Weekly Spiritual Meditations - September 9

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When we include God in every aspect of our lives, we feel closeness and intimacy with our Creator.

From generation to generation, God walks with us.

When we are dedicated to God's service, our work will bear good fruit.

No matter who we are or where we come from, God can use us.

Our troubles can be helpful because they (1) humble us, (2) wean us from the allurements of the world and drive us back to God, (3) vitalize our prayers, (4) allow us to experience more of God’s faithfulness, (5) make us more dependent upon God, (6) encourage us to submit to God’s purpose for our lives, and (7) make us more compassionate toward others in trouble.

God’s best servants are often plain people who are available to Him.

God’s capacity for restoring life is beyond our understanding, forests burn down and are able to grow back, broken bones heal, even grief is not a permanent condition.

God’s greatest gift to us is His love.

Real prayer is not telling God what we want; it is putting ourselves at His disposal so that He can tell us what He wants.

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God Can Turn it Around!
When a tragic accident left Will Mitchell with disfiguring burns, he decided to focus on his possibilities, not his problems. Although he'd lost his fingers, he learned to fly an airplane solo.
Then one day while flying from Colorado to California, ice caused his plane to crash. Paralyzed from the waist down (and you think you've got problems), Mitchell was understandably depressed about being confined to a wheelchair for life. Then a friend gave him the same advice he'd earlier given to her: "It doesn't matter what happens to you. What matters is what you decide to do about it."
So Mitchell adopted the "Triple-A Formula."
1. Accept what has happened. Otherwise you live in denial, or open yourself to resentment and self-pity.
2. Appreciate what you can learn from it. Built into every painful experience is the potential to be wiser, stronger and more effective for God.
3. Adapt to the new opportunities it presents. It was darkness that drove Edison to keep searching until he discovered a source of light (and it can do that for you, too). Since then, Will Mitchell has held public office, found love, and given hundreds of talks.
He says, "Before I was paralyzed there were 10,000 things I could do, now there 9,000. Should I focus on 1,000 things I can't do? No, I'd rather concentrate on 9,000 ways in which life is still good."
So, whatever we're facing today, it's not too big for God. It can be turned around through "His power that is at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20) Author Unknown

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When Trouble Comes by David Jeremiah
"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life." – 2 Corinthians 1:8
Some people grow depressed during the holidays or during the light-shortened days of winter. For others, it's the anniversary of the death of a loved one. Perhaps a single person dreads spending the Weekends alone. Identifying the "triggers" that promote discouragement can be healthy.
Not long after beginning his missionary career, the apostle Paul learned when trouble was likely to come to him – when he entered a new area and began to preach the Gospel. He said that at one point in Asia, he and his coworkers "despaired even of life." But his troubles did not take his life. He later said he was "not crushed... not in despair... not forsaken... not destroyed." Indeed, it was the weakness of their "human vessels" that allowed "the life of Jesus" to be manifested through them to the world. When we despair, we do not despair about the ability of Jesus to see us through.
When you see troubles coming your way, know that you will not be crushed, forsaken, or destroyed as long as Jesus lives in and through you.

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Community is God's Answer to Defeat by Rick Warren
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." – Philippians 2:4
Each one of us needs other people to watch out for us – to defend us, protect us, and help us stay on track. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul tells us that we should look out for each other's interests, not just our own. What a counterculture verse! In America today, it's all about me – my needs, my interests, my wants, and my ambitions. But Paul teaches us to look out for others too.
Did you know you have an enemy far more destructive than any terrorists? You have a personal enemy who wants to defeat you. His name is Satan. He wants to bring problems into your life, to ruin your relationships, and to hurt you as badly as he can.
Why does he want to hurt you? Because he wants to hurt God, but he can't – so he goes after God's children. On your own, you will never win against Satan. But when you have other people to watch out for you and help you, you can be victorious.
Here's good advice from Ecclesiastes 4:12: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves" (NIV).
Does anyone have your back? Is anyone defending you – watching out for your spiritual welfare? You need a community of people who are saying to you: "We'll be with you when you're going through the tough times. We're not going to let you get discouraged or depressed."
Community is God's answer to defeat. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him" (NIV).
Remember: You can try, but you can't live life well on your own. We all need other people – to walk with us, to work with us, and to watch out for us.

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You Have What is Required!
When David first arrived at King Saul's palace he was a simple, unknown shepherd boy. But he had an impressive resume! God, in essence, said, "I saw you kill the bear and the lion; I was watching when you didn't realize it." Solomon wrote, "A man's gift makes room for him..." (Proverbs 18:16)
David's gift may have been only a slingshot, but it opened the door to his future as Israel's king. So even though what you've got doesn't seem like much, give it to God and watch what He can do with it.
You say, "But I'm not formally trained." All God requires is that you show up, say yes, and make yourself available. When you give God what you've got, He gives you what He's got; that makes your odds unbeatable.
"But I don't have the right credentials," you say. So what? Benjamin Franklin had less than two years of formal schooling, yet at 25 he founded America's first library, at 31 he started its first fire department, at 36 he designed a heating stove that's still in use today, at 40 he harnessed the power of electricity, at 45 he founded the nation's first university, and at 79 he invented bifocals.
He was an economist, philosopher, diplomat, inventor, educator, publisher and linguist who spoke and wrote in five languages.
Chances are, you already have more education than he had when he was your age. Add to that these two promises, "The Lord is my helper..." (Hebrews 13:6) and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," (Philippians 4:13) and you have what's required! Author Unknown

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Listen to your prayers, because they locate your level of spiritual maturity.
What are you praying for? Are you asking God to give you more stuff--a bigger house, a new car, a bigger salary? What you pray for indicates what is important to you.
It is a great lesson to examine what the people in the Bible prayed for.
King David, in Psalm 27:4, prayed, One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. He asked God for just one thing: that he would dwell in God's presence. David clearly knew that in God's presence he would receive everything he needed (see Matthew 6:33).
Paul also didn't pray for worldly things. Instead, in Philippians 1:9, Paul prayed that the church would walk in love: And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more. Paul knew the importance of love, and so he made it a point to pray that the church would grow more and more in love.
Furthermore, he prayed that believers would be strengthened spiritually: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being (Ephesians 3:16).
In short, your prayers can tell what you consider to be important. If you are only praying for worldly stuff, then you are neglecting what is of lasting value: knowing God, dwelling in His presence, walking in His love, and being strong spiritually.
Therefore, decide to adjust what you're praying for. Learn to listen to your prayers, because they locate your level of spiritual maturity. Weekly Wisdom

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Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians during a long and unjust imprisonment. Even though he was in the midst of suffering, this short epistle is full of rejoicing. Paul never complains or casts blame for his situation, because he learned to live above his circumstances.
Today, how do many people respond to difficulty? First, they try blaming others for the problem in order to make themselves feel better. But blaming only results in broken relationships. Second, they may complain, which brings pity from others but only enhances the problem in their own minds. Then, they search for a way out of the situation and, in the process, usually make things worse.
Paul knew that in order to live above his circumstances, rather than merely muddling through them, he needed to shift his focus.
Instead of examining his problem and complaining, he looked to God. He praised God, proclaiming, "I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Philippians 3:8)
God wants to hear our honest concerns, anger, and confusion about our trials. But He also wants us to trust Him.
Focusing on the Lord and praising Him doesn't mean that we insincerely pretend to enjoy tough times. Instead, we can honestly acknowledge that He is in control of the situation, and will guide our every step just as He promised.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
As believers have a simple choice. We can wallow in self-pity. Or, we can look to Jesus Christ and learn to live above our circumstances. Author Unknown


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When you pray, give God your life by Rick Warren
May your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 (TEV)
We worship God when we give him our lives every time we pray. Jesus says when we pray, we should commit ourselves to God's will. After I give God my love, I give Him my life.
Notice the prayer says, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Did you know God has a specific will for your life? The Bible says in Romans 12 that His will is good and perfect and it fits you. Part of connecting with God is saying, "God, what is your will for me today? I want to do your will."
In heaven, God's will is done perfectly. The problem on earth is God's will is not always done. That's why we're to pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We're saying, "God, I want to submit to You. I want to do what You want me to do." True success in life is knowing the will of God and getting right in the center of it.
You can pray "Your will be done" in three different ways. You can say it in resentment: "Your will be done, but I don't like it." You can say it in resignation: "Your will be done, because I can't help it." Or you can say it in anticipation: "Your will be done, because I know it is the best and that's what I want for my life today!"
When I was a kid, we watched a popular TV show entitled, "Father Knows Best." Your earthly father may not always know what's best, but your Heavenly Father does. That's what it means to say, "Your will be done."
Pray: "God, I know your will for my life is better than anything I can dream up. I want to give You my life. I want Your will done in my life."

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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
Chaotic conditions abound, but you do not have to be affected by your environment if you stay in My presence and maintain peace and order, says the Lord. Stay focused on Me and allow truth and righteousness to prevail. This is a time when it is better to stay quiet so that you can perceive and discern the spiritual atmosphere and be ready to prevail over all evil. And, after you've done what you can do, stand in a strong and uncompromising position. Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

The battle of the ages is raging to transform you into the image of Christ while Satan also tries to make you into his image. I have given you free will, the ability to choose, says the Lord. The enemy has increased his pressure through your circumstances, difficulties, and persecutions to choose to respond to life with evil instead of good. But, I have given you My Word to influence and guide your choices. Be wise! Revelation 22:12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

“I am bringing you into alignment on every level. It is My will to position you properly so that My purposes can be accomplished and My kingdom established. You may not think that you, as an individual, have much to do with destiny. But, everything you think, say, or do is vitally important to the spiritual condition of your sphere of influence. Be diligent to demonstrate the kingdom.”
“You have been repositioned as you have had to let go of many things that once meant everything too you. This has been for the purpose of establishing you in greater spiritual reality with renewed strength and vitality. You have stepped into a time of being reconnected to your spiritual roots yet with refreshing revelation.”
“The days ahead will be filled with My glory in the practical and commonplace things of life as you maintain awareness and see My manifest presence in unexpected ways. Walk in the Spirit and be available.”
“Events that left you reeling and trying to find stability and balance will now truly become a thing of the past as you begin to realize how insignificant it all was as compared with eternity and destiny. The power of My healing and restoration will become evident as you are able to release those who caused you pain. Forgiveness is essential to redemption.”
“I have established an altar in the heavenlies, in the realm of the Spirit, where you can bring all that concerns you, things you can do nothing about, and things you have absolutely no control over. Leave them with Me and release your fear and anxiety. Nothing is impossible with Me. Come into that place of peace and rest, trusting Me in all things.”
“You feel like you’ve been cut off, but this cutting off has only been from those things that needed to be put aside at this time. You are like a tree that has been cut off and banded so that your spiritual roots could go deeper and you could become stronger. Let your roots go deeper in the Word, in revelation, and relationship to Me. The day of release will come in due season.”
“There are times when you feel totally disconnected and alone. This is because the enemy of your soul has lied to you and tried to isolate and weaken you. But, that is not My design or plan for you. Now is the time to reconnect spiritually, first to Me, and then to those who are Mine. Take the time and make the effort to re-establish yourself in divine connections and kingdom purpose.”
“Allow Me to take you forward inch by inch, step by step, without fear or worry. I am with you and will open doors that no man can shut and to shut doors that no man can open. Trust Me with your future. I have already proven to you over and over again that I alone am your place of security, says the Lord.”

The enemy is doing his utmost to paralyze you with fear of failure and condemnation. Refuse to allow the devil to strip you of confidence to accomplish what I have set before you. As long as you are one with Me and your confidence is in Me, you will come through this attack in victory, says the Lord. 1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Take time to establish yourself in the truth of My Word, and do not allow the lies of the enemy to obscure My character, nature and will for you. I am for you and not against you, and I will bring you forth in strength if you will trust Me, says the Lord. Defeat comes to you by way of fear and unbelief. Your victory will come through faith and trust. You will either choose defeat or victory depending on what you believe. 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Do you hear the sound of the trumpet blast? It is the predominant sound in the realm of the Spirit to call you, My people, to come up higher. Those of you who have ears to hear will hear the sound that resonates with your heart to draw near to Me to receive instruction and direction for the next significant phase of your journey. Quiet your soul and listen with a sense of purpose and intention, ready to move forward with resolve and determination. I will lead you, says the Lord. Psalms 47:5 God has gone up with a shout, The LORD with the sound of a trumpet.

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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
"Set the trumpet to your mouth!" Hosea 8:1
Many of My people are laboring under the burden of anxiety because of their circumstances. And because they are laboring under the spirit of anxiety they are not at rest and they are not at full strength. So I say to those of you who find yourself in a time of anxiety, fear not, for I am with you. Fear not for I have not departed from you. Fear not for I will not abandon you nor will I leave you without My help. Turn your eyes again with faith upon Me, says the Lord, and I will lift you up and I will be your strength. I will become the very strength of your heart and the strength of your body. For the times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. In My presence your youth will be renewed and you will rise up on wings of eagles. Take those things that trouble you and place them upon My altar where I can deal with them. As long as you hold on to them and as long as you fret about them, and as long as you worry about them, they are not Mine, says the Lord God Almighty.

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JUST CALL UPON HIM Author Unknown
The boy walked along the ocean shore . . . trying not to stray.
He looked up to his father saying, "Dad, I want to play."
His father looked upon him, with love showing in his eyes.
"Do what you want to, my son . . . but do not leave my side."
"I would never leave you Daddy, I love you way too much."
But the boy took a step away, out of his father's range of touch.
He walked through the surf, the waves tickling one toe.
"If I take one more step in . . ." he thought, "Father will never know."
His father called out to him, "Son, to me remain true!"
The boy thought with glee . . . "At the moment I don't need you!"
His father felt a sadness, but he held his tongue.
Sometimes lessons need to be learned . . . even when so young.
The boy stepped out a little further . . . the water covering his waist.
His father spoke with urgency . . . his father spoke with haste.
"My son, come back to me," he said, "The day is almost done!"
"Not yet, Dad," the boy yelled, "I'm having too much fun!"
But the boy did not have his father's insight so he could not yet tell,
The tide was coming in fast . . . there would be no time to yell.
"Father!" he tried to scream, as the water covered his head.
"I need you now, Daddy!" was what the boy had said.
And in a single instant his father was by his side.
"I thought you left me, Daddy . . . I thought you went to hide."
The father looked upon his son . . . a tear streaming down his cheek.
The boy looked upon his father . . . and cried the sobs of the meek.
"I would never leave you son . . . for I love you just the same."
"I was only waiting . . . for you to call upon my name."

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JUDGE GENTLY
Author Unknown
Pray, don't find fault with the man that limps
Or stumbles along the road.
Unless you have worn the shoes he wears
Or struggled beneath his load.
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt
Though hidden away from view.
Or the burden he bears placed on your back
Might cause you to stumble too.
Don't sneer at the man who's down today
Unless you have felt the blow
That caused his fall or felt the shame
That only the fallen know.
You may be strong but still the blows
That was his if dealt to you
In the selfsame way, at the selfsame time
Might cause you to stagger too.
Don't be too harsh with the man that sins
Or pelt him with word or stone
Unless you are sure - yea, doubly sure -
That you have no sins of your own.
For you know, perhaps,
If the tempter's voice should whisper as soft to you
As it did to him when he went astray
It might cause you to falter too.

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In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

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

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

Behave Like a Christian
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21

9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.12 Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:9-16

The Armor of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For 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. 13Therefore 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. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18

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Pain is God's megaphone.
When life is going well, it can be easy to forget God. So, sometimes God will use painful circumstances -- difficulties, trials, and troubles -- to get our attention and remind us of our need for Him.
In James 1:2-4, we are instructed to rejoice in trials: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Why are trials good for us? Because they make us more mature -- that is, closer to God. So, when you feel the pain of life know that God is with you. Weekly Wisdom

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Thank you, God, for giving us life and for protecting us from harm. You are worthy of praise! Keep us from going in the wrong direction, call to us when we are lost, and lead us in the right direction. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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Read Through The Bible
Psalm 103
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

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Dear Father, Help us understand that you want to be involved in every detail of our lives, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Help us this day to offer ourselves and all our work to your glory. Guide us in all we do, that as you make all things according to your pattern, you may also make us into the likeness of Christ. In his name we pray. Amen.