001 7:08 am  
To:  ALL   (68 of 165)  
 
  207.68 in reply to 207.32  
 
VERSE:
   If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;
   though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with
   his hand. Psalm 37:23-24

THOUGHT:
   I don't know about you, but I've stumbled my way through much of
life.  I've tripped at some of the most embarrassing moments.  I've
stumbled over my own feet, shoelaces, curbs, and just pure air.
However, I am confident that in my spiritual life, even though I
have stumbled from time to time, God has not let me completely
fall.  When I think I'm going to plunge into the depths of the
abyss, the Father's love, care, concern, Scriptures, servants, and
helpers have kept me from destruction. God's hand does uphold me.
He is there in times of trial. He has been mighty to save.  I do
believe that he delights in my journey.  How about you?

PRAYER:
   O Father, thank you for your steadying influence in my life.
Thank you for lifting me when I have been down, protecting me when
I have been vulnerable, and comforting me when I have been broken.
I praise you for your grace, your glory, and your nearness.
Through Jesus, I offer you my praise and eternal appreciation.
Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/27/2001 7:09 am  
To:  ALL   (69 of 165)  
 
  207.69 in reply to 207.32  
 
VERSE:
   The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The
   LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?
   Psalm 27:1
   
THOUGHT:
   I love the coast of Maine.  The craggy shorelines, the crashing
surf, and the lighthouses perched at strategic and well-fortified
points along the coastline.  I cannot help but think of our
heavenly Father when I watch the gloom gather as an impending storm
noisily makes its way on shore.  There in the storm -- with
lightning ripping through the sky, winds howling,  and the surf
crashing -- stands the light that guides the way, strong against
the elements and a beacon of direction and hope.  Yes, the LORD,
Yahweh the God of Israel, the Almighty Creator of all things, is my
light and my salvation.  My life, the eternal part of me, is
entrusted with him.  I choose not to fear.  I place my trust in
him.

PRAYER:
   Father in heaven, I praise you for your faithfulness through the
ages.  I thank you for your steadfast love that has blessed each
generation, giving hope in times of darkness, salvation in times of
wantonness, and strength in times of weakness. Now I ask that you
be with several people I love, who need your palpable presence as
they fight their battles.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/27/2001 7:11 am  
To:  ALL   (70 of 165)  
 
  207.70 in reply to 207.32  
 
VERSE:
   "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute
every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the
servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,
declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17

THOUGHT:
   Because of the LORD God's grace and power, we will be victors.
This is the final message of Revelation.  It is the song that is
sung throughout the Scriptures.  This is the assurance that we have
from God himself.  Our lives will not be lived in vain.  Those who
berate, belittle, and batter God's people will be exposed and his
beloved children, his saints of light, will receive vindication and
salvation from the Father they love.

PRAYER:
   Dear God, I pray especially today for your servants who are
sharing the Gospel in difficult places.  Some of these precious
ones are imprisoned.  Some are facing torture. Others are facing
ostracism.  Some face firing in their workplace.  Please give them
strength today.  Please deliver them from the evil one's vile
intent.  Protect them by your mighty hand and deliver them, like
Daniel, from the lion's mouth to your glory.  In Jesus' name I
pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    11/27/2001 7:12 am  
To:  ALL   (71 of 165)  
 
  207.71 in reply to 207.32  
 
VERSE:
   Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the
gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear
about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one
spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without
being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign
to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be
saved--and that by God. Philippians 1:27-28

THOUGHT:
   Let's live as if we've been redeemed!  Let's show our love and
character in our daily lives.  Let's especially work together, with
one voice and spirit, making a vigorous effort to share the Gospel
with those who have never heard of the grace of God in the ministry
of Jesus.  In the face of opposition, let's not be deterred or
divided.  Instead, let's work hand-in-hand for the cause of the
Gospel.

PRAYER:
   O LORD, give us greater unity of purpose and greater courage in
the face of opposition so that we can show the world that we are
your children and Jesus' disciples.  In the name of our Lord and
Christ we pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/7/2001 7:05 am  
To:  ALL   (72 of 165)  
 
  207.72 in reply to 207.42  
 
VERSE:
   Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and
   he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them
   all." Proverbs 31:28-29
     
THOUGHT:
   When's the last time you praised a godly woman for her life of
faith and grace?  Why not take time to write a note or two of
appreciation and thanks to several of these women today.  Where
would we be today without the faithfulness of godly women?  I can't
imagine, and don't want to!  Let's tell them today how precious
they are to us and our faith.

PRAYER:
   Father, I thank you for the following godly women who have
shaped my life and helped me have faith...  God, I thank you for
the great women of faith in Scripture who did so much for your
people.  Help us, your Church, your children of faith, to find
every way possible to show these great ladies how much they mean to
us.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/7/2001 7:06 am  
To:  ALL   (73 of 165)  
 
  207.73 in reply to 207.43  
 
VERSE:
   For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to
   believe on him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

THOUGHT:
   Suffer!  How is suffering a privilege?  It's not unless it is
for Jesus.  Remember how the early apostles were joyful because
they were counted worthy to suffer for the name? (cf. Acts 5:41)
You see, he suffered for us so we could be saved.  When we face
suffering for the cause of Christ and his Kingdom, we help inspire
others to live faithfully in adversity and show to all the
genuineness of our faith.  So few have anything worthy of their
living, dying, or suffering.  We have reason for all three:  our
lives will be caught up in Jesus' victory!  (cf. Rom. 8:32-39; 1
Cor. 15)

PRAYER:
   Make me courageous, O God!  Help me to be faithful in times of
trouble and strong in times of persecution, hardship, and
suffering.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/7/2001 7:08 am  
To:  ALL   (74 of 165)  
 
  207.74 in reply to 207.43  
 
VERSE:
   Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who
   fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

THOUGHT:
   Want to find a really good woman?  Look for one that honors and
reveres the LORD with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Appearance, physical strength, and even personality can change and
degrade.  A woman whose heart is anchored and enlivened by the
presence of God in her life will be a life-long blessing and a
woman worthy of our praise, and the praise of her God.

PRAYER:
   Father, once again, I want to thank you this week for the
important women in my life who helped shape my faith and who helped
me find my way to you. Please help me to value godly women in ways
that bless them, honor you, and build up your Church.  In Jesus'
name. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/7/2001 7:09 am  
To:  ALL   (75 of 165)  
 
  207.75 in reply to 207.43  
 
VERSE:
   But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared
to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid
to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is
from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:20

THOUGHT:
   Reassurance beyond understanding!  That's the beginning of the
Christ story for Joseph.  What he cannot understand and what he had
no part in creating, will now be the groundbreaking journey of his
own faithful and generous heart.  He will be the human daddy to the
Savior of the world.  He will live the rest of his life knowing
that a miracle happened with Mary without his input or involvement.
 His faith, and God's use of him in this story, should awaken each
of us to the incredible possibilities that God may have in store
for us.  Why not use this December to re-awaken your heart to the
Holy One, born Jesus of Nazareth.

PRAYER:
   Father, I have long admired Joseph for his trust in you -- a
trust that helped him deal with what he could not understand.  Now
I come, with wild-eyed Joseph excitement and bewilderment to be
reminded again of the miracle of your Son and my Savior.  Please
make him real to me as I seek to know him better.  In Jesus' name.
Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/7/2001 7:10 am  
To:  ALL   (76 of 165)  
 
  207.76 in reply to 207.43  
 
VERSE:
   She [Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the
   name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
    Matthew 1:21
   
THOUGHT:
   Jesus.  Yeshua.  Joshua of the spiritual world.  Mary's boy,
God's Son, comes to help us tear down the strongholds Satan has
built in our lives.  He comes to bring peace to our troubled
spirits and joy to our nights of despair.  He comes to not only
minister to us and bless us, he comes to do what no one else could
do:  he comes to deliver us from our sins, those spiritual
blemishes, rebellions, mistakes, transgressions, and sins.  Praise
God!  A deliver who actually conquered what we could not to make us
what we are not -- pure, perfect, and holy children of God, like
him.  (cf. Col. 1:21-23)

PRAYER:
   Thank you, Father, for your forgiveness, cleansing, and
transformation given to me by Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  In
Christ's name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/7/2001 7:13 am  
To:  ALL   (77 of 165)  
 
  207.77 in reply to 207.43  
 
VERSE:
   I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God
   for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then
   for the Gentile. Romans 1:16

THOUGHT:
   Are you ashamed?  Culture tries to make us ashamed about our
faith, portraying people of faith as stupid, insensitive,
judgmental, and hypocritical.  Are you ashamed?  Are you willing to
share your faith humbly and gently with those who do not know Jesus
as their Lord?  Are you ashamed?  Your hero left heaven to come to
earth and risk everything so that you could come home to heaven
with him.  This Gospel is powerful.  This Gospel is
transformational.  This Gospel, and the salvation it brings, are
for all people.  So let's not be ashamed; let's be joyous and
generous with this incredible gift that we have received.

PRAYER:
   Father in heaven, please give me wisdom, sensitivity, and
courage to share your wonderful story of grace with those around me
who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  In Jesus' name.
Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/7/2001 7:15 am  
To:  ALL   (78 of 165)  
 
  207.78 in reply to 207.43  
 
VERSE:
   Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:  Who,
   being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God
   something to be grasped. Philippians 2:5-6

THOUGHT:
   Jesus did not hang on to his heavenly glory, but surrendered it
to save us.  Now he asks us to follow his example and share his
heart. He wants us to treat each other as he has treated us,
thinking of their needs and God's will before our own. Now that's
one revolution I hope I get to see fully happen!

PRAYER:
   O Father God, please transform my heart and mind by the power of
your Holy Spirit.  I want my thoughts to be your thoughts.  I want
my hearts desire to reflect the passions of your Son.  I want my
will to be guided by your Spirit.  Please forgive my tendency to
ruthlessly hang on to my own importance, my own will, and my own
self-justification, even when I know it is not right or best.  Make
my mind more like the mind of your Son.  In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/7/2001 7:16 am  
To:  ALL   (79 of 165)  
 
  207.79 in reply to 207.43  
 
VERSE:
   ...but [Jesus] made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a
servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in
appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to
death  even death on a cross! Philippians 2:7-8


THOUGHT:
   Christianity is not for wimps or the faint of heart.  Our
example is described by words like... "made himself of no
reputation" ..."servant" ..."humbled himself" ..."became obedient"
..."death on a cross!" That's tough stuff.  And that is our
example.  The story of the Jesus may begin with a sweet child, but
it also begins with him being placed where animals ate their food.
While it may be powerful and precious, it is not saccharine and
fake sentiment.  It is about the price paid to redeem and the
people who are different because they know their Redeemer.

PRAYER:
   Almighty God, loving Father, thank you for placing the Gospel
story in the real world where I live.  Jesus, thank you for being a
Savior who has come into my world and faced its toughest edges.
Help me as I learn to be sacrificial, obedient, and humble so that
I can be used to help others find your grace.  In the name of
Jesus, the Lord. Amen.



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   From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/7/2001 7:17 am  
To:  ALL   (80 of 165)  
 
  207.80 in reply to 207.43  
 
VERSE:
   Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the
   name that is above every name Philippians 2:9

THOUGHT:
   For Jesus, Graciousness + Guts + Giving + Grit = Glory.   Just
one of those equations in salvation math that doesn't make much
human sense, but from the perspective of faith, it is powerful
wisdom.  Jesus came to our world because of the graciousness of
God.  Jesus had the "guts" to leave behind heaven and face the
hardships of humanity, and give of himself to serve others.  Jesus
had the grit to endure the horrors and humiliation of the cross.
So God has shared with Jesus his glory and placed him above all
others.  The apostle Paul wants to remind us that God doesn't
forget our sacrifices, our obedience, and our hardships.  He does
honor them with his pleasure and his glory because Jesus' sacrifice
has made us holy!

PRAYER:
   Holy Father and Lord God, I believe that Jesus Christ is your
Son and my Savior and Lord.  I surrender my heart to have no rival
interest to the lordship of your Son.  Thank you for your wonderful
gift of love in him.  In Jesus' name. Amen.




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From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/23/2001 7:58 pm  
To:  ALL   (81 of 165)  
 
  207.81 in reply to 207.49  
 
VERSE:
   ...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven
and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:10-11

THOUGHT:
   I love the fact that I do each day what everyone will one day
do:  bow before the majesty and proclaim the Lordship of Jesus
Christ to honor the Father's glory.  How wonderful it is to be able
to make that proclamation because of grace rather than in fear at
the end of a life that has been spent in what is rebellion, denial,
and waste.

PRAYER:
   Father, I do praise you for the truth about Jesus that will one
day be realized fully by everyone who has ever lived.  May my life
display that truth in the way I treat people today.  May my lips
suitably proclaim that truth so others can know Jesus as Lord
today. In Jesus' name. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/23/2001 8:00 pm  
To:  ALL   (82 of 165)  
 
  207.82 in reply to 207.49  
 
VERSE:
   From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your
   people. Psalm 3:8

THOUGHT:
   Deliverance does come from the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob, our Father. So we ask him to bless us with his richest
and greatest blessings.  But, he has already given his people the
very greatest blessing, the gift of his Son.  Now if we will only
acknowlege and appreciate that blessing.

PRAYER:
   Thank you, O God, for the salvation you have given me in Jesus.
Use me to spread this blessing to others so that the people I know
and love will come to know your Son as their Savior and Lord.  In
Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/23/2001 8:01 pm  
To:  ALL   (83 of 165)  
 
  207.83 in reply to 207.49  
 
VERSE:
   For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal
life. John 3:16
     
THOUGHT:
   What else is there to say, other than "Praise God!" and "Thank
you Jesus!"

PRAYER:
   Thank you for loving me with an everlasting love, dear Father.
I love you, too, and look forward to sharing the biggest part of my
life with you in your presence.  In Jesus' name. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/23/2001 8:02 pm  
To:  ALL   (84 of 165)  
 
  207.84 in reply to 207.49  
 
VERSE:
   For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the
   world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17

THOUGHT:
   God is not the big Scrouge in the sky, criticially looking down
on his flawed children waiting to condemn those who mess up.
Instead, he saw how broken, flawed, and messed up we were and
entered our world to save it... to save us.  God's purpose in
sending Jesus is our life and our salvation.

PRAYER:
   Heavenly Father, deliver me from the sin that entangles my
actions and pollutes my heart. Create in me a clean heart and
renew a right spirit in me through your Holy Spirit.  Thank you for
your forgiveness and grace.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/23/2001 8:03 pm  
To:  ALL   (85 of 165)  
 
  207.85 in reply to 207.49  
 
VERSE:
   ...but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.
Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water
welling up to eternal life. John 4:14

THOUGHT:
   Water!  That precious gift for the tired and thirsty.  Water!
That essential refreshement we all need.  Jesus, however, offers
water we don't have to carry or purify.  No, this is water that
wells up within us.  This is the water that the Holy Spirit brings
us.  This is the water that gives us eternal life that starts now
and lasts forever!

PRAYER:
   Father, I know Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in me when I
became a Christian.  I ask that my stubborn will and that my sinful
desires can be overcome with the Spirit's power, and that my life
will display the joy and confidence that your refreshing presence
brings.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/23/2001 8:06 pm  
To:  ALL   (86 of 165)  
 
  207.86 in reply to 207.49  
 
VERSE:
   One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man
considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in
his own mind. Romans 14:5

THOUGHT:
   So often we let personal preference, peer pressure, and concerns
about the celebration of certain days, especially holidays, have a
divisive effect on our Christian relationships.  Bottom line, we're
not to try to press our opinion or position on anyone else.  We're
not to judge another because he doesn't celebrate a special day to
the Lord and we're not to judge another because she does celebrate
special days.  This is a matter of personal conviction that
revolves around our desire to please the Lord and to honor him in
ways we feel are appropriate. Let's not be so insecure that we
have to do what everyone else does or force anyone else to do as we
prefer.  Instead, let's remember the right angle to take with all
things:  honor God with everything we are and to consider the needs
of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

PRAYER:
   O Father, please forgive us for fracturing the fellowship of
your people based on human observances and our preference about
those observances.  As for me, Father, please give me courage to
honor Christ according to my convictions, but also please give me
the wisdom to do so in ways that bless your people and that do not
cause division.  I know I will never fully succeed at this goal,
but I do believe with your help, I will find ways to bring you the
glory due you and to also maintain my fellowship with your
children.  Purify my heart in this matter and guide me in the way I
need to go.  In Jesus' name. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:01 pm  
To:  ALL   (87 of 165)  
 
  207.87 in reply to 207.66  
 
VERSE:
   The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have
   seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the
   Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
   
THOUGHT:
   Jesus is God's message.  It wasn't a message contained in a book
or given in a vision, or revealed on a mountain to only a watchful
few.  No, God's message was human flesh, bone, and blood.  God's
message came and lived among us.  He faced our hardship, got our
dirt between his toes, felt our disappointments, struggled with our
temptations, suffered our treachery, and bled our blood.  Yet
living in our world, God's message brought us more than truth; he
delivered us from death by God's grace.

PRAYER:
   Almighty God, thank you for speaking in the past through your
prophets.  Thank you for inspiring godly men to give us your
Scripture.  Thank you for making the proclamation of your Word
powerful today through the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. May
I hear you truth in each of these areas.  Most of all, Father, I
praise you for speaking your clearest, more profound, and most
accessible message in Jesus.  Because of Jesus, I know you love me,
I know you have cleansed me, and I know I will share heaven with
you.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart and may my gratitude be
seen in the quality and character displayed in my life.  In the
name of Jesus. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:02 pm  
To:  ALL   (88 of 165)  
 
  207.88 in reply to 207.66  
 
VERSE:
   So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us
   be alert and self-controlled. 1 Thessalonians 5:6

THOUGHT:
   So many sleep walk through life.  They never are awake enough to
really live.  But we are not going to do that with our lives!  We
are alive because we know Jesus has come and not only brought us
life, but he has also showed us how to live.  So we are going to be
alert. we are going to be self-controlled.  We're going to be
fully alive, because we know Jesus' return is imminent and our day
of salvation and deliverance is near.

PRAYER:
   Forgive me, Heavenly Father, for the times that I have lost my
sense of urgency to live for Jesus.  Use the Holy Spirit within me
to arouse my passions to serve him with my eyes wide open and heart
set on great and heavenly things.  I know you can, and will, do
more than I can ask or imagine, but please, awaken me to dream
great dreams and imagine great things for your glory.  In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:03 pm  
To:  ALL   (89 of 165)  
 
  207.89 in reply to 207.66  
 
VERSE:
   For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an
eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not
on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is
temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17

THOUGHT:
   Life can be very tough.  Eventually, our body is going to die.
In the process of living, we're going to face some very difficult
circumstances and going to experience some awful pain. But, as bad
as life's hard realities can be, we are headed for an eternal glory
beyond our imagining.  Life's difficulties simply can't compare to
this glory that awaits us.  Our pain is temporary.  The things that
cause our pain are temporary.  The treatments, the prescriptions,
the therapies, the surgeries, the setbacks are all temporary.  All
these things that we have seen and experienced are passing.  But
our eternal glory, our indescribable bliss, that wonderful future
that we cannot yet see, is eternal... forever... incorruptible...
and reserved for us, God's precious children!

PRAYER:
   Dear God, my Abba Father, please be with me during the painful
and difficult passages of my life.  Help me keep my heart fixed on
what is unseen.  In addition, dear Father, I want to pray that you
please be present in the lives of the following people I love...
Please grant them healing.  If not healing, dear Father, please
pour your love into their hearts through the Holy Spirit and give
them rugged perseverance and indestructible hope.  Help them see
your glory.  In Jesus' name. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:04 pm  
To:  ALL   (90 of 165)  
 
  207.90 in reply to 207.66  
 
VERSE:
   Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and
   needy. Proverbs 31:9

THOUGHT:
   "No room in the inn!"  "Placed him in a manger!"  So often we
play favorites with the rich, beautiful, powerful, and prestigous.
Isn't it interesting that God revealed himself as the defender of
the widow, the orphan, and the alien and then entered the world as
the child of a Jewish carpenter and a young virgin from a small
town.  God wants us to notice those in need around us. He wants it
to be more than an annual good gesture at Christmas.  He wants us
to be advocates for the folks like Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.  We're
not just told to be fair; we're told to defend and to plead the
rights of those in need.  When we do, we do it for him (see Matthew
23).

PRAYER:
   Make me more aware, Holy Father, of those around me who need
your love and grace.  Make me your instrument to defend them and to
serve them.  Open my eyes to see Jesus in the faces of those in
need.  In the name of my Savior, Jesus, Savior of all peoples, I
pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:06 pm  
To:  ALL   (91 of 165)  
 
  207.91 in reply to 207.67  
 
VERSE:
   Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us,
   that we may be saved. Psalm 80:19

THOUGHT:
   In the days of Jesus' birth, there was a group of devout and
lowly people who still looked for God's redemption.  They knew that
salvation could not, and would not, come without great cost -- not
just to themselves, but also to God.  Isaiah had hinted about this
in his Servant Songs (see Isaiah 53).  They had experienced in
their own history.  So with honest hearts, they confessed that they
didn't have the power to bring salvation and deliverance.  This
power had to come from God and had to be released to people who
were seeking God's transformation in their lives.  They needed to
ask God for it!  They needed to seek his face, his presence, in
their daily lives.  So must we!

PRAYER:
   O LORD, God of heaven and earth, Ruler of all creation, I praise
you.  I praise you for your power and glory.  I praise you for your
wisdom and creativity. I praise you for your mercy and
righteousness. I praise you, because you alone are worthy of my
praise.  O LORD, you alone can bring me full salvation.  Please,
shine your face upon me.  Please, make your presence known in my
life.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:08 pm  
To:  ALL   (92 of 165)  
 
  207.92 in reply to 207.67  
 
VERSE:
   Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus
the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone
who believes is justified from everything you could not be
justified from by the law of Moses. Acts 13:38-39

THOUGHT:
   Law couldn't do it. Sacrifices couldn't do it.  Piety couldn't
do it. Religious practices couldn't do it.  Only Jesus can bring
full forgiveness of sins.  Only Jesus can make us fully righteous
and holy.  Forgiveness and righteousness come through him.

PRAYER:
   Holy and Righteous Father, God Almighty, I confess that your Son
is my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.  I thank you Jesus for being
my Lord and paying the price for my sins.  I ask, blessed Holy
Spirit, that you help me fashion more of Jesus' character and
compassion in my life. In Jesus' name ask for this blessing.
Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:26 pm  
To:  ALL   (93 of 165)  
 
  207.93 in reply to 207.67  
 
VERSE:
   And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
...  With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with
them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."  Those who
accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were
added to their number that day. Acts 2:21, 40-41

THOUGHT:
   Call on the name of the Lord!  Proclaim him as your risen Lord!
Share with him in baptism as the first Christians did. Have God
add you to his holy people.  Know that Jesus will save you from the
corruption that plagues our world and so many of our lives.  You
see, God sent Jesus to save, redeem, restore, and bless.  Share in
the joy of that salvation.  Don't wait!  Today is the day of
salvation!  Share in it.  Rejoice in it.  Pass it on to others.
Christ our King has come to bring his salvation to all!

PRAYER:
   Father, thank you for sending Jesus the first time to die for my
sins!  Thank you for sending Jesus into my heart to comfort and to
strengthen me and to work on my life!  Thank you most of all for my
salvation.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:27 pm  
To:  David (DavidABrown)    (94 of 165)  
 
  207.94 in reply to 207.67  
 
VERSE:
   So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to
Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the
house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who
was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:4-5

THOUGHT:
   For the next few days, let's journey with Joseph and Mary as
they experience the incredible grace of God.  These verses give us
the basics:  they took a trip south from their home, they went to
Bethlehem which was King David's city, they were  "betrothed" or
pledged in marriage but not yet fully married, Mary was pregnant,
and they were going there to register with the Roman government.
Intrigue and skandal ripple between the lines of this
straightforward acount.  Promise and fulfillment are strongly
suggested with the connection. Faithfulness through the midst of
storm is demonstrated. A real historical context for everyday
people is made with the presence of a Roman census.  Skandal,
promise, faithfulness, and history collide.  Jesus enters our world
very much in a place where we find ourselves -- a place of hope and
dreams marred by skandal and disappointment.  He will be a people's
Messiah.  We know it before he is even born.  It makes us love him
and appreciate him more.  God has chosen to enter our world as one
of us, not as some pristine and untouched alien from beyond.  This
is a Messiah we can reach and follow.  This Jesus is one of us.

PRAYER:
   Holy and loving God, thank you for the gift of Jesus.  Thank you
that he entered our messy world with all its contradictions,
ironies, and conflicts.  Thank you for not being aloof or immune to
our struggles. Thank you for Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:29 pm  
To:  ALL   (95 of 165)  
 
  207.95 in reply to 207.67  
 
VERSE:
   While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in
cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for
them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7

THOUGHT:
   Jesus entered our world in the most normal of ways for a child:
the time came, his mother gave birth, he was wrapped in soft cloth,
and placed in a crib.  Only this was the Son of God who was born.
His crib was a corncrib where animals ate, not a babys crib.  His
room was a stable because there was no room for him.  It wasnt
just normal; it was common, even below average conditions for his
birth. Can you imagine? The Holy God who created everything enters
our world as a baby to share our way of life as one of us.  Why?
He loves us and wants us to come home to him.  Incredible!
Incredible story.  Incredible love.  Incredible God!

PRAYER:
   O LORD God Almighty, how can I ever show you how much the gift
of your Son means to me?  I am struck with wonder and joy that you
should love me in this incredible way. Please accept my praise and
adoration for both you and your Son.  Praise to you, loving Father,
for your indescribable gift!  In Jesus' name. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:31 pm  
To:  ALL   (96 of 165)  
 
  207.96 in reply to 207.67  
 
VERSE:
   But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good
   news of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2:10

THOUGHT:
   Don't be afraid!  What can cast away all fear in the presence of
God's glorious messengers?  The joy of knowing that God has come to
earth to bring an end to sin and Satan's curse and to bring
salvation to all people!  Fear must not master our hearts when we
know that God has broken through every barrier to reach us with his
overwhelming grace.

PRAYER:
   I praise you, Almighty God, for the gift of joy that chases away
all fear.  Fill my heart with that joy and fill my mind with wonder
as I try to comprehend your love for me.  Stir me to greater
concern for those who have not heard, or who have not yet accepted,
your offer of grace in your Son Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:32 pm  
To:  ALL   (97 of 165)  
 
  207.97 in reply to 207.67  
 
VERSE:
   "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is
   Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

THOUGHT:
   Look at all this verse tells us.  Jesus is a descendant of
David, the eternal king of promise.  He is Savior of all peoples.
He is Christ, the Messiah, the promised hope of Israel.  He is
Lord, ruler of all creation and master of our lives.  The real
question is whether we have decided that Jesus means all those
things to us today.  If he is not your Savior today, why not let
him be?  And if he is, then with whom do you need to share his
grace?

PRAYER:
   Father, I praise you for sending Jesus to me as my Lord and
Savior.  Help me as I seek to share your grace and his story with
those I love.  Please bless the following people with whom I want
to share the story of Jesus... In the precious name of the Savior,
I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:33 pm  
To:  ALL   (98 of 165)  
 
  207.98 in reply to 207.67  
 
VERSE:
   "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom
    His favor rests." Luke 2:14

THOUGHT:
   There is only one proper response for God's gift of Jesus -- our
praise and adoration.  God's love, grace, favor, blessing,
forgiveness, mercy, and salvation come to us through the incredible
gift of Jesus. How can we not praise him?  How can our hearts
remain still and voices remain silent before such an incredible
God?  They can't, or won't, at least right now!  Let's see their
refusal as our reminder that we need to reach as many as possible
before every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus is
Lord to the glory of the Father!

PRAYER:
   Father, you are glorious.  Your grace is marvelous. Your gift
of Jesus is magnificent.  All praise to you for sharing your glory
and grace with us by sending Jesus, in whose name I offer you my
praise. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:35 pm  
To:  ALL   (99 of 165)  
 
  207.99 in reply to 207.67  
 
VERSE:
   The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the
things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been
told. Luke 2:20
     
THOUGHT:
   Can you imagine the shepherds returning to their flocks after
the night they had?  They had seen God's glory.  They had
experienced the presence of angels.  They had seen the newborn
King, the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world.  Even more
amazing, it was just as they had been told.  As amazing as the
angel's words of announcement had been, they were gloriously
fulfilled.  In addition to all that Jesus was at the moment of his
birth, he is also the absolute answer to God's greatest promises
and the greatest assurance that God keeps his word.  Incredibly,
God had chosen shepherds, unnamed to us and unimportant to their
peers, to be the witnesses and participants in God's glorious story
of salvation.  It is our Father's way of reminding us that no
matter who we are, Jesus came for us because we are important to
him!

PRAYER:
   Lord God Almighty, I can only imagine what it was like for those
shepherds who experienced your glory.  However, dear Father, I do
know how much Jesus means to me.  I praise you for loving me and
reaching my heart with your grace.  Sanctify me and make me
righteous through the work of your Holy Spirit as I seek to live my
life in appreciation for all that you have done for me.  In Jesus'
glorious name. Amen.




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   From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:36 pm  
To:  ALL   (100 of 165)  
 
  207.100 in reply to 207.67  
 
VERSE:
   No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at
   the Father's side, has made him known. John 1:18

THOUGHT:
   Jesus is God's greatest message.  He not only proclaims and
declares God's love, mercy, and grace, he has made it known.  Only
Jesus can display God to us fully, for he is one with the Father.
Yet when we "see" Jesus ministering in the Gospels, we see God.  If
we want to know how God feels about us, all we have to do is look
at how Jesus ministers to others.  If we want to know what God
would do for us, we can notice what Jesus does to bless others.
Jesus is our window to the Father's heart.  So as this year winds
down, and as you stand in the afterglow of Christmas, why not make
a commitment to get to know Jesus better in this coming year by
spending more time with him in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke,
and John).  If you do, you will better know God!

PRAYER:
   Thank you, Father, for giving me a window to your heart through
the life and ministry of Jesus.  Please bless me as I seek to know
you better by knowing, understanding, and following Jesus more
passionately.  I pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, my
Lord. Amen.



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From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:37 pm  
To:  ALL   (101 of 165)  
 
  207.101 in reply to 207.67  
 
VERSE:
   He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive
   him. John 1:11
      
THOUGHT:
   Jesus came to his own things -- the world he had created and the
land he had promised his people -- and his very own people didn't
receive him.  Sometimes we are blinded by our desires and dreams
for Jesus and we really miss what he wants for us and from us.
Let's not let the following be true in our lives. "Jesus came to
me, but I wasn't ready to receive him. I had other things I wanted
to do and other things I wanted to experience before I fully
surrendered my heart to him."  Each time we put off surrendering
our will to Jesus, each time we push him away as Lord, we allow our
hearts to harden and it becomes easier and easier to push him away.
 Now, while our hearts are still attentive to his grace, let's
renew our commitment to him afresh and completely offer him hearts
and lives for his glory and grace.

PRAYER:
   Holy God, I surrender my heart to your will.  Precious Jesus,
now more than ever in my life, I recognize you as my Lord and want
to serve you with my life.  Please forgive me for the times that
have resisted your leading or turned away from your demands.  I
know you left everything, and gave up everything, to save me.  So
now, please mold me into the person you want me to be and use me in
ways that bless others and bring you glory.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:39 pm  
To:  ALL   (102 of 165)  
 
  207.102 in reply to 207.80  
 
VERSE:
   Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name,
   he gave the right to become children of God... John 1:12

THOUGHT:
   Isn't it incredible that we are called children of God!?  But
that is exactly what we are!  (cf. 1 John 3:1-3)  We are God's
children.  Our Father created the universe with its billions and
billions of planets.  Our Father paints a new sunset everyday and
chases away the darkness every morning.  Our Father not only loves
us, but claims us as his own and will bring us to his eternal home.
 Why?  Because we heard his message in Jesus.  Because we received
his grace offered in his Son.  Incredible!  Glorious!  Grace!

PRAYER:
   Abba Father, thank you for claiming me as your child through
Jesus, in whose name I praise and thank you. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    12/31/2001 3:42 pm  
To:  ALL   (103 of 165)  
 
  207.103 in reply to 207.80  
 
VERSE:
   In reply Jesus declared,  "I tell you the truth, no one can see
   the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John 3:3

THOUGHT:
   "Fast away the old year passes..."  But we can be new and fresh
and clean (cf. 2 Cor. 4:17).   Kingdom people are those who have
been born fresh and new through the power of the Spirit and the
grace of god (cf. John 3:3-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 1:11). So as we
close out the old year, with its good things and bad, achievements
and failures, successes and disappointments, let's approach the New
Year as Kingdom people.  God's mercies are new every morning and
our lives can be made new everyday by the Holy Spirit who lives in
us.  Yes, we have been born again.  But each sunrise offers us the
opportunity to be made new, to live in a fresh new way, as God's
grace rekindles our hopes and the Holy Spirit makes us new as we
trust in Jesus our Lord.

PRAYER:
   Heavenly Father, you are holy and righteous.  I confess that as
hard as I have tried and as much as I have wanted to be holy and
righteous, without your grace and the empowering presence of the
Holy Spirit, I fail.  Thank you for your forgiveness.  Please make
me new.  As I stand on the threshold of a new year, please empower
me beyond my weaknesses and besetting sins.  Open my eyes to your
work in the world around me and use me in your work of grace.  Fire
my passion to live fully for your Kingdom and my King, Jesus
Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    1/20/2002 9:25 pm  
To:  ALL   (104 of 165)  
 
  207.104 in reply to 207.73  
 
VERSE:
   If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone,
   the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

THOUGHT:
   We all like "do-overs" or second chances. God does much better
than that! He allows us to become new again. Being the "God of new
things" he can even make us new. Beyond forgiveness, beyond
cleansing, he makes us holy through Jesus. Let's use the
opportunity of a New Year as a springboard to living a life fresh
and new and alive for to God!

PRAYER:
   O LORD, thank you for a New Year and a fresh start. Please give
me wisdom and strength to serve you with integrity and faithfulness
in this coming year. I pray that your work be done in my life as I
offer myself, my plans, and my future to you. I pray this through
Jesus my intercessor and Lord. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    1/20/2002 9:26 pm  
To:  ALL   (105 of 165)  
 
  207.105 in reply to 207.73  
 
VERSE:
   Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of
   wisdom. Psalms 90:12

THOUGHT:
   So often we look up and time has passed us by. The things we
promised ourselves we'd accomplish and the deeds we told others
we'd do get left undone. Before we know it, days have become weeks,
and weeks months, and months years. We find ourselves unable to do
what we once assumed we could do any time we want. We must ask the
Spirit of God to help us see and seize the opportunities the LORD
places in our path.

PRAYER:
   Father, I confess that so often I leave undone what needs to be
done. Please help me see your plans in each of my days and live in
a way which not only honors you, but also blesses those you want me
to reach. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    1/20/2002 9:28 pm  
To:  ALL   (106 of 165)  
 
  207.106 in reply to 207.73  
 
VERSE:
   The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and
to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present
age. Titus 2:11-12
    
THOUGHT:
   In a world which has no absolutes, in a world in search of moral
standards, salvation by the costly grace of God beckons us to
change our lifestyles in response to God's grace. Anyone who
receives grace and refuses to pursue righteousness demonstrates
his/her ignorance or hardness of heart. In our day, in our time, to
be saved means to pursue righteousness -- not so that we may earn
our salvation, but so that God's saving grace will not be fruitless
in us.

PRAYER:
   Holy Father, I confess that I live in a confusing time. Satan is
always distorting the distinction between right and wrong, good and
evil, moral and immoral. Because you have been so gracious with me,
may my life today reflect the righteousness you gave me through
Jesus. "May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart, be
pleasing in your sight, my Rock and my Redeemer." Through Jesus, my
atoning sacrifice I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    1/20/2002 9:29 pm  
To:  ALL   (107 of 165)  
 
  207.107 in reply to 207.73  
 
VERSE:
   [God] has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the
Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk
humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

THOUGHT:
   God's desires for us are not hard to discern.  He wants to bless
us with salvation.  The incredible gift of his Son is powerful
testimony to this truth.  But salvation from sin and death is not
something he wants to happen in our lives just once.  He wants our
lives to daily reflect his salvation and to share it with others.
When we act justly, pursue mercy in our relationships, and honor
him with our worship from a humble heart.

PRAYER:
   Almighty and compassionate Father, as I embrace this New Year,
help my eyes see what your heart sees. Teach me to hate sin and to
be merciful to all who need mercy.  Teach me to know truth and act
fairly, while hating abuse and exploitation.  Through your Spirit,
stir me to reflect on the great distance between your holy majesty
and my inconsistent character. Make me wholly your child, I pray,
in Jesus name. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    1/20/2002 9:30 pm  
To:  ALL   (108 of 165)  
 
  207.108 in reply to 207.79  
 
VERSE:
   Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!  Seek justice, encourage
the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case
of the widow. Isaiah 1:16-17

THOUGHT:
   Do you find it easy to replace service to those in need with
religious rituals?  I know I do!  But God wants us to not get so
caught up in talking about him and celebrating his deeds, that we
forget we're suppose to care for others like he does.  Whether it
is Jesus defining his ministry in Luke 4:18-19 or James talking
about the kind of piety that pleases God (Jas. 1:26-27), we must
realize true faith is treating others as God would.  Today's verse
defines what God does and instructs us to live in the same way.

PRAYER:
   O Great God of all comfort, open my eyes today to see those who
need your love and give me the attentiveness, time, and compassion
to serve them. May Jesus' work be seen in my life today.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    1/20/2002 9:32 pm  
To:  David (DavidABrown)    (109 of 165)  
 
  207.109 in reply to 207.79  
 
VERSE:
   Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope
fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:13

THOUGHT:
   When Jesus came the first time, he came to reveal God (John
1:18). As wonderful, powerful, and gracious as he was in his
earthly ministry, he did not fully reveal all who he is.  Our hope
is tied to his return. When he comes this time, he won't come to
reveal God, but to reveal himself -- the conquering Lord, the Rider
on the white horse.  Every knee will bow.  We will get to see him
as he really and fully is -- Immanuel in power and grace,
triumphant in every way.  When we set our hope on Jesus' grace when
he returns, we can be confidently ready for active service to our
king today.  We can live under his leadership with obedience and
praise today.

PRAYER:
   O Almighty God, I long for the day when I get to see Jesus face
to face coming with the angels in power.  Until that time, fasten
my heart in hope to the glory Jesus will share with me on that day,
and please empower me to live as one who knows that victory is mine
in Jesus.  Jesus, through your powerful name I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    1/20/2002 9:33 pm  
To:  ALL   (110 of 165)  
 
  207.110 in reply to 207.79  
 
VERSE:
   Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life of
love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a
fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

THOUGHT:
   Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.  If we are to
sincerely flatter God by being like him, imitation may be the most
costly form of flattery as well.  You see, love for God is never
something that occurs just in our minds or our hearts. Love is
something we do for another -- it is action.  John said in 1 John 4
that we must love in both our deeds and our words.  Love means to
give ourselves up -- what we want, our rights, our desires -- to
honor God and serve others.  This is a kind of love that can change
the world, or a marriage, or a family.

PRAYER:
   Abba Father, I will never fully understand how you could love me
so much that you would allow your son to die for me, as my
sacrifice.  Please help me love others sacrificially.  I know the
power to do this is not within me, so please pour your love into my
heart so that I may share that love with others.  Through Jesus, my
brother and my sacrifice, I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    1/20/2002 9:34 pm  
To:  ALL   (111 of 165)  
 
  207.111 in reply to 207.84  
 
VERSE:
   Seek good, not evil, that you may live.  Then the Lord God
Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.  Hate evil, love
good; maintain justice in the courts. Amos 5:14-15

THOUGHT:
   A whole bunch of folks claim that God is on their side.  In
reality, the important question is whether we are on God's side!
That's determined more by what we seek and do rather than what we
think and say. God longs to be with us, but he will not sacrifice
his character to extend us cheap grace, a grace that does not call
us to be like him.  He's looking for believers who put their
character where their mouths are.

PRAYER:
   Most Holy God.  Your righteousness and holiness are beyond me.
I know that my best efforts are only vain attempts to attain them.
Yet I long, dear Father, to be more like you in every way that it
is humanly possible.  Let me know of your presence with me as I
seek after you and your character in my life.  In the name of Jesus
the Righteous One I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 8:26 pm  
To:  ALL   (112 of 165)  
 
  207.112 in reply to 207.87  
 
VERSE:
   Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth
and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal.  But store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt
and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-20

THOUGHT:
   Where do you hide your heart?  What we most value is where we
will find our heart.  So it is an important question.  You see, we
can treasure riches, control, security, and relationships.  Jesus
reminds us that it is only by turning loose of the things that most
of us keep as our treasures that we find what is truly treasure
indeed.

PRAYER:
   Majestic Father, I pray that out of the riches of your grace,
you may help me find my treasure in you and nothing else.  Today, I
want to offer you all that I am and have, so that my life will be
lived for your glory.  In the name of Jesus, my example and
treasure I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 8:27 pm  
To:  ALL   (113 of 165)  
 
  207.113 in reply to 207.87  
 
VERSE:
   Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for
   it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16

THOUGHT:
   "Holy" is one of those words we generally associate with the
"stained glass ghetto" -- a word only "church folks" use.  That may
be true, but it's still a great concept.  Every kid knows that you
don't eat hot dogs and potato chips on china.  Mom's china is
reserved for "special company" or "special occasions." Hot dogs
are for paper plates and every day, china is for special events.
When God is calling us to be holy, he's calling us to be china --
something special just for him, and as Peter emphasizes, just like
him.

PRAYER:
   Holy Lord, God Almighty, I come before you knowing how great the
distance is between your holiness and my commonness.  I thank you
for making me holy through the sacrifice of Jesus and by sending
your Holy Spirit to live inside of me. Please receive my life
today as a holy offering to you.  I pray in the name of Jesus, the
pioneer and perfecter of my faith.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 8:29 pm  
To:  ALL   (114 of 165)  
 
  207.114 in reply to 207.87  
 
VERSE:
   God has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are
therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his
appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be
reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20

THOUGHT:
   The price has been paid.  The ransom is provided.  God's
judgment was averted, not because of anything we did to appease
him, but by his own sacrifice of Jesus for our sins.  If God has
gone to such great links to reconcile us to himself and adopt us
into his family, how can we refuse?  We must not!  Father God, we
offer you our hearts!

PRAYER:
   O Gracious God, I know my sin has broken your heart and offended
your holiness. Words, therefore, cannot communicate my
thankfulness to you.  You were hurt by my sin and yet provided a
sacrifice to redeem me from it and reconcile me back to you.  I
praise you for your grace, thank you for your love, and promise to
share your mercy.  Through Jesus my sacrifice I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 8:31 pm  
To:  ALL   (115 of 165)  
 
  207.115 in reply to 207.87  
 
VERSE:
   You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all
of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with
Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor
female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-29


THOUGHT:
   One.  Basic, simple, and easy to understand.  When we become
Christians through faith and baptism into Christ, we are made one
with all other Christians around the world.  Race, gender, and
social status are gone.  All that's left is One, the One, Jesus.
Our lives are his and thus are connected to each other.  Our
destination is the same, heaven.  Our family is the church.  No
barriers.  No closed doors.  We are one.

PRAYER:
   Abba Father, thank you for adopting me into your family.  May we
be one on earth now, as we will be when we are all together around
your throne in heaven. I pray for unity among all those who call
upon your name and share your Spirit so the world may know there is
a solution to conflict, strife and division.  Through Jesus our
Savior, I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 8:32 pm  
To:  ALL   (116 of 165)  
 
  207.116 in reply to 207.87  
 
VERSE:
   If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a
liar.  For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen,
cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this
command:  Whoever loves God must also love his brother." 1 John 4:20-21


THOUGHT:
   Love!  The word can mean anything.  Many in the Christian
community have tried to define by a dictionary or lexicon, not
realizing the key word for love, agape, is defined by action.
Before Christians got a hold of agape, it meant the same thing our
word today does:  just about anything! But if you read 1 John, you
see what love is by what God does.  God demonstrates his love. He
asks us to do the same for our brothers and sisters.  Love must be
more than talk, it must be genuinely demonstrated in action!

PRAYER:
   Precious Father, you have so graciously shared your love with
me.  I must confess, in my heart I intend to love others as you do,
but my intentions often get washed away with "busy-ness" or
timidity.  Father, through your Spirit, prompt me to show my love
to others in actions rather than just thought and talk.  Through
Jesus, your greatest demonstration of love I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 8:35 pm  
To:  ALL   (117 of 165)  
 
  207.117 in reply to 207.87  
 
VERSE:
   Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the
   sinful nature. Galatians 5:16

THOUGHT:
   I don't want you to think about an orange rhinoceros flying with
blue wings.  Now quit. I don't want you to think about it anymore.
 You know there is no such thing as an orange rhino that flies,
much less one that flies on blue wings.  Oh course the point is
simple:  the more we try to not do something, the more we focus on
it and insure we do what we are not supposed to do.  That's why the
gift of the Holy Spirit is so important.  He enables and empowers
us to move beyond our sin -- not by focusing on it and refusing it,
but by enriching us and "distracting" us with the important things
of God.

PRAYER:
   Abba Father, I thank you so much for your Holy Spirit that lives
in me and is now interceding with you for me.  Please fill me with
your Spirit so that my life more nearly reflects your will and
focuses on your concerns.  Through Jesus, who poured out your
Spirit upon me at my baptism, I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 8:37 pm  
To:  ALL   (118 of 165)  
 
  207.118 in reply to 207.87  
 
VERSE:
   No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And
God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can
bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so
that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

THOUGHT:
   TEMPTATION...  We've all been there.  Satan's silver bullet
designed just for us personally.  "No one will ever know; besides
it won't hurt anybody!"  some mysterious voice sounding like our
own whispers.  Even if those two statements were true, and they
never really are, it would matter because something inside of us
caved in to what we knew was wrong.  One line of defense is to
simply remind ourselves we are not alone in this temptation --
others have faced it and conquered it, so we can too, by God's help
and the power of his Holy Spirit.

PRAYER:
   Most Holy Father, guard my heart from temptation and my life
from sin.  I want to serve you with wholehearted devotion.  Forgive
me for my past sin, and by your grace and through your word,
strengthen me with your Holy Spirit so that I may overcome the
temptations that Satan uses to separate me from you.  Through my
Protector and Redeemer I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 8:40 pm  
To:  ALL   (119 of 165)  
 
  207.119 in reply to 207.87  
 
VERSE:
   In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,
   for this sums up the Law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

THOUGHT:
   The Golden Rule -- golden because it's genuine, lasting, and
valuable.  Imagine how different our world would be if we practiced
this principle -- not just in our "church life" but in our daily
life...  ...with our family, ...with our coworkers and employer,
...with the people we manage, ...with the folks on the freeway and
in the neighborhoods where we drive, ...toward the waiters and
waitresses who serve us.  What a wonderfully different world it
would be if the Golden Rule were to be practiced.  I think I'll
start changing my world with it today! How about you?

PRAYER:
   Generous Father, you have blessed me with so many rich and
wonderful gifts.  I can never ever adequately express to you the
thanks you deserve.  One thing I want you to know, dear Father, is
that I especially appreciate the way you have treated me with grace
and not with justice or judgment.  Give me the power to do the same
with the people my life touches this week.  In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.



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   From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 8:41 pm  
To:  ALL   (120 of 165)  
 
  207.120 in reply to 207.87  
 
VERSE:
   In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,
   for this sums up the Law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

THOUGHT:
   The Golden Rule -- golden because it's genuine, lasting, and
valuable.  Imagine how different our world would be if we practiced
this principle -- not just in our "church life" but in our daily
life...  ...with our family, ...with our coworkers and employer,
...with the people we manage, ...with the folks on the freeway and
in the neighborhoods where we drive, ...toward the waiters and
waitresses who serve us.  What a wonderfully different world it
would be if the Golden Rule were to be practiced.  I think I'll
start changing my world with it today! How about you?

PRAYER:
   Generous Father, you have blessed me with so many rich and
wonderful gifts.  I can never ever adequately express to you the
thanks you deserve.  One thing I want you to know, dear Father, is
that I especially appreciate the way you have treated me with grace
and not with justice or judgment.  Give me the power to do the same
with the people my life touches this week.  In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.



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From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 8:43 pm  
To:  ALL   (121 of 165)  
 
  207.121 in reply to 207.87  
 
VERSE:
   Do not be deceived:  God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he
sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that
nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit
will reap eternal life." Galatians 6:7-8

THOUGHT:
   Isn't it incredible how huge trees grow out of tiny seeds!  This
principle runs throughout all of life. We can never completely get
away from the seeds we sow.  So let's don't try to fool ourselves
while we're trying to do a "snow job" on God.  Let's make sure the
seeds we sow are the ones we want sprouting up!

PRAYER:
   O Eternal God, who lived before time began and who will be the
Great I AM when time is no more, bless the seeds I sow that they
may bear fruit to you and bless those I love.  Through Jesus, the
grain of wheat who died and was buried so that true life may flower
forth. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 9:01 pm  
To:  ALL   (122 of 165)  
 
  207.122 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock
and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives;
he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be
opened." Matthew 7:7-8

THOUGHT:
   Ask!  So often we're afraid to ask for help because we have to
admit we don't have the answers.  Seek!  Effort and interest and
perseverance are necessary and that's sometimes hard.  Knock!  In
an era of doorbells, this is a forgotten action.  But God wants us
to use the A.S.K. principle and bring our hearts before him.  So
let's don't just whine, complain, desire, and want.  Let's A.S.K.
our Father and seek his glory.

PRAYER:
   Waiting Father, I am sorry that so often you only hear my whines
and complaints and concerns.  You have been so generous with your
love.  Help me to keep my heart set on you and your will today as I
ask you to minister to the things on my heart. Through Jesus I
pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 9:02 pm  
To:  ALL   (123 of 165)  
 
  207.123 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives
generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to
him. James 1:5
    
THOUGHT:
   Wisdom is that illusive quality we respect in others and find so
difficult to develop in ourselves.  Yet God promises it to those
who really ask.  But remember the secret of ASKing -- asking,
seeking, and knocking. Or better yet, check out Proverbs 2.
Wisdom is ours only if we seek it above all other possessions and
value it above all other diversions.  God longs to impart it, but
there is something about spiritual wisdom that demands we value it
before we can receive it.

PRAYER:
   Gracious giver of all good gifts, please bless me with wisdom
today. Let me reflect your will and live for your glory in all my
decisions.  Let your Kingdom guide my heart as I make my choices
and have your Spirit lead me in your ways.  I confess, Father, that
I cannot guide my own steps without your help. So grant me wisdom
this day.  I pray in Jesus name.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 9:03 pm  
To:  ALL   (124 of 165)  
 
  207.124 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should
restore him gently.  But watch yourself, or you also may be
tempted. Galatians 6:1

THOUGHT:
   In a day when intervening in someone's life is no longer
politically and socially correct, these verses ring out like a
gunshot on a still night.  Sin is still real and is just as deadly
as ever.  Yet because we fear being branded judgmental and
self-righteous, we let many who are trapped by sin go to their
spiritual death.  The call is for nonjudgmental intervention -- we
recognize the gravity of the sin and the need of the sinner,
without feeling arrogant in our righteousness. "There but for the
grace of God go I."

PRAYER:
   Father, forgive my sins as I forgive those who have sinned
against me.  But Father, also help my heart to be gripped by the
gravity of sin's effects and to be stirred into action to help
those whom it has trapped.  Through Jesus, who came to rescue me
from my sin, I pray.  Amen



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 9:05 pm  
To:  ALL   (125 of 165)  
 
  207.125 in reply to 207.113  
 
VERSE:
   Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever
is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything
is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. Philippians 4:8
   
THOUGHT:
   Our actions follow our thoughts like a heat seeking missile
follows the exhaust of a jet fighter's engine. So in a day when so
much around us trains us to find the negative in life, we must
aggressively think and pursue the character, the qualities, and the
things of God's goodness.

PRAYER:
   Holy and Magnificent God, thank you for being better than
anything my world can offer me.  Thank you for calling me to a
higher standard than the world accepts.  Thank you for giving me
the promise of a better future than any human can imagine.  Thank
you for giving me a high calling to live up to you.  In Jesus' holy
name I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 9:07 pm  
To:  ALL   (126 of 165)  
 
  207.126 in reply to 207.113  
 
VERSE:
   Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark
world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the
day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after
you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13

THOUGHT:
   How often do your forget that we are in a spiritual war?  Our
enemy is deceptively cunning - take away the immediacy of a threat
and the danger appears gone.  But he's there, always.  But rather
than try to guess his plans and counter all of his moves, Paul
reminds us to simply take up the tools God has given us and stand
up to evil one.

PRAYER:
   Lord of Hosts, my Great Deliverer, protect me from the evil one
by your great power.  Give me a sense of urgency as I face Satan
and his schemes on a daily basis, but also give me confidence that
Jesus has already defeated my foe.  Help me to stand against this
foe and show myself faithful to you.  Through Jesus my Lord and
Savior I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 9:09 pm  
To:  ALL   (127 of 165)  
 
  207.127 in reply to 207.113  
 
VERSE:
   Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one
   another in love. Ephesians 4:2

THOUGHT:
   "You mean I have to put up with that!?"  There are those folks
in life about whom the saying is true: "They are the grit out of
which we are to fashion our pearl."  But our great example in this
challenge is Jesus.  Think of what he had to put up with in his 12
disciples.  Remember how transformational his patience and
gentleness with them was.  Can we dare to do less?

PRAYER:
   Give me strength and patience, O God, that I may be as loving,
gentle and patient with others as Jesus was with people during his
earthly ministry and you have been with me.  In the name of Jesus,
my Lord and hero I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/19/2002 9:10 pm  
To:  ALL   (128 of 165)  
 
  207.128 in reply to 207.113  
 
VERSE:
   You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who
   call on you. Psalm 86:5

THOUGHT:
   Forgiveness is such a sweet blessing.  But God does more than
forgive!  He cleanses and forgets.  His love is not metered out or
carefully rationed.  He pours love upon us if we genuinely seek him
as our God and Father. So let's cry out and ask for God's
forgiveness and praise the mighty and holy name of The Almighty,
confidently knowing that our Father longs to bless us with
goodness, mercy, and love.

PRAYER:
   O Precious Father, I call to you wanting you to know how
important your love and forgiveness are in my life.  Thank you for
sending Jesus to show your love and pay the debt of my sin.  Help
me to live today as your child: may others see my joy and my
passion for you as I seek to live for your glory.  In the name of
my Savior, Jesus, I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  123four   2/20/2002 8:58 am  
To:  David (DavidABrown)    (129 of 165)  
 
  207.129 in reply to 207.128  
 
Wonderful posting of scripture. Our 
minds have to be renewed daily with 
the Word. If not, a subtle thing 
happens, we begin to slip away 
just an inch at a time. We just have 
to keep on with making sure our 
mind stays renewed. It's like the 
manna in the wilderness for the 
Israelites. They had to have fresh 
manna evry day. T his Word-oour 
manna has to be consumed by us 
daily. No such thing as getting 
a little manna once a week. It 
doesn't work. It's some manna 
every day. 
  
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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/20/2002 2:55 pm  
To:  123four   (130 of 165)  
 
  207.130 in reply to 207.129  
 
Hi,
 

Excellent point!

Jesus Himself told us that He is the Daily Bread of Life!

 
John 6:32-38
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from  heaven.

 

God Bless You,

David



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/26/2002 8:54 pm  
To:  ALL   (131 of 165)  
 
  207.131 in reply to 207.1  
 
VERSE:
   Hear, O Israel:  The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the
   Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with
   all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5

THOUGHT:
   So many times Satan seduces us into a flat, 2 dimensional
Christianity - going to church and doing good deeds.  But God calls
us to a three dimensional faith.  He wants us to love him with all
of our being in all of our actions and with all of our might.

PRAYER:
   Dear Heavenly Father, I honor you as God Almighty.  I appreciate
you for all your kindness and blessings lavished upon me.  I love
you because you first loved me in Jesus. My heart's desire today is
to demonstrate my love for you in all I do, and love and say.
Through Jesus. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/26/2002 8:55 pm  
To:  ALL   (132 of 165)  
 
  207.132 in reply to 207.3  
 
VERSE:
   As it is written:  "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind
   has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.
   1st Corinthians 2:9
      
THOUGHT:
   Many of the things we anticipate and dream about are much less
glorious in real life than they were in our imaginations.  There is
one event, however, that is better than we can imagine and beyond
our wildest dreams.  When Jesus returns to take us home to be with
our Father, it will be far better than we can ask, imagine, dream
or think.  Maranatha - Come Lord Jesus!

PRAYER:
   Abba Father, thank you for knowing me before time began.  Thank
you for crafting me in my mother's womb.  Thank you for sending
Jesus to pay the price for my sins.  And thank you in advance for
the day Jesus comes to take me home to be with you forever.
Through my Conquering Savior I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/26/2002 8:57 pm  
To:  ALL   (133 of 165)  
 
  207.133 in reply to 207.3  
 
VERSE:
   I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your
   love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
   Psalm 59:16
   
THOUGHT:
   So many things in our lives can be stolen away by natural
disasters, aging, and death.  Satan could be appropriately called
"The Thief of Always." But God is immovable and unstealable!  We
can invest ourselves in him and know our spirits are secure in his
care.  He is a fortress and a refuge.

PRAYER:
   O Great Rock of my salvation, thank you for being unchangeable
and faithful.  Thank you for being the source of security and
future in a day of chaos and change.  Thank you for being God. You
are my God and in you I place my life, my hopes, and my future.
May you be glorified in me today.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/26/2002 9:04 pm  
To:  ALL   (134 of 165)  
 
  207.134 in reply to 207.3  
 
VERSE:
   The word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he
   does.  The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full
   of his unfailing love.
   Psalm 33:4-5
   
THOUGHT:
   God is faithful.  We can trust his promises to be kept and his
purposes to be good.  How do we know?  The sunrise each morning is
a reminder that the Father of heaven and earth is at work keeping
his universe in working order. If it is true in nature, it is true
in the spiritual realm as well.  Greet each sunrise as a reminder
of God's faithfulness.

PRAYER:
   O Magnificent and Majestic Creator, I greet today as your gift
and a reminder of your faithfulness.  Each day the sun rises I
anticipate the day you honor your promise to send your Son back to
bring us home to you.  Give me a keen sense today of your faithful
presence. I pray this through him in whom all your promises find
their fulfillment. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/26/2002 9:05 pm  
To:  ALL   (135 of 165)  
 
  207.135 in reply to 207.3  
 
VERSE:
   He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity,
   and honor.
   Proverbs 21:21

THOUGHT:
   Isn't it funny that when we set off to find happiness or joy or
significance or meaning, we seldom find it.  Instead, when we offer
to serve others and give ourselves wholeheartedly to the Lord and
his work, it is then that we find what we most need.

PRAYER:
   O Giver of every good and perfect gift, I ask today that you
give me a chance to serve you and others in a way which shows your
kingdom and its glory. If in the process you choose to meet the
needs in my own heart, then I thank you.  This I pray through your
servant Jesus. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/26/2002 9:07 pm  
To:  ALL   (136 of 165)  
 
  207.136 in reply to 207.3  
 
VERSE:
   [Jesus said,] "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your
neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you:  Love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your
Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:43-45

THOUGHT:
   We often talk about the privileges of being a child of God -
forgiveness, salvation, a future in heaven with him, the gift of
the Holy Spirit, and ultimate victory when Christ comes.  One of
the greatest privileges we get, however, is the opportunity to act
toward those who dislike and hate us in a way that reflects the
character of God himself.  Anyone can return hate for hate, but it
takes a child of God to return a blessing and a prayer for his or
her enemies.

PRAYER:
   Father, thank you for loving me when I was still an enemy to
you.  Thank you for risking the death of your Son to offer me the
chance to accept or reject your love.  As you have promised, please
pour your love into my heart so I may love even my enemies as you
have loved me. In the name of your ultimate Gift of love, Jesus
Christ, I pray.  Amen.



David A. Brown
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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/26/2002 9:08 pm  
To:  ALL   (137 of 165)  
 
  207.137 in reply to 207.3  
 
VERSE:
   We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so,
because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one
of you has for each other is increasing.
2nd Thessalonians 1:3
   
THOUGHT:
   "Increase my faith, O, Lord."  "Increase my strength."
"Increase my wisdom."  We often pray for these things, but when is
the last time you thanked God for your love increasing?  Can you
think of anything more exciting to say about your church than to
say, "The love every one of you has for each other is increasing!"
Let pray and act to make it so!

PRAYER:
   Holy God, may your love so fill me so that I can fully share
love with those that meet each day.  May this love grow and
increase in so that others may readily see its benefits and
recognize that it is a direct response to the lavish love you have
shared with me.  Through the power of your Spirit, help my love
increase!  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/26/2002 9:10 pm  
To:  ALL   (138 of 165)  
 
  207.138 in reply to 207.3  
 
VERSE:
   Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It
   always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
   1 Corinthians 13:6-7
   
THOUGHT:
   Always love - pretty tall order and pretty tough stuff.  Only
God is always. But then Christians are fueled to an always love
through the Holy Spirit!  Elsewhere, Paul tells us that "The love
of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy
Spirit who was given to us."  (Rom. 5:5)  No wonder this love is
always -- it is God's love, demonstrated by Jesus' sacrifice, and
delivered by the Holy Spirit!

PRAYER:
   Sweet and Glorious God on High, I humble myself before you
recognizing your boundless power to love, the incredible need for
love in the lives of those around me, and my limited ability to
love.  Please pour your Holy Spirit into my heart and fill me with
the power to love as you do, always.  In Jesus' sweet name I pray.
Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    2/26/2002 9:11 pm  
To:  ALL   (139 of 165)  
 
  207.139 in reply to 207.3  
 
VERSE:
   For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
   that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal
   life.
   John 3:16
   
THOUGHT:
   Did you know the Bible doesn't just say, "God loves you."  Now
don't let me confuse you.  Scripture does tell us many times that
God loves us.  However, don't miss the important truth here. Each
time Scripture tell us that God loves us, it also demonstrates that
love as well.  God's love is more than emotion and intention.
God's love is demonstrated.  God loved us so much he didn't just
say, "I love you."  God showed his by sending and sacrificing his
Son to give us his incomparable love!  We never have to doubt that
God means what he says.  He has backed up his promises of love with
his actions.

PRAYER:
   Loving and Almighty God, thank you for loving me.  Thank you for
both saying it and showing it. Please know, dear Father, I love
you, too!  Accept my words and actions today as a testimony to my
love.  Through Jesus I pray.  Amen.



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   From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/13/2002 3:10 pm  
To:  ALL   (140 of 165)  
 
  207.140 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved
you , so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that
you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35

THOUGHT:
   How do you recognize Jesus' followers?  How do you find
Christians?  Jesus said they love each other just as he loved the
disciples.  In the immediate context this means he is willing to
give sacrificially and extravagantly by dying for them at the
cross, and he is also willing to love selflessly and practically by
washing their feet.  His ministry reveals he will do almost
anything in between extravagant and practical. Imagine if we all
read the Gospels and committed to love each other in the same way
Jesus showed his love to his disciples!

PRAYER:
   Father of Compassion and God of all grace, I thank you for
teaching me to love through the example of Jesus.  May my words and
actions reflect his love toward your people today, tomorrow, and
until you bring us all home to you.  In the name of Christ, my
Great Example, I pray. Amen.



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From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/13/2002 3:11 pm  
To:  ALL   (141 of 165)  
 
  207.141 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   This is love:  not that we loved God but that he loved us and
sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10

THOUGHT:
   He loved us first!  He offered his Son to save us regardless of
our decision to believe or ignore his grace.  We are given the
ability to accept or reject the death of his Son as the sacrifice
for our sins.  The only condition, as 1 John 2:1-2 emphasizes, is
that we realize that he died for everyone else in the world, too!

PRAYER:
   Precious King, God Almighty, why you should love me and send
Jesus to die for me I will never fully understand.  Thank you for
your love.  Thank you for your sacrifice for my sins.  Thank you
Jesus for coming to save me.  I pray in your name and by your
intercession.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/13/2002 3:12 pm  
To:  ALL   (142 of 165)  
 
  207.142 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   This is the message you heard from the beginning:  We should
love one another. 1 John 3:11

THOUGHT:
   The original message - love one another.  The enduring message -
love one another.  The most convicting message - love one another.
The most difficult message - love one another. I'm reminded of the
little verse:  To dwell above with saints we love, O that will be
glory. But to dwell below with saints we know, now that's another
story. But it's the story we're called to write with our lives!
This is God's enduring message he wants demonstrated in his
children.  Let's go out and live it!

PRAYER:
   Loving Father, I commit to you that I will intentionally show my
love for your children in what I do and say.  I do this trusting
your grace to empower me to do more than I would do on my own.
Through Jesus my Savior I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/13/2002 3:14 pm  
To:  ALL   (143 of 165)  
 
  207.143 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one
another.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God
lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:11-12


THOUGHT:
   Can you imagine what an honor it is to have the Creator of the
universe, the Lord God Almighty, living inside of you! But when we
love each other, that is exactly what happens. When our hearts are
full of love, there is room for God.  When they are not full of
love, we leave God little room to take up residence and produce his
character in us.  Let God complete his love in you.  Make a
commitment to do loving things for others today!

PRAYER:
   Abba Father, it is so comforting to know that you are not far
away - that I live in you and you live in me.  Help me see others
with your eyes and respond to their needs with your heart so that
your love may be complete in me.  In the name of Jesus, the Servant
and Savior of all, I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/13/2002 3:16 pm  
To:  ALL   (144 of 165)  
 
  207.144 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do
not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there
may be, are summed up in this one rule:  "Love your neighbor as
yourself."  Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is
the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:9-10


THOUGHT:
   Wouldn't it be great if we didn't have to have laws to keep
people in line!  That's the point behind Paul's message here.
Treat our neighbors like we would like to be treated.  Love them as
we like to be loved.  If we do that, then we're not going to do
anything that would hurt them, much less violate a command of law!

PRAYER:
   God who gave Moses the Law on tablets of stone, please write
your character and will on my heart that I might be a living stone,
testifying to your righteousness and grace.  Help me to think more
carefully about how my neighbors feel before I act or react to them
-- not just today, but every day!  In the name of your Son, Jesus I
pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/13/2002 3:17 pm  
To:  ALL   (145 of 165)  
 
  207.145 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear,
because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not
made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18


THOUGHT:
   What is there to fear since God sent his Son to die to redeem
us?  What is there to fear since we cannot be separated from the
love God has for us in Christ Jesus?  What is there to fear except
ourselves, and God has poured his Spirit into our hearts to
reassure us and strengthen us in our weakness! As we love God and
his children, we are reminded of his love for us which is far
better than our meager love for others.  Rather than run from him
in fear, we bow before him in thanks knowing that he who hears our
prayers is also he who loves us and yearns to calm our fears.

PRAYER:
   Loving Father, thank you that I can reverence you without
fearing your wrath.  Thank you that I can revere your word and yet
not be terrified with my inadequacies. May your love in me produce
a closer likeness to your holiness, righteousness, justice and
mercy than all the laws, threats, and judges combined. I pray in
the mighty name of Jesus, who ransomed me from sin and poured out
his love upon me.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/13/2002 3:19 pm  
To:  ALL   (146 of 165)  
 
  207.146 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   We love because [God] first loved us.
   1 John 4:19
  
 
THOUGHT:
   It's all very simple.  God is love. He is love's origin,
example, and architect.  I love because he loved me first.  I know
how to love because he has demonstrated it.  I can love because he
made me in his likeness and to share his character.  He is the
fountain, the motivation, and the pinnacle of love.  I love because
he does, first, last, and always.

PRAYER:
   God of comfort, thank you for comforting me with your love.
Just as a child learns from parents how to do so many things, I
want to learn to love as you do:   sacrificially, selflessly, and
submissively so that others may know that they do not have to earn
your love, only receive it.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/13/2002 3:21 pm  
To:  ALL   (147 of 165)  
 
  207.147 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   This is how God showed his love among us:  He sent his one and
only Son into the world that we might live through him.
1 John 4:9

THOUGHT:
   Love is an action.  The Bible stresses this truth again and
again. Love must not only be spoken, it must also be shown.  The
beginning of love is God.  He showed his love in the most
sacrificial of ways so we could know our incredible value to him.
The price of our adoption was the emptying of heaven of its
greatest treasure, God the Son, who is our Savior.

PRAYER:
   Loving Father, thank you for adopting me into your family.  I
can never thank you enough nor ever repay you for your kindness,
but please receive the service of my life as my ongoing
thanksgiving for your grace and my small way of trying to share the
love you have given me.  Through my Brother and my Ransom I pray.
Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/13/2002 3:24 pm  
To:  David (DavidABrown)    (148 of 165)  
 
  207.148 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with
actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18

THOUGHT:
   "Talk is cheap!"  "You can tell me with your words, but I'll
show it with my life." "Put your life where your mouth is."  We
know the slogans; now let's love in truth.  In a world where barter
has replaced sacrificial and steadfast love, let's go against the
grain and truly love in our words and actions.

PRAYER:
   Sacrificial Father, I confess to you that at times I am selfish.
 Other times my intentions are good but my follow through and
faithfulness are lacking.  Use your Spirit to empower and enable me
to be what I hope to become to your glory.  May your love be seen
in my actions of genuine concern today.  I pray this in Jesus name.
 Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/13/2002 3:27 pm  
To:  ALL   (149 of 165)  
 
  207.149 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   Whom have I in heaven but you?  And earth has nothing I desire
besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the
strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26


THOUGHT:
   What can truly fulfill and sustain us?  Maybe the best way to
answer that question is by asking another:  What can we keep when
our bodies are placed silently in their graves at death?  Only our
relationship with God and his people lasts beyond the grave.  If he
is what lasts, then how can we displace him for anything that
doesn't?

PRAYER:
   Mighty Yahweh, Strength of Israel, Keeper of the Covenant and
Fulfillment Maker of every prophecy, you are my hope, my strength
and my future. I live this day in wide open amazement that the
Keeper of the Universe knows my name, hears my voice, and cares for
me.  Thank you for being my past, my present, and my future, the
Great I Am.  Through my Savior I pray. Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/13/2002 3:28 pm  
To:  ALL   (150 of 165)  
 
  207.150 in reply to 207.112  
 
VERSE:
   He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come
forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have
kept to his way without turning aside. Job 23:10-11

THOUGHT:
   How we long for this to be our true confession.  We are not yet
gold, but long to be.  We are not yet fully following his steps,
but are trying.  We have tried to not turn aside, but we sometimes
falter.  Thank God for his grace until our intentions and desires
are fulfilled in our discipleship!

PRAYER:
   Magnificent Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, I confess my
sin and my inadequacy in following your paths. Forgive me as I
commit my life to serve you in holiness and joy.  Thank you for
your grace which covers my sin and perfect in me the character of
Jesus. Through him I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:17 am  
To:  ALL   (151 of 165)  
 
  207.151 in reply to 207.141  
 
VERSE:
  Have not I 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


THOUGHT:
   Never alone!  What a promise.  God will go with him, and us,
through all the seasons of life, through all our ups and downs,
through temptations and triumphs, even through death (cf. Psalm
139).  So we can take courage and feel his strength.  We are not
alone!

PRAYER:
   O God who is and was and is to come, thank you for being there
and staying there when all others forsake and leave.  You are the
one constant in my life so full of change.  Help me become more
steadfast and faithful in my commitments and relationships to honor
you and to learn more about you.  Through Jesus I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:20 am  
To:  ALL   (152 of 165)  
 
  207.152 in reply to 207.141  
 
VERSE:
   O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things
planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1


THOUGHT:
   God's actions are not reactions to current situations, but part
of his long term plan to bring redemption.  Yes, he has done
marvelous things:  he took the evil intent of a mob who cried
"Crucify him" and turned it into an opportunity to fulfill the
prophets and redeem us.  He is perfect in faithfulness and has done
marvelous things.

PRAYER:
   Holy God, you surprise me with new wonders and new things daily.
 Yet deep in my heart I know they are not new to you.  Thank you
for not making life boring or predictable so I might thirst after
you, you who are forever fresh, new, exciting, and marvelous.
Through my Savior I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:23 am  
To:  ALL   (153 of 165)  
 
  207.153 in reply to 207.141  
 
VERSE:
   Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in
all of our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble
with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4


THOUGHT:
   We are comforted to comfort others. God doesn't bless us with
his presence and comfort of his Spirit because we are somehow
better than everyone else.  No, he comforts us to equip, empower,
and encourage others.  God has human hands, but only when I use
mine to his glory and for others comfort.

PRAYER:
   Tender Shepherd, there have been times when I was so broken I
could not go on.  I know my  strength to continue came from your
rich grace and mercy.  Please use me this week to offer your
comfort and love to others so they may feel your warm embrace and
come to yearn more for the day we see you face to face in heaven.
Through my brother Jesus, I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:24 am  
To:  ALL   (154 of 165)  
 
  207.154 in reply to 207.141  
 
VERSE:
   God has saved us and called us to a holy life -- not because of
anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of
time. 2 Timothy 1:9
     

THOUGHT:
   Before the beginning of time!  How do you understand when that
was.  God first thought of us at a time we cannot even begin to
understand!  His reason for thinking of us was to demonstrate his
grace and call others to his side.  Jesus has always been God's
plan and we have always been his goal. Let's make sure we respond
by living his holy life!

PRAYER:
   Thank you so much, Father, for knowing me and thinking of my
needs even before there was a world.  I dedicate this day, the days
that follow, to your honor as I try to live a life that reflects
your righteousness and grace.  In the name of Jesus, the one who
had no sin, I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:26 am  
To:  ALL   (155 of 165)  
 
  207.155 in reply to 207.141  
 
VERSE:
   In your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to
give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the
hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15


THOUGHT:
   We are to be ready and able to tell folks about the hope that
Jesus has brought to our lives!  But when we share this hope, two
things are important:  our credibility -- is Jesus really Lord of
our hearts -- and our character -- do we show gentleness and
respect in our persuasion approach.  The goal is not to win
arguments but hearts to the God of character!

PRAYER:
   Holy and Loving Father, thank you for speaking your grace in
Jesus. I'm not sure I would have heard any other message.  Give me
the conviction I need to share my hope in Jesus, but in a way that
reflects your grace.  Through my Living Hope I pray.  Amen.



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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:27 am  
To:  ALL   (156 of 165)  
 
  207.156 in reply to 207.141  
 
VERSE:
   The Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his
covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him
and keep his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9


THOUGHT:
   God is faithful and his covenant is a covenant of love.  He will
not forsake us and will treat us better than we deserve just as a
loving parent treats a rebellious child better than s/he deserves.
But our hearts must be tuned to honor God as God, not as just a
good luck charm or a weekly guest into our otherwise busy lives.
What we do must be done in awareness that it is done before and for
him!

PRAYER:
   Faithful God, thank you for loving me so sacrificially and
steadfastly.  Thank you for the way you preserved your promises to
the Israelites and brought Jesus just as you promised. I trust
your promise to send him back to bring me home to you. Please
receive the deeds and words of this day as my thanks to you for
your covenant of love with me and those I love.  In the name of
Jesus, your gift of love, I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:29 am  
To:  ALL   (157 of 165)  
 
  207.157 in reply to 207.141  
 
VERSE:
   We know that in all things God works for the good of those who
love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28


THOUGHT:
   God is in our lives.  He is at work right now, undoing Satan's
destructive messes and leading us to places he wants us to go.
This is true in everything we do and everywhere we go. The key is
for us to seek his purpose, to live his will.  If that is our goal,
then we can be sure our God is with us every step of our way.

PRAYER:
   Thank you God for being at work in my life. Thank you for not
leaving me alone to my limited best effort, insight, and choice.
Thank you for having a plan for me and being the assurance that I
can't mess that plan up if I seek your will.  Thank you for being
my God, my Father, and my Partner through all of life. In Jesus'
name I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:30 am  
To:  ALL   (158 of 165)  
 
  207.158 in reply to 207.144  
 
VERSE:
   Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to
gooodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to
self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to
godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will
keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge
of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8


THOUGHT:
   Wow!  What a message.  God wants us to be productive in our
lives. He wants us to have more than just head knowledge, he wants
us to put it to work in our lives and be effective and productive
with it.  But for me, I've got to put out some effort and try to
grow in these qualities.  Peter is saying, "Okay folks, God wants
you to get after it and make a difference through your life!"  I'm
ready! Let's begin today.

PRAYER:
   Holy God, I am going to put out the effort to grow in your
grace. Please bless my efforts and recive them as my heartfelt
appreciation for loving me when I was unlovable and redeeming me
when I was lost.  I want to be productive to your glory in my life
with Jesus, in whose name I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:47 am  
To:  ALL   (159 of 165)  
 
  207.159 in reply to 207.2  
 
VERSE:
   As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12


THOUGHT:
   "Wonder what I'll need to wear to that meeting?"  Paul reminds
us that there is a set of clothing that is always in style.  We
wear this clothing because we are special.  This clothing is from
the Ultimate Designer's collection called character and is best
worn when with other people.  These qualities are hard to wear, but
always a blessing to those who meet us when we're decked out in
this wardrobe.

PRAYER:
   Abba Father, thank you for bringing me into your family.  May I
never disappoint you in the way I treat others.  May they see in
me, the qualities of character that can only be attributed to your
presence in my life.  To you be the glory and the honor, forever
and ever, in the name of Jesus my Lord.  Amen.




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   From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:48 am  
To:  ALL   (160 of 165)  
 
  207.160 in reply to 207.2  
 
VERSE:
   The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.  He makes me
lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he
restores my soul. Psalm 23:1-3


THOUGHT:
   He restores my soul.  My that sounds so good.  But it is more
than talk.  When we've reached that point that we can't go on, God
blesses us with strength to just keep on walking.  When we're in a
struggle and things are tough, his power upholds us and we run to
victory.  When we're winning victories in his name, we can soar on
wings like eagles.  He is a shepherd and more. He is the Rock and
Sustainer of our lives!

PRAYER:
   O Gentle Shepherd, help me rest tonight in your grace and in the
confidence that you are nearby.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.



David A. Brown
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From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:49 am  
To:  ALL   (161 of 165)  
 
  207.161 in reply to 207.2  
 
VERSE:
   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust
in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit. Romans 15:13
    

THOUGHT:
   Hope and joy and peace sound terrific.  Two things are vital for
these two blessings to be a part of our lives. First, we must
trust God to meet our needs and get us to where we need to be.
Second, we expect the power of the Holy Spirit to bless us and
empower us with God's qualities.

PRAYER:
   Great and Mighty God, bless me with greater trust that you are
nearby and long to help.  Dear Father, bless and empower me to be
the person you want me to be.  Fill me with your Spirit so I may
live my life here more like Jesus lived his life here on earth.  In
the name of the Savior I pray. Amen.




David A. Brown
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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:51 am  
To:  ALL   (162 of 165)  
 
  207.162 in reply to 207.2  
 
VERSE:
   Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it
you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that
the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3


THOUGHT:
   Salvation is such a precious thing! However, we know something
is horribly wrong if a child continues to stay in the same place in
his or her growth and maturation.  Arrested development in a
physical child is the cause of great concern.  Hebrews 6 reminds us
that is also true in our spiritual lives.  God does not want us
remaining immature!  He wants us to continue to grow.  Our Father
wants us to crave what is good and what builds us up.  So, what are
you going to do today to satisfy your spiritual appetite and grow
in the Lord?

PRAYER:
   Mighty God, thank you for loving me and saving me.  I really
want to mature in your grace.  Bless me today as I seek to pattern
holy habits and fill myself spiritually with the things that will
help me grow.  But Holy God, I know that true growth only comes
from you, so I ask you to strengthen me by your Spirit as I pursue
your character.  In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:52 am  
To:  David (DavidABrown)    (163 of 165)  
 
  207.163 in reply to 207.2  
 
VERSE:
   Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full
armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's
schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11


THOUGHT:
   Many of the struggles in our lives are not mere accidents!  Many
of them are not put there by God.  Our challenges often come from
the hand of our enemy, Satan.  He always prowls about looking for
the best scheme to knock us out of our commitment to and
relationship with the Lord.  Placing ourselves firmly in the hands
of the Lord and using his tools of warfare will help us defeat our
enemy who has already been humiliated by Jesus and the cross.

PRAYER:
   Strengthen me, O God, that I may stand against my foe and
triumph by the power of your Spirit so that I may bring honor and
glory to my conquering Savior who will return one day and take me
home in victory.  In the name of the victorious Rider on the White
Horse I pray.  Amen.




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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:54 am  
To:  David (DavidABrown)    (164 of 165)  
 
  207.164 in reply to 207.2  
 
VERSE:
   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive
us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9


THOUGHT:
   We can be forgiven of our sins!  That's great, but there's even
better news.  We can be purified of any stain from sin!!  That's
incredible:  not only am I forgiven, I'm made clean and new again!
But only because of God's grace and perfect sacrifice for our sins.

PRAYER:
   Forgiving Father, please forgive me today for my lack of passion
to love and forgive others in the way you have so graciously
forgiven me.  Create in me a heart like your own:  faithful,
forgiving, and gracious.  In the precious name of Jesus I pray.
Amen.




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   From:  David (DavidABrown)    5/29/2002 10:56 am  
To:  ALL   (165 of 165)  
 
  207.165 in reply to 207.2  
 
VERSE:
   My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock,
   my refuge. Psalm 62:7
   
THOUGHT:
   Who we are, what becomes of us in life, and what we accomplish
of significance are all in God's hands.  We cannot achieve lasting
honor for ourselves without his blessing.  We cannot secure our
future or our safety without his protection and blessing.  The
basis of all achievement and glory is dependent upon our willingly
placing our lives in his care.

PRAYER:
   O Rock, Fortress of my life, I place myself in your care.  Take
charge of my future and use me for your glory. In you I take
refuge and on your strength I rely to make my days worthwhile. In
the precious name of Jesus I pray.  Amen.




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