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God Prunes With Love

*Prune

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2

I view my past illness, a brain tumor that caused nearly a decade of clinical depression and near death, as an answered prayer. In days gone by, I often petitioned God to remove me from the public school system. But my prayers were never prayers of true faith. No, they were prayers of desperation and hopelessness. I never quit my job to pursue a different career because finances were always priority. I didn’t believe God would provide for my family in the same manner I was able to provide as a teacher. Relying on myself was easier than trusting God, especially when it came down to future finances. This is where my thinking fell short. Scripture says God will provide for our NEEDS…. Not for every want and desire, comfort or luxury. Continue reading “God Prunes With Love”

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Speak Lord, I’m Listening

 

Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10 (NKJV).

If we want to deepen our intimacy with God, we should consider our time of fellowship with Him. God speaks to His children throughout the day, not just during morning devotions! But because we are so easily caught up with routines and “To Do Lists,” we forget to practice a continual upward focus. As a result, we miss many opportunities to converse with God. A constant awareness of God’s presence is the act of abiding in Christ. Continue reading “Speak Lord, I’m Listening”

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Depressed? Recall The Faithfulness of God!

“When the world says, ‘GIVE UP,’ Hope whispers, ‘TRY IT ONE MORE TIME.’” ~Unknown

Many strong and inspiring figures of the Bible suffered from depression: David, Jonah, and Job are just a few. David had Saul breathing down his back and looking for ways to kill him. (1 Sam. 19:1-2) God commanded Jonah to warn his Ninevite enemies to repent. Instead, he turned tail and ran away. God then sent a whale to swallow Jonah, but only after sailors tossed him overboard hoping to calm a raging sea. (Jonah 1:4, 11-12, 15). God tested Job’s faithfulness by permitting Satan’s request to afflict and torment him (Job 1:8-12). Each man had a strong relationship with God and a deep faith, yet they suffered from depression. Why? Continue reading “Depressed? Recall The Faithfulness of God!”

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God Is In The Details

 

Remember…. GOD CARES ABOUT THE DETAILS!! He knows what you are walking through today and has everything worked out. Trust HIM with the details.

“What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.” James 5:11 (MSG)