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Posted on 01/01/2024 3:15:48 PM PST by luvie
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Bible in a Year :
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
My six-foot-three son, Xavier, lifted his giggling toddler, Xarian, into the air with ease. He wrapped his large hand around his son’s tiny feet, securing them firmly in his palm. Stretching out his long arm, he encouraged his son to balance on his own but kept his free hand at the ready to catch him if necessary. Xarian straightened his legs and stood. With his smile wide and his arms resting at his side, his eyes locked on his father’s gaze.
The prophet Isaiah declared the benefits of focusing on our heavenly Father: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3). He encouraged God’s people to be committed to seeking Him in the Scriptures and connected with Him through prayer and worship. Those faithful ones would experience a confident trust built through their established fellowship with the Father.
As God’s beloved children, we can cry out with boldness: “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal” (v. 4). Why? Because our Father in heaven is trustworthy. He and the Scriptures never change.
As we keep our eyes fixed on our heavenly Father, He will keep our feet planted firmly in His hands. We can count on Him to continue being loving, faithful, and good forever!
Reflect & Pray
How does keeping your thoughts on God give you peace? What have you done to focus your thoughts on Him throughout the day?
Heavenly Father, thank You for using Scripture to remind me of Your unchanging character and everlasting faithfulness.
For further study read, God Answers the Silly Prayers Too.
Bible in a Year :
Before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language.
As the daughter of two loving and hard-working parents from Central and South America, I’m grateful they had the courage to be the first in their families to immigrate to the United States for better opportunities. They met as young adults in New York City, married, had my sister and me, and went on to run their respective businesses.
As a native New Yorker, I’ve grown up embracing my Hispanic heritage and have been fascinated with people of diverse backgrounds. For instance, I once shared my story of faith at an evening service at a multicultural church that meets in a former Broadway theater. Speaking to a multicultural group about God’s love is only a glimpse of what heaven will be like when we see people from different nations come together as the body of Christ.
In Revelation, the apostle John gives us this amazing picture of heaven: “Before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9). God our Savior will receive the “praise and glory” and so much more He’s worthy of “for ever and ever” (v. 12).
Now we have just a glimpse of what heaven will be like. But one day, we who believe in Jesus will be united with Him and with people from different countries, cultures, and languages. Since God loves the nations, let’s also love our global family in Christ.
Reflect & Pray
How can you love the nations? How can you celebrate others and their cultures?
Dear God, please help me to love others well.
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My older doggo Moose barks at nothing everyday.
😅
Can’t wait to vote in the morning! I might be there at 7 when they open the doors.
🥳
LOL!
Penny (RIP) only barked TWICE in our six years together.
Tippy, on the other hand....
You go, gurl! I voted early on the first day of in-person early voting here in Texas. It was such a relief to have it done and done. LOL!
Bible in a Year :
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
The nearly 107,000 people in the stadium stood in anticipation as Texas A&M college football kicker Seth Small took the field with only two seconds left in the game. With A&M tied 38-38 against the best team in the country—a perennial football powerhouse—a successful field goal would seal an epic upset victory. Looking calm, Small lined up to take the kick. The stadium erupted in pandemonium after the ball sailed through the uprights for the winning score.
When questioned by reporters how he prepared for such an intense moment, Small said he kept repeating to himself the first verse of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” When Small needed strength and reassurance, he drew on the deeply personal metaphor of God as a shepherd.
Psalm 23 is a beloved psalm because it assures us that we can be at peace, or comforted, because we have a loving and trustworthy shepherd who actively cares for us. David testified both to the reality of fear in intense or difficult situations as well as the comfort God provides (v. 4). The word translated “comfort” conveys assurance, or the confidence and courage to keep going because of His guiding presence.
When walking into challenging circumstances—not knowing what the outcome will be—we can take courage as we repeat the gentle reminder that the Good Shepherd walks with us.
Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced God as a loving shepherd? How did His trustworthy care give you courage?
Heavenly Father, please help me to take courage knowing that You’re my loving Shepherd.
Gain wisdom and leadership skills from our loving Shepherd.
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Well, as predicted, I couldn’t sleep and was up at 5 and voting at 7 when the polling place opened. I had to park across the street because it was already busy and there were about 20 people there to vote at 7. Took me 20 minutes to wait and then vote. I usually vote around 9-10am, and there is never a line. Perhaps people were voting before work this morning, and it is normal for 7am voting to be busy....but I think it was busier than normal even for regular 7am voters.
It will be amazing if Trump wins Wisconsin like in 2016 ( they stole it in 2020).
Great news!...especially for Massachusetts!
Wow! 20 people ahead of you that early! I’m just glad that you got ‘er done...and I have my fingers crossed that your state will go red this time around! ❤️
It was so great when Trump won WI in 2016.
What a night!
I’ll bet it was a state-wide party!
Hope you have another one tonight!
I’ll be amazed if Trump wins MA. I went by the polling place earlier and it wasn’t crowded at all. Could be the Trump supporters all got early voting like me, and the harris voters just stayed home out of apathy.
I can dream, can’t I?
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