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Posted on 01/01/2021 6:43:29 AM PST by JustAmy
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Spring isn’t officially here yet, so it’s probably a TEASE. Snow expected Friday. Grrrr.
Our Monday snowfall was a real bummer. It stuck around for 3 days. đ
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Bible in a Year:
We are Godâs handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.
There are times late at night in North Americaâs harsh Sonoran Desert where one can hear a faint, high-pitched howl. But you probably wouldnât suspect the source of the soundâthe small yet mighty grasshopper mouse, howling at the moon to establish its territory.
This unique rodent (dubbed the âwerewolf mouseâ) is also carnivorous. In fact, it preys on creatures few would dare mess with, such as the scorpion. But the werewolf mouse is uniquely equipped for that particular battle. It not only has a resistance to scorpion venom but can even convert the toxins into a painkiller!
Thereâs something inspiring about the way this resilient little mouse seems custom-made to survive and even thrive in its harsh environment. As Paul explains in Ephesians 2:10, that kind of marvelous craftsmanship characterizes Godâs designs for His people as well. Each of us is âGodâs handiworkâ in Jesus, uniquely equipped to contribute to His kingdom. No matter how God has gifted you, you have much to offer. As you embrace with confidence who Heâs made you to be, youâll be a living witness to the hope and joy of life in Him.
So as you face whatever feels most menacing in your own life, take courage. You may feel small, but through the gifting and empowerment of the Spirit, God can use you to do mighty things.
Reflect & Pray
Is it easy or difficult for you to see yourself as Godâs marvelous handiwork? Why? In what areas of your life might remembering this truth give you renewed confidence and courage?
God, thank You for the incredible way Youâve designed me to live with joy and purpose. Help me to believe, and find courage in, the truth of who I am in You.
Bible in a Year:
I urge you . . . to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
While serving as my momâs live-in caregiver at a cancer center hundreds of miles away from my home, I asked people to pray for us. As the months passed, isolation and loneliness sapped my strength. How could I care for my mom if I gave in to my physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion?
One day, a friend sent me an unexpected care package. Jodi had crocheted a purple prayer shawl, a warm reminder that we had people praying for us daily. Whenever I wrapped the soft yarn around my shoulders, I felt God hugging me with the prayers of His people. Years later, He still uses that purple shawl to comfort me and strengthen my resolve.
The apostle Paul affirmed the importance and spirit-refreshing power of praying for others. Through his passionate request for prayerful support and encouragement during his travels, Paul demonstrated how those who pray for others become partners in ministry (Romans 15:30). Offering specific requests, the apostle not only showed his dependence on the support of fellow believers but his trust that God powerfully answers prayer (vv. 31â33).
Weâll all experience days when we feel alone. But Paul shows us how to ask for prayer as we pray for others. When weâre wrapped in the intercessory prayers of Godâs people, we can experience Godâs strength and comfort no matter where life takes us.
Reflect & Pray
Who has God used to encourage you through intercessory prayer? Who can you pray for today?
Loving God, thank You for the gift of intercessory prayers and for assuring me that You hear me and care for me wherever I go.
Read Moving Mountains: The Practice of Persistent Prayer at DiscoverySeries.org/Q0740.
Good morning, heading out to work in a few minutes.
Gave a good day!
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Another cold and windy day....but at least it’s NOT snowing! :-)
You have a good day, too....and a wonderful weekend!
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I am if the sand doesn’t blow. It happens a lot around here. LOL!
Blowing Sand...YIKES!
Bible in a Year:
Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
For more than fifty years, my dad strove for excellence in his editing. His passion wasnât to just look for mistakes but also to make the copy better in terms of clarity, logic, flow, and grammar. Dad used a green pen for his corrections, rather than a red one. A green pen he felt was âfriendlier,â while slashes of red might be jarring to a novice or less confident writer. His objective was to gently point out a better way.
When Jesus corrected people, He did so in love. In some circumstancesâsuch as when He was confronted with the hypocrisy of the Pharisees (Matthew 23)âHe rebuked them harshly, yet still for their benefit. But in the case of his friend Martha, a gentle correction was all that was needed (Luke 10:38â42). While the Pharisees responded poorly to His rebuke, Martha remained one of His dearest friends (John 11:5).
Correction can be uncomfortable and few of us like it. Sometimes, because of our pride, itâs hard to receive it graciously. The book of Proverbs talks much about wisdom and indicates that âheeding correctionâ is a sign of wisdom and understanding (15:31â32).
Godâs loving correction helps us to adjust our direction and to follow Him more closely. Those who refuse it are sternly warned (v. 10), but those who respond to it through the power of the Holy Spirit will gain wisdom and understanding (vv. 31â32).
Reflect & Pray
How do you usually respond to loving correction from your heavenly Father? What correction have you received from someone thatâs made a significant difference in your life?
Father, help me learn to graciously accept Your loving correction so I can grow in wisdom and understanding.
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Hi Peaches! Nice and sunny here today. Going to do some outside stuff for a while.
Happy you’re having a âïž day. Maybe you’ll get to take a walk with Moose, too! đ
Yippeeeeeee! Is it actually springlike up there? I hope so!
It’s lovely weather here too! :-)
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