Something written by Max Lucado:

Unpack Your Bags

"Do you question your place in God's family? Do you fear his impending rejection? Do you wrestle with doubt-laced questions, such as...'Am I really in God's family? What if God changes his mind?'

"Lord knows, he has reason to do so. We wonder, 'Will God turn me out?' Employers do. Coaches kick players off the team. Teachers expel students from school. Parents give birth to children and abandon them at a bus station. How do we know God won't do the same? After all, he is holy and pure, and we are anything but is it safe to trust our place in God's family?

"God answered this question at the cross. When Jesus died, the heavenly vote was forever cast in your favor. He declared for all to hear, This child is my child! My covenant will never change.

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Prayer of the Day for Thursday;

taken from '31 Days of Prayer" by Focus on the Family:

Day 25:  Pray for an end to violence.

"Heavenly Father,

Thank You for protecting my family. Today I ask You to extend Your hand of protection and peace across our nation in area torn apart by violence. Minister to victims of violence and work to transform those who act in violence. Send Your angels to guard over the innocent. Thank you.

In Jesus name. Amen."

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