Yesterday's daily devotional  from Anne Graham Lotz in my computer inbox:

FIXING WHAT'S WRONG

"By Him all things were created
that are in heaven and
that are on
earth, visible, and invisible."

~ Colossians 1:16NKJV

"It can be mind boggling to contemplate the vastness of the universe, from the greatest star to the smallest particle. It is so vast that astronomers are now saying that it stretches beyond what we are capable of penetrating, even with sophisticated telescopes like the Hubble. And every bit of it was created by the Living Word of God, Who, even as He hung the starts in space, counted them and called them each by name.

"Not only did he create objects of massive size, but He also created such minute, delicate, intricate things as snowflakes, n two of which are the same.

"Jesus Christ is the One by Whom, for Whom, through Whom everything was made. Therefore, He knows what's wrong in your life and how to fix it. Let Him take charge. Give Him the authority to put it right."

***

"When I think of the wisdom and scope of His plan I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father of all the great family of God---some of them already in heaven and some down here on earth----that out of HIs glorious, unlimited resources He will give you the mighty inner strengthening of His Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God's children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high His love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled with God himself.

~ Ephesians 3:14 - 19 LAB

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*Bible Commentary:  "The great family of God includes all who have believed in Him in the past, all who believe in the present, and all who will believe in the future. We are all a family because we have the same Father. He is the source of all creation, the rightful owner of everything. God promises His love and power to His family, the church, if we want to receive His blessings, it is important that we stay in living contact with  are cutting themselves off from God's power.

"God's love is total, says Paul (writer). It reaches every corner of our experience. It is long--it continues the length of our lives. It is deep--it reaches to the depths of discouragement, despair, and even death. It is wide---it covers the breadth of our own experience; and it reaches out to the whole world. It is high---it rises to the heights of our celebration and elation. When we feel shut out or isolated, remember that we can never be lost to God's love."

***

This morning I began reading in the book of James. Made me think of our voting and election today.

"Don't ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry for anger doesn't make us good, as God demands that we must be."

~ James 2:19 & 20 LAB

The Bible Commentary (in part): "This verse speaks of anger that erupts when our egos are bruised...my opinions are not being heard. When injustices occur, we may become angry because others are being hurt....."
Or we don't get our way!

We are voting for leaders in our counties, state, and nation. Chances are pretty good that some of who we vote for will win the election; some will not!

We need to stop and praise God before we learn of the outcomes!

Thank You, God, that You have everything
under control......even ALL
of our leaders.
Thank You for the election
and the people who will win the election.
Help us to focus on You 
and not on the things we may
or may not like.
You have taken care of us 
in the past.
And You will take care of us
in the future!
We praise 
and thank You!
Amen.

****

Today's entry (November6) by Sarah Young and her  "Jesus Calling"

"Seek to please Me, above all else.
As you journey through today,
there will be many choice-points
along your way.
Most of the day's decisions
will be small ones
you have to make quickly.
You need some rule of thumb
to help you make good choices.
Many people's decisions 
are a combination
of their habitual responses
and their desire
to please themselves or others.
This is not My way for you.
Strive to please Me in everything,
not just in major decisions.
This is possible only to the extent
that you are living in 
close communion with Me.
When My Presences is your deepest delight,
you know almost instinctively
what will please Me.
A quick glance at Me is all you need
to make the right choice.
Delight yourself in Me
more and more;
seek My pleasure in all you do."

~ Taken from John 8:29; Hebrews 11:5 & 6; Psalm 37:4

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Today might be a good day to hear from Tama Fortner and her ""100 Things God Loves About You". This is the first one! I used it one time before, but I like it:

GOD LOVES YOUR STORY

"All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.''

~ PSALM 139:16


"You have an amazing story.

 How can you be sure? 

Because it was written by Yahweh, the Lord God Himself, 

before you were even born.
He knew every twist of the
plot and every unexpected turn.
Every joy,
every sorrow.
Wherever you go, He has already been.
He will walk before you
and with you as Lord
and Guide and Friend.
And when you entrust
your story to Him,
He promises you the best of endings----
a happily, heavenly, forever after."

*****

Short entry from a book by Joyce Meyer;  "Words to Live By": 

"I heard a story about a woman who was afraid. This woman was a believer who had lived all her life in fear. She wouldn't drive because of fear. She wouldn't go out at night because of fear. Fear controlled her life.

"One day, she was talking to her friend, a fellow believer, and said, "i Just don't know what to do. I'm so afraid. Fear is stealing my life. I don't do this because of fear. I don't do that because of fear.' Her friend looked at her and said, 'Well, why don't you just do it afraid?'"

"God did not give us
a spirit of fear!
He gave us power,
love, and a calm
and sound mind."

~ 2 Timothy 1:7

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It's Veterans' Day; and an opportunity to think about and/or thank someone who is/has worn a uniform supporting/defending the United States of America. A good day to attend an organized event in our areas or to write a note/call a veteran or person in active duty in service to our country.

God bless America,

Land that I love,

Stand beside her and guide her

Thru the night with a light from above;

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the ocean white with foam,

God bless America,

My Home, sweet home.

God bless America,

My Home, sweet home.

Over the years, God has definitely blessed America. And many times he has used our people in uniform to do 'what needed to be done'. Thank you, veterans and people currently in uniform!

"Look here, 
you people who say,
'Today or tomorrow we are going
to such and such a town,
stay here a year,
and open a profitable business.'
How do you know what is going
to happen tomorrow?
For the length of your lives
is as uncertain as the morning fog---
now you see it; soon it is gone.
What you ought to say is
'If the Lord wants us to,
we shall live
and do this or that.'
Otherwise you will be bragging
about your own plans,
and such self-confidence
never pleases God."

~ James 4:13 - 16 LAB

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Bible Commentary:  "It is good to have goals, but goals can disappoint us if we leave God out of them There is no point in making plans as though God does not exist, because the future is in His hands. What would we like to be doing ten years from now? One year from now? Tomorrow? How will we react if God steps in and rearranges our plans? Plan ahead, but we are to hang on to our plans lightly. If we put God's desires at the center of our planning, we will not be disappointed.

"Life is short no matter how long we live. We are not to be deceived in to thinking we have lots of remaining time to live for Christ, to enjoy our loved ones, or to do what we know we should. We are to live for God today! Then no matter when our life ends, we will have fulfilled God's plan for each of us."

***

Yesterday's Max Lucado email to me:

NORMAL DISCIPLESHIP

"You don’t have to be weird to follow Jesus. You don’t have to stop liking your friends to follow him – just the opposite!

"Sometime ago I was part of a foursome for golf that included two preachers, a church leader, and a guy who wasn’t a Christ follower. The thought of four hours with all of us didn’t appeal to him. His best friend, a Christ follower—and his boss—insisted, so he agreed.

"I’m happy to report that on the ninth hole he said, 'I’m so glad you guys are normal.' I think he meant this: 'I’m glad you didn’t get in my face or club me with a King James driver. Thanks for laughing at my jokes and telling a few yourself.'

"We didn’t lower standards, but neither did we saddle a high horse. Discipleship is sometimes defined by being normal."

***

At our ecumenical Bible study a few weeks ago, our leader challenged us to read the 23rd Psalm every day for a month.

I decided to take the challenge and just passed 30 days today! I read it the Living Bible translation, which I tend to like.

Most of us know the first verse, "The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want!" But we tend to 'want' a lot of stuff.

This translation says, "Because the Lord is My Shepherd, I have everything I need!" "Need' is much different than 'want'.

Here is the 'whole' chapter; pretty short:

 "Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!

"He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.

^"Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.

"You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest;
blessings overflow!

"Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home."

Notice how David (writer) goes from talking 'about' his Shepherd in the first few verses to talking 'to' the Shepherd in the last part. David's need became bigger as his need intensified!

The minister at our local church is leading a 4-week study series on 'Loneliness' as we go into the holiday season. Last night was class number two.

"The most terrible poverty
is loneliness
and the feeling of being unloved."

 ~ Mother Terese

If you have feelings of loneliness, reach out to someone else to talk with or do something together.

To help someone else this holiday season, invite him/her/them to your home. Or to a community event or to your local church.

According to the class, "If a person is dealing with loneliness, he/she should reach out to God and to others."

"The Lord himself goes before you 
and will be with you;
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Do not be afraid;
do not be discouraged.

~ Deuteronomy 31:8

*

"Keep your lives free from the love of money
and be content
with what you have,
because God has said,
'Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.'"

~ Hebrews 13:5

**

Heavenly Father,
help us to look to You
when we feel lonely 
or afraid.
Help me to think less
about myself
and more about others.
And to keep my focus on You!
Amen.

**

Yesterday's entry in "365 Days of Prayer for Women" by Stephanie Sample.

Especially as we get closer to Thanksgiving.

THANK YOU

"Let us be thankful,
because we have a kingdom 
that cannot be shaken.
We should worship God
in a way that pleases Him
with respect and fear."

~ HEBREWS 12:28 NCV

"Thank you, God. I pray for a heart that feels those words the moment I open my eyes each day. Thank you for opening my eyes today. Thank you for the possibilities stretched before me. Thank you for chances to depend upon and glorify you as I go along my way. Please forgive my ingratitude, Lord. When I grumble about wanting a few extra minutes of sleep, remind me that I have reason to rise. When I look upon a messy kitchen with resignation, let me see it as the beating heart of my home, reminding me I have a home. Come into every moment, Jesus, and remind me I have you."

"Are you truly thankful?"

***

I am beginning to read the book of Galatians. It tells of Paul (writer) teaching a portion of Jewish people that Gentiles must obey Jewish laws in order to become Christians.

In chapter 2, Paul is preaching in Jerusalem with the news that these people aren't right.

The Bible Commentary on verse two says, "The essence of Paul's message to both Jews and Gentiles was that God's salvation is offered to all people regardless of:

race,
sex,
nationality,
wealth,
social standing,
education,
or anything else.

"Forgiveness comes through trusting in Christ."

***

Can we ever tire of having people tell us they LOVE us?

I doubt it!

The Bible is full of times when God tells us of His love for us.

Tama Fortner pens "100 Things God Loves About You". This is #5:

GOD LOVES TO CALL YOU HIS OWN.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

~ I John 3:1


"God loves you. More than just a little. More than a lot. He loves you lavishly. His love is not the stingy, strings-attached love of this world. It is a love that stretches beyond the stars and reaches far into eternity. Just call His name, reach out to Him------and His love will sweep into your life, scoop you up, and whisper softly over and over, 'You are Mine'.........for you are His very own."

****

A wonderful week to celebrate opportunities to be thankful. It's Thanksgiving!

This is one of the Bible verses which was part of our worship service yesterday:

"Let the peace of heart
which comes from Christ
be always present 
in your hearts and lives,
for this is your responsibility
and privilege
as members of his body.
And always be thankful.

~ Colossians 3:15 LAB

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Bible Commentary:  "Another translation of this verse is, 'Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.' The word rule comes from athletics. Paul tells us to let Christ's peace be 'umpire' in our hearts. Our hearts are the center of conflict because there our feelings and desires clash---our fears and hopes, our distrust and trust, our jealousy and love. How can we deal with these constant conflicts and live as God wants? Paul explains that we must decide between conflicting elements on the basis of peace---which choice will promote peace in our souls and in our church churches?'

***

Dear Lord,
help us!
When we know what we should
be doing,
help us to choose well
and just do it!
We are thankful for Your help.
In Jesus' Name.
Amen.

Not wanting to waste any printed space, OUR IOWA magazine always has 'Side Notes' in the vertical margins of pages in each issue. Here are a handful from the December/January issue:

"While earning your daily bread,
be sure you share
a slice with 
those less fortunate."

*
"If we want life to run smoothly,
we must grease it
with gratitude."

*
"Education is one thing
that can't be taken
away from you."
~ Harry S. Truman

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"Don't just 
talk the talk,
walk the talk."

*
"Nothing should be prized
more highly
than the value 
of each day."

*
"Put everything in God's hand
and eventually
you will see God's hand
in everything."

****

Today's entry in "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence" by Sarah Young, for today, as we march closer to Thanksgiving Day:

"Let thankfulness rule in your heart. As you thank Me for blessings in your life, a marvelous thing happens. It as if scales fall off your eyes, enabling you to see more and more of My glorious riches. With your eyes thus opened, you can help yourself to whatever you need from My treasure house. Each time you receive one of My golden gifts, let your thankfulness sing out praises to My Name. 'Hallelujahs' are the language of heaven, and they can become the language of your heart.

"A life or praise and thankfulness becomes a life filled with miracles. Instead of trying to be in control, you focus on Me and what I am doing. This is the power of praise; centering your entire being in Me. This is how I created you to live, for I made you in My own image. Enjoy abundant life by overflowing with praise and thankfulness."

~ Colossians 3:15; Acts 9:18; Revelation 19:3 - 6;
Psalm 100: 4 - 5

***

Running through my mind this morning:

"Thank you, Lord.

Thank you, Lord.

Thank you, Lord.

I just want to
thank you, Lord."

(words are traditional,
Music was adapted and 
arranged by William Farley Smith in1986)

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Today's entry by Max Lucado.

It's a good one; his are always good!

KNOWN BY GOD

"In the aftermath of 9/11 a group of religious leaders was invited to come to Washington and pray with President Bush. The group was well-frocked and well-known. You might wonder if I felt out of place. The only time I wear a robe is when I step out of the shower.

"But when it came my turn to meet George W. Bush, I added, 'And Mr. President, I was raised in Andrews, Texas—a half-hour drive from your hometown.' He smiled that lopsided smile and let his accent drawl ever so slightly. 'Why, I know your town. I’ve walked those streets. I’ve even played your golf course..' It was nice to know that the president knew my home.

"How much nicer to know the same about God. Yes, he rules the universe. Yes, he has walked your streets. He’s still the next door Savior. Jesus – above all powers?"

"You bet he is!"

****