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Daily Devotional November 11, 2023

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  A tragedy is a story in which the main characters succumb to the difficult circumstances in their lives. Some might call Jesus’ life a tragedy. As an adult, He was homeless and often misunderstood. The Pharisees harassed and hated Him. Even Jesus’ disciples occasionally doubted His divinity. When He truthfully said He was the Son of God, the authorities convicted Him of blasphemy (Mark 14:61-65). As punishment—although innocent of any sin—Roman soldiers tortured, mocked, and crucified Him. Jesus, tragic? No way. His death was the foundation for the most important triumph of all time—the resurrection! (John 20:11-14). Paul wrote that God “raised Christ from the dead” (Colossians 2:12). Beyond the flesh-and-blood miracle of Jesus’ resurrection, He “disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross” (Colossians 2:15). Without Jesus, our lives would be tragic. We would live and die in our sin with no hope of escaping its conseque
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Daily Prayer November 11, 2023

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  Dear Lord, help me to go about the tasks and duties of this day with the remembrance that I am Your servant therein. Make me honest, painstaking, and cheerful. And, grant that all I do and say may bring good to others and glory to Your Holy Name. May I have the courage never to be afraid of anyone. May I have the generosity to bear ill-feeling toward no-one. Lead me to live in such a way as to treat others in the same way as I would like to be treated. Inspire me never to be violent in thought, word or action, and lead me to conquer evil with goodness. Let me go forth in Your peace, keeping Your Spirit always in my mind. And bless me, I pray, that I might always follow Your will and live in the radiance of Your blessing. Amen
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Daily Devotional November 10, 2023

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  The Bible compares a person who trusts in God to a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river (Jer. 17:8). Because its roots are well-nourished, this tree survives soaring temperatures. And, during drought, it continues to yield fruit. Even strong trials cannot blow down a person who is rooted in God. Like a firmly rooted tree, people who rely on God have a sense of stability and vitality despite the worst circumstances. In contrast, people who place their trust in other humans often live with a sense of instability. The Bible compares them to a desert shrubs that are frequently malnourished and stand alone (Jer. 17:6). So, it is with the spiritual lives of people who forsake God. Where are our roots? Are we rooted in Jesus? Are we a bridge that leads to Him? If we know Christ, we can testify to this truth: Blessed are those who trust in the Lord (Jer. 17:7).
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Daily Prayer November 10, 2023

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Dear God, as I face another day, I know I am going to face many challenges to my faith, patience, to my love for others. I am going to have constant temptations to lapse into sin. Come to me now, Lord, and stay with me all day. Let Your Spirit encompass my mind. Let me know Your presence. Steer my hand, direct my words, guide my thoughts in everything I think and say and do. I resolve to live this day as a beacon of Your glory, the best I can, with your help. I commit myself to give this day to You. In the name of Christ, be with me and help me. Amen
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Daily Devotional November 9, 2023

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  Most of us like to look good. We want to appear that we "have it all together", with no struggles or fears or temptations or heartaches. Trying to maintain a facade of perfection on our spiritual journey doesn't help us or our fellow travelers. But, sharing our lives with others in the body of Christ benefits us as well as others. When we are a bit more transparent, we may find people who are struggling in a similar situation. And, as we enjoy a growing fellowship with God and become more aware of our own brokenness and inadequacy, God is able to use us more fully to help others. Let's allow God to strip away any pretense and "let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Heb. 10:24). Believers stand strong when they don't stand alone. Wearing a mask that shows everything's fine says that life's struggles are not God's design. But when we're open, transparent and true, people will trust God to meet their ne
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Daily Prayer November 9, 2023

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  Dear Lord, give me the strength to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely on Your holy will. Reveal Your will to me every hour of the day. Bless my dealings with all people. Teach me to treat all people who come to me throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings and in unexpected events, let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me the physical strength to bear the labors of this day. Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray in me. Amen
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Daily Devotional November 8, 2023

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  Nothing is miserable but what is thought so. And contrariwise, every estate is happy if a person that bears it will be content. Our view of changing circumstances and contentment is a personal choice. It still matters into you. The apostle Paul reinforced the idea that the way we view our circumstances is more important than the circumstances themselves. While he too was in prison, he wrote: "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Phil. 4:11). Both men could be content because they drew their ultimate satisfaction from God, who never changes. Do you feel chained to difficult circumstances? God can give you contentment. Lasting satisfaction can be found only with Him, for in His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Ps. 16:11). When all you have is God, you have all you need.
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