Send your light and your truth; let them guide me

Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live.

There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy.

I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God!

Why am I discouraged? Why so sad?

I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!

Psalm 43:3-5 NLT

I got this from one of my online bible word studies.
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An appeal for guidance

Being lost in the darkness can be a very frightening situation. But imagine if your were also being pursued by people who were out to kill you!

This was the psalmist's urgent dilemma, and he didn't know which way to turn. But he did know to whom he would cry out for help. He asked God to show him the way, to guide him in the truth, and to to lead him to the Lord's presence.

Pray that God will guide your steps.

Set your sights on your final destination—God's dwelling place—and encourage yourself with the prospect of living joyfully in the Lord's presence.

A pray for today…

Dear God, guide me with your light and truth…

from The One Year® Book of Bible Prayers edited by Bruce Barton (Tyndale) entry for October 11

Oh Cece, I feel so convicted...

I'm on doing an aimless yakety-yak on Funyuns, Jimmy Neutron, and in general, men who make women swoon, and you come along with these beautiful devotions.

*feels ashamed, vows no more silliness on the NCM board and slinks off to pray and catch up on laundry.*

Blessings to you sweet Cece. I hope you're feeling better. Just remember, even a little nite-lite will get you to the bathroom safely at 3 in the morning. You may feel poorly, but you surely light the way for many in the dark...

quote:

Originally posted by Lucie Manette:
Oh Cece, I feel so convicted...

I'm on doing an aimless yakety-yak on Funyuns, Jimmy Neutron, and in general, men who make women swoon, and you come along with these beautiful devotions.

*feels ashamed, vows no more silliness on the NCM board and slinks off to pray and catch up on laundry.*

Blessings to you sweet Cece. I hope you're feeling better. Just remember, even a little nite-lite will get you to the bathroom safely at 3 in the morning. You may feel poorly, but you surely light the way for many in the dark...

Errr Uhhh I think I need to get that turkey in the oven riiiight about now. We having a big program at church tomorrow, so I gotta help out with cooking.

that's an awesome devotion cece!! keep it up girl.

God's promise to continue working in our lives requires perseverance on our part.

Whether you are an athlete undergoing grueling physical conditioning, an employee struggling under a mountain of work, or a Christian suffering persecution, the key to perseverance is a clear vision of the goal.

While the goal of an athlete is to win the race and goal of the employee is a job well done, the goal of the believer is nothing less than eternity in the presence of the Lord.

The writer of Revelation encourages Christians to keep their eyes on Jesus, who will reward the faithful, and to obey his Word to the end. When you feel like giving up, remember the glory that awaits you as a child of God.

from the TouchPoint Bible with commentary by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers (Tyndale) p 1136

For more on this week's topic, check this Tyndale resource:

I Told the Mountain to Move by Patricia Raybon (2005)

Secure with the keeper

It was dark and cold that November morning when the Livingstone family woke up to say farewell to their son David. He was leaving Scotland for the heart of Africa. Mrs. Livingstone made coffee; Mr. Livingstone dressed warmly to walk his son to Glasgow. David got the family Bible and read the comforting words of Psalm 121 with the family.

A dozen years later, Dr. Livingstone was contemplating a trip deeper into the unexplored interior of Africa along with his wife and children. Just before he left, he received a letter from his mother-in-law, Mary Moffat, who was also a missionary. "My dear Livingstone," she began. "Hitherto I have kept up my spirits and have been enabled to believe that our Great Master may yet bring you out in safety." She said that she was clinging to the promises of Psalm 121 and Psalm 91. "Unceasing prayer is made for you." Then she added, "Every petition, however fervent, must be with submission to his will."

Protected? Yes. Submissive to his will? That, too.

Jesus guaranteed us that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33). But no matter what happens, we can never be separated from God's love or God's purposes. He promises to preserve us from evil but not to pave over every pothole in life's road.

adapted from The One Year® Book of Psalms with devotionals by William J. Petersen and Randy Petersen (Tyndale) entry for October 17

Scripture Spotlight:
1 Corinthians 14:12 (NKJV)

Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

Other Translations:


(New International Version)
So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

(Amplified Bible)
So it is with yourselves; since you are so eager and ambitious to possess spiritual endowments and manifestations of the [Holy] Spirit, [concentrate on] striving to excel and to abound [in them] in ways that will build up the church.

(The Message)
It's no different with you. Since you're so eager to participate in what God is doing, why don't you concentrate on doing what helps everyone in the church?

(King James Version)
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

(New Living Translation)
Since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, ask God for those that will be of real help to the whole church.

(Revised Standard Version)
So with yourselves; since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

(Contemporary English Version)
If you really want spiritual gifts, choose the ones that will be most helpful to the church.

(Good News Translation)
Since you are eager to have the gifts of the Spirit, you must try above everything else to make greater use of those which help to build up the church.

(New American Standard Bible)
So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.

Power Source

I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

Philippians 4:12 NLT


Man is never so tall as when he kneels before God—never so great as when he humbles himself before God. And the man who kneels to God can stand up to anything.

Louis H. Evans1
Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT



Hang in there

Like most folks, the apostle Paul had his share of financial ups and downs. He speaks openly of his experience in the last few paragraphs of his letter to the church at Philippi. His comments are wise and helpful for anyone facing hard times, fiscal or otherwise.

He acknowledges having "plenty" on certain occasions and "almost nothing" in the way of financial resources at other times (Philippians 4:12) But notice that even in his bleakest moments, when his stomach was literally empty and growling, Paul's spirit was full (v. 11). Paul experienced genuine contentment in difficult times. How did he do this?

Paul relied on the strength of Christ to get him through. The verb translated "gives me…strength" means to infuse needed power into our souls. God's strength is a persevering kind of divine energy that can sustain you through economic difficulties or troubles of any kind.

Praying God's Promise:
I need help, Lord, and you have promised to infuse me with your infinite power. Without divine assistance I cannot press on. With your help and strength, I can do whatever you ask of me. Give me a second wind. I look to you in trust because I know you are faithful.2

1quoted in Wise Words & Quotes by Vernon McLellan (Tyndale) p 211
2from Praying God's Promises in Tough Times by Len Wood (Tyndale) pp 170-71

God will never stop working in our lives

I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
Psalm 16:7-8 NLT

The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of this lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord hold them by the hand.
Psalm 37:23-24

Giving thanks that God is near

Sometimes we try to "ride out the storms" in our lives—doing this the best we can. We think, If I can just hang on and be strong, I can get through this. David knew he couldn't make it on his own. In the past, he had found help in the Lord God. And in this prayer, David again sought the Lord's protection: "Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge" (v. 1). He rejoiced in the guidance and assistance the Lord had given him. Though his enemies were trying to shake and topple him, David stood firm because God was "right beside" him.

In prayer today, acknowledge that God is right beside you—upholding and guiding you. Thank him that he helps you and does not leave you to struggle on your own.

A pray for today…

Dear Lord, I will not be shaken, for you are right beside me…

from The One Year® Book of Bible Prayers edited by Bruce Barton(Tyndale) entry for November 4

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WHY JESUS?

JESUS was born,
that I might be born twice.

HE became poor,
that I might possess wealth.

HE became homeless,
that I might have mansions.

HE was stripped,
that I always should have clothes.

HE was forsaken,
that I always should have friends.

HE was bound,
that I might have perfect liberty.

HE was sad,
that I might have full joy.

HE descended,
that I should be lifted up.

HE became a servant,
that I might be a son forever.

HE was hungry,
that I should always have food.

HE was made sin,
that I should share HIS righteousness.

HE died,
that I should never taste Eternal death.

HE will come down,
that I might go up.

All of this -- that HE might display in me the riches of HIS grace
and be the companion of God in the heavenlies.

-- Author Unknown

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wow cece this really makes u stop and think for a minute. wow

Have you embarrassed your heavenly Father?

Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live.

Titus 1:16 NLT


Embarrasing God

Not so long ago I saw a man shopping in a grocery store while his young son ran up and down the aisles. The boy was unleashed and hyper, making a complete nuisance of himself. The father kept calling his son's name, but the boy only ran faster—up one aisle and down the other.

Just as the father caught up with him, the boy reached out and grabbed a handful of candy bars. The father tried to take them away, but the boy held on tightly. Then he started to scream. It was a high-pitched, piercing scream that reverberated throughout the store. Clerks and customers turned to look from every direction as the frustrated father tried his best to squelch his son's cries. The boy only screamed louder and started to kick. Finally the father let him go, and once again he ran down the aisle with all his might, chocolate still clutched in his greedy little grip.

I caught a glimpse of the father's face. It was the look of complete and total embarrassment. Although I'm sure he loved his son dearly, at this moment he was ashamed to be his father.

Do you think God ever feels that way with his children? Imagine how he must feel when we become so earthly minded that we run through life, ignoring his voice and oblivious to his warning, grabbing things as we go and holding them tightly.

Do you think God doesn't get embarrassed by the way his children act? Out life is a reflection of his authority. And when we disobey, he is the One the world scoffs at.

from Embracing Eternity by Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins and Frank M. Martin (Tyndale) p 148

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

wow that's good cece!! it really makes you think.

Thanks sweetie

Still thinking of that bottle with the little blue top...

What do you long for?

Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.

Psalm 73:25 NLT

Wait, is that God saying it to us as people, or is that a man saying it to God?

good point

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FIVE GREAT LESSONS

1 - Most Important Lesson

During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank.

Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello'."

"I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.


2 - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain

One night, at 11:30 PM, an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxi cab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him.

Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."
Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.


3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 year old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied." The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away.

The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies -You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.


4 - Fourth Important Lesson - The Obstacle in Our Path

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse
contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.


5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same
disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.

The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?" Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her. You see, after all, understanding and attitude, are everything.
-- Author Unknown

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: CeCeNicole,