Weekly Spiritual Meditations - October 14

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How can you expect God to speak in that gentle and inward voice which melts the soul, when you are making so much noise with your rapid reflections? Be silent, and God will speak again. Francois Fenelon

An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others. A. W. Tozer

God loves us the way we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way. Leighton Ford

Every day is another chance to live life more fully for God.

God’s Spirit can equip us for each day’s challenges.

Which would you prefer? To be king of the mountain for a day? Or to be a child of God for eternity? Max Lucado

I am not what I ought to be,
I am not what I wish to be,
I am not what I hope to be;
but, by the grace of God,
I am not what I was.
John Newton

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In The Beginning by Myra F. Smith
"Then God brought Abram outside beneath the nighttime sky and told him, 'Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that-too many to count!' And Abram believed God; then God considered him righteous on account of his faith." (Genesis 15:5-6 Life Application Bible)
After the creation account in the Bible, we are privy to the story of Adam and Eve, their fall from grace, their oldest son Cain's murder of his brother Abel, and their expulsion from paradise. We are only four chapters into Genesis at this point, and already, we could easily become discouraged.
But, wait. You don't have to go far to become hopeful, because a few chapters later, we are introduced to Abraham. At age seventy-five, God called this wealthy landowner to leave his home in Haran, and journey to Canaan. To do this, Abraham had to give up his home, possessions, and ties to his people. It would have been much simpler to stay put, remain wealthy, and live a life without challenges, but Abraham trusted God to give him a new and wondrous beginning.
And what did God give to Abraham, as a result of his trust and faith? God made him the father of Israel; his descendants were like the stars in the sky; at the ripe old age of 100, he and his 90 year old wife, Sarah, celebrated the arrival of their first child, Isaac, and Abraham accomplished all that God asked him to do.
We, like Abraham, are called. God has a purpose for each of us. And when we obey that call, He equips us with everything we need, and sends us on a journey of new and wondrous beginnings.

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Impossible by Sally L. Kennedy
“For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37
Kids were climbing all over the large half-grapefruit. Others were swarming onto the waffles with butter and sticky syrup. Starfruit, kiwi, and orange slices garnished the ‘plate’.
A bunch of children climbing on fruit and waffles. Impossible! Unless, of course, it’s a recreational area with climbing equipment created to look like giant food.
It’s true ‘nothing is as it seems’. It is also true ‘there’s always a bigger picture’. Recently I’ve heard several stories from and about persons who are in ‘impossible’ situations, all different kinds.
If you happen to fall into that category today, or you know someone who does, it’s good to remember the Hope of a great God-promise, that’s given twice in the book of Luke. The Message says, "No chance at all," Jesus said, "if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it." (Luke 18:27)
No matter what things look like, you and God are an overwhelming majority. And nothing is impossible with God.
That is good news.

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Time Out by Barbara Alpert
“But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside three days and three nights.” (Jonah 1:17)
The Lord told Jonah to go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against its wickedness. However, Jonah did not like his assignment and decided to runaway from God. Jonah boarded a ship and headed in the opposite direction from where the Lord wanted him to go.
The Lord chased after Jonah by sending a fierce storm that threatened to break up the ship Jonah was using for his great escape. The only way for the storm to cease was for the sailors to throw Jonah overboard. Despite the crewmembers concern for Jonah, they tossed him into the sea.
While Jonah was sinking, the Lord rescued him by means of a great fish. God placed Jonah in timeout for three days and nights. Jonah prayed from inside the belly of the fish. The Lord heard Jonah’s prayer and commanded the fish to vomit Jonah out onto dry land.
In spite of Jonah’s disobedience, God gave him another chance to fulfill his mission. When God spoke to Jonah the second time, he quickly obeyed and went directly to the great city of Nineveh. Because of Jonah’s message, the Ninevites turned from their wicked ways and turned to God.
Has God placed you in a timeout today? You might feel like a castaway and that God has given up on you. God has not abandoned you! Start crying out to Him in prayer as Jonah did so He can help you out of whatever situation you are facing. He longs to see your upturn in spirit so you can carry on with the good plans He has waiting for you.
Maybe some of you have been avoiding God. You have been running from one activity to the next trying to flee from the things God desires. God has not put you in timeout because He is patiently waiting for you to choose His best course of direction. Turn to God today and ask Him for clarity so you do not end up in unnecessary timeout for days, weeks, or possibly months.
Whether God has you in timeout or you have been on the run, know that God offers you a second chance. God knows the plans He has for you, so it is wise to take timeout with Him so he can begin to reveal His plans to you. You will never go wrong when you obey God and head in the right direction. Chances are it will be the best time of your life!
Heavenly Father, Pardon me for fleeing from the wonderful plans You have for me. I do not desire to be on the wrong path and ask that You guide me to the right path. I seek to take timeout from the hustle and bustle of this busy world so I can spend time with You. Thank you for giving me another chance to do what You are calling me to. In Jesus name, Amen
Questions: Have you been off track with God? Has it been awhile since you took timeout to talk with God about your future?

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Old Fruit by W Smith
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100
“What is it?” I was asked this question more than once, but I wasn’t quite sure. Each person at the table held an object in her hand, and the challenge was to study the object and then write about it. Some took a quick glance at what they held and quickly picked up a pen to write. Other faces stared in bewilderment, searching for an idea or connection between the object and the events of the day.
I looked again at the object in my hand. I had been handed an envelope with a thin, flat slice of dried citrus, but was it from an orange, a tangerine, or a lemon? It was dehydrated, scentless, and the seeds had been sliced through, making them useless.. Once edible, it certainly wasn’t anything I’d want to eat now!
I thought of the other fruit I’d seen this week, platters nearly overflowing with melon, grapes, and strawberries, as well as bowls filled with apples and oranges. One could have a pleasant snack, or even make an entire meal of the fruit. If I were to offer fruit to a friend, I’d far rather offer that platter of fresh fruit, in season. In fact, I’d not offer that slice of citrus to anyone, friend or enemy.
I wonder, though, how often I offer God a plate of old fruit. Praise is compared to the fruit of our lips. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:15). Is my praise fresh, or is it old and dry, almost unidentifiable as praise? Can I see where God is at work in and around me? Will I praise Him even in the hard times? God has been faithful and good, and His love never fails. I want to offer Him a platter overflowing with fresh fruit fit for a King, praise for who He is and what He has done in my life!
God, You have been so good to me! Like a shepherd You have led me step by step. Your goodness and mercy is new each morning. Your faithfulness amazes me. Help me praise You with the fruit of my lips today, and may it be fresh fruit! Amen.
Question: What kind of fruit are you offering Christ? How can you work on your gratitude and thankfulness today?

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The Fawn by A. C. DIXON
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you." (Deuteronomy 33:27)
A great friend of mine told me the following story...
"Rising early one morning,' he said, 'I heard the baying of a score of deerhounds in pursuit of their quarry. Looking away to a broad, open field in front of me, I saw a young fawn making its way across, and giving signs, moreover, that its race was well-nigh run.
Reaching the rails of the enclosure, it leaped over and crouched within ten feet from where I stood. A moment later two of the hounds came over, when the fawn ran in my direction and pushed its head between my legs. I lifted the little thing to my breast, and, swinging round and round, fought off the dogs. I felt, just then, that all the dogs in the West could not, and should not capture that fawn after its weakness had appealed to my strength.'
So is it, when human helplessness appeals to Almighty God. Well do I remember when the hounds of sin were after my soul, until, at last, I ran into the arms of Almighty God."

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JUST FIVE MORE MINUTES Author Unknown
While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground. "That's my son over there," she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.
"He's a fine looking boy" the man said. "That's my daughter on the bike in the white dress." Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter.
"What do you say we go, Melissa?"
Melissa pleaded, "Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes."
The man nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart's content.
Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. "Time to go now?"
Again Melissa pleaded, "Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes."
The man smiled and said, "O.K."
"My, you certainly are a patient father," the woman responded.
The man smiled and then said, "Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here. I never spent much time with Tommy and now I'd give anything for just five more minutes with him. I've vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa. She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch her play."
Life is all about making priorities, what are your priorities?
Give someone you love 5 more minutes of your time today

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A Prayer a Day Keeps the Blahs Away by Jeff Japinga
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” —Lamentations 3:24 (NKJV)
I came into work feeling, well, just not right. Not achy, like a cold; or tired because I hadn’t gotten enough sleep the night before; or low on energy because I hadn’t been eating well. Just kind of . . .
“Blah,” I told one co-worker that morning.
“No other symptoms?” she replied.
“None,” I said.
When Deb cocked her head sideways and furrowed her brow, I knew something was up. “No other symptoms? Then you’re the only one who hasn’t noticed what a grump you’ve been the last two days.”
“Well, Dr. Deb,” I said—grumpily, I should note, “and what horrible disease might be causing this grumpiness?”
“Hurry sickness. You get it every time you try to do too much and think it’s still not enough. When’s the last time you simply spent a half hour with God?”
Every year I get a flu shot, so I don’t get the flu. I take vitamins daily, so I can ward off colds. I try to eat right and exercise. But all of those things will not keep me healthy if I don’t take my daily prescription for hurry sickness—at least twenty uninterrupted minutes of prayer and silence. God-time. Every day.
Feeling blah? Overwhelmed? Drained by a to-do list that keeps getting longer? I’ve learned to check myself for hurry sickness. I’m not always very good at preventing it, but at least I’ve learned the cure.
Fill me, God, with the health that comes only from You.

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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
I call you to come into My rest and to move into an anointing of ease. You may be tempted to run ahead of Me or step out of the flow of My Spirit because of presumption, but you would do well to stay in spiritual reality and not get into fantasy by projecting out into the future. You must live in the moment and stay present with Me, says the Lord. I am your place of safety and stability here and now. Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

To those whose hearts are set on Me, says the Lord, I am releasing spiritual fires to revive you and bring you back from your wilderness experience where you felt dry and disconnected. I am stirring you to new life and a renewed desire to walk in the Spirit. Distractions have kept you from personal and intimate connection. Now is the time to reinstate your commitment and dedication to divine purpose. Be strong and unwavering. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

I see your hearts and have accepted your sacrifice of praise. I tell you the truth; I am calling you to higher ground and will open the way and make a clear path. I am with you to bring you to the place that I have already prepared for you. Come to Me, says the Lord. Attune your ears to My voice, and prepare your heart to see and understand what I will show you. It will be an awesome journey. Psalms 16:11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

I am opening doors of expansion before you, says the Lord. You will begin to grow and expand on every level of existence. This will be an exciting time of discovery, but first you must shift your focus to look beyond where you are now. Release yourself from all that has kept you bound. Rise up and soar in the realm of My Spirit; be free! Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."

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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
"Set the trumpet to your mouth!" Hosea 8:1
I come today, says the Lord, to lead you in the paths of righteousness. The ancient paths will lead to the top of the mountain where Zion is established; where the hills are pouring forth the goodness of My presence. And, out of that goodness My provision will come, My healing will come and My presence will come. For, you are living in a time where the glory of the kingdom is to be made manifest. And, in this glory of My kingdom you shall be forever changed. For, it is written that you will be changed from glory to glory into the image of the Son of God. And, no matter what the price is that you pay, whether it is affliction, sickness, or heartache, no matter what it is at the end of the journey you will be able to say, it was well worth it. It was well worth walking in the Spirit of God. It was well worth standing in faith, contending for the faith and rising up to be one with your Maker. You will say, "It was well worth it", and I will say to you, “Well done My good and faithful servant.”

No longer will poverty capture or hold My people. For, the Lord says, it is My intention to be an absolute provider for those who follow Me. No longer will the enemy steal from you the possibilities and the opportunities that I have in mind for you. For, I am the one who owns provision in this land. It is Mine to give and I shall give it abundantly, and I shall bring it forth into the places where it is needed. I am the Lord God Almighty and no one shall withhold My goodness from My chosen.

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Through It All by Nancy Burr
Although my days feel dark and cold,
I'll praise God through it all.
Although I feel that I am lost,
Up to my Lord I'll call.
And even though my heart feels sad,
And often times can't cope.
I'll never loose the faith I have;
For God fills me with hope.
Pain consumes my heart and soul,
But I will not give up.
When I stumble and I fall,
He always picks me up.
I'll hold on tight to my dear Lord,
I'll follow where He leads.
No matter how rough life can be,
He is the strength I need.
Some days I cry the whole day through,
I try to hide away.
Doubt and questions fill my mind,
I'm afraid to face the day.
But even though I feel so down,
I know that God is here.
He promised me He'll never leave;
He'll wipe away my tear.
Yes life can be so hard at times;
We struggle through it all.
But I choose to keep my hope,
Although I sometimes fall.
Jesus picks me up and says,
Remember, I am here,
Don't ever feel that you're alone,
For I am always near.
I love you more that words can say,
I'll never leave your side.
Just run to me my precious one,
My arms are open wide.
I know your heart is filled with pain,
But just keep holding on.
For I will take away your pain,
And fill you with a song.
I still get sad and overwhelmed,
But I'll praise God above.
For I'm a precious child of His,
And I can feel His love.
I feel His arms surround my soul;
He won't let go of me.
So through it all I'll praise His name,
In song and on my knee.
Trials end, new ones begin,
At times I know I'll fall.
And when I feel I need more strength,
Up to my Lord I'll call.
In happy times and sad time too,
I'll turn to God above.
For I will praise God through it all,
Cause He's the One I love.

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I Believe by Nancy Burr
I believe that God is the King,
He made this world and everything
I believe in the Three in One,
And that Jesus is God's only Son.
The Holy Spirit guides my way,
If I just follow and obey.
I believe that the Lord loves me,
And listens when I'm on my knee.
I believe Jesus died for me,
And that He set my Spirit free.
He bore my sins and suffered pain,
And then my Jesus rose again.
I believe He is filled with love,
And that He reigns with God above.
Someday I'll see my Savior's face,
And I'll enjoy His sweet embrace.
Yes I believe that someday I'll be,
In heaven in the arms of Thee.

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22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:22-26

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14

8 The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8

19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Numbers 23:19

9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:7-8

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BROWNIE CRUMBS Author Unknown
Mrs. Baughman was my 6th grade Sunday School teacher. One morning, she brought a pan of brownies to our class. As the goodies sat over by her chair, she gave each child a slip of paper marked with a household expense: house payment, utility bill, phone bill, entertainment, etc.
My slip had a car payment. Before long, Mrs. Baughman picked up the tray of brownies and began naming the expenses written on the papers. As we gave her our expenses, she redeemed each one for a brownie.
"Car payment" she announced. I jumped up to get my brownie from the pan. Finally the last brownie had disappeared.
But one boy named Donald still held his unredeemed slip. "God!" called Mrs. Baughman. Donald came forward hoping the teacher had one more brownie hidden some where.
With a knife Mrs. Baughman scraped the crumbs from the bottom of the pan into Donald's napkin. He got a pretty raw deal, I thought - just crumbs.
"The brownies represent your money", the teacher explained to us. "If you don't give God his share right away, He probably won't get anything except maybe the crumbs."
I never forgot that illustration. The day my friend Donald got only the brownie crumbs, even as a child I learned that God should have the first right to everything I have.
In the years since Mrs. Baughman class I have struggled with giving and priorities, But whenever I recall the "Crummy Sunday School Lesson", I know who should and must always come first in my life!
"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

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Dear God, Fountain of life, help us to grow in faith and love through reading, studying, and obeying your word. Strengthen our resolve to live as your word teaches us. May we be doers of your word, not just hearers. Amen.

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Read Through The Bible
Psalm 108
1 O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. 2 Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. 3 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. 4 For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. 5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth; 6 That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me. 7 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. 8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; 9 Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph. 10 Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? 11 Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts? 12 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. 13 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

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Dear Lord Jesus, help us to love one another as you have loved us. Let us be vessels for your healing love. Amen.

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