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I went to an exciting event last Sunday. Our community hosted a prayer gathering with pastors from different churches. This included people that look different than me. This diverse crowd praising God is what I think heaven will be like. We worshiped the Lord and prayed for healing on our community. Psalm 120:1 is, “I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 Circumstances change when God’s people pray as one. People of different races came together to pray for reconciliation from past sins of racism. We also interceded for thoseRead More →

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Many years ago, I learned the importance of forgiveness. When others hurt me or someone I love, I need to forgive. This releases me so my hurt can heal. If I don’t let go, bitterness and anger festers in my heart. When I get upset by others who disagree with me, I am unforgiving. Colossians 3:13 is, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 God wants me to tolerate others. To me, this is a heart issue of wanting people to agree with me.Read More →

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Over the past few weeks, I am alarmed by the amount of hate in the world. It is scary to see all of this ugliness. I know God is in control, but wonder how He will guide us to solve racial issues. 1 John 4:7 is, “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves God is a child of God and knows God. Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 Love will overcome hate. God has changed my heart so I love others. “Love” means I treat everyone with kindness and respect. I don’t have to likeRead More →

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My life has slowed down. I no longer run around from one “must do” to another. Even with more time to rest, I am tired all the time. Instead of a rest day with no plans, I need rest from fixing world problems. Isaiah 40:31 is, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 God gives me strength to accomplish what I need to. He helps me let go of worries I don’t need toRead More →

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Fear has always been my downfall. My brain can examine any situation and create the worst possible ending. With today’s uncertainty, my anxiety will be out of control if my mind keeps thinking negative thoughts. My fears keep me from drawing closer to God and destroy my peace. 2 Timothy 1:7 is, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 The Lord wants me to break free from fear. When I seek Jesus, I find strength to overcome my anxiety. He reveals truth so I can see faith onRead More →

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Stress eating used to be my downfall. I used food to soothe my anxieties, including the extra activities during May. This year, my school year ending stress is replaced by living in a world of COVID 19. With the Lord’s help, my eating has been better during these last two months. Psalm 63:1 is “You God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011 I have been seeking God instead of food. Without dieting, I am starting to seeRead More →

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When I find dramatic cliffhangers in a book, I skip to the end for a quick peek. I hate waiting for an ending, even in life. The “not knowing” when I can safely eat at a restaurant or get a pedicure is killing me. I am starting to find peace by letting go of my need to know. James 4:14-15 is, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog – it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live, and doRead More →

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I have good days and bad days dealing with the world’s latest struggle. Life was stressful and full of unknowns enough before this new virus. I have more time to draw close to God, but waste it seeking news and entertainment. My mind is cluttered so I don’t see God. Psalm 46:10 is, “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth’” The Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011 God commands me to be still so I can find Him. When I pick up my Bible while thinking about problems,Read More →

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Being stuck at home to stay safe from COVID 19 is making me lazy. I no longer have to wake up early since I can work in my jammies. Most of those things I once rushed around for no longer exist. I am spending some of my excess time searching internet sites and watching TV. I am restless, bored, and need something to satisfy me. When I spend my energy seeking entertainment, my heart gets empty. A slower pace is not my biggest problem. I need to devote more time to draw closer to Jesus. Lamentations 3:22-23 is “The faithful love of the Lord neverRead More →

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This Holy Week is unlike any during my lifetime. I normally am ready to celebrate Easter. Usually, I draw closer to God by preparing spiritually. This year, church will be online and we will not see family. I did not buy candy for church egg hunts. I have been doing Easter devotions, but am more focused on things going on in the world. Matthew 6:33 is “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011 Matthew talks seeking earthly needs in the verses leading to this one. Instead ofRead More →