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On this page are wonderful inspirational words of encouragement. Read them to give you encouragement to live a totally fulfilling life.
ADVENT
DEVOTIONAL Imagine seeing or experiencing something that will change your life forever. We have all had experiences, or seen things that have made us different - perhaps changed us forever. I remember waking up one morning suddenly realizing that I really was going to move to Tennessee and become a college professor. So far away from New England, where I had planned to stay. But the experience was wonderful and changed me "forever". Now imagine being a 14-year old girl, and being told that you will have a baby, and you are not yet married. And then you are told that this baby will save the world. And on top of this, the young girl has to face her fiancé with the news that she is carrying a child that is not his. CHANGES - we all struggle with them, and they seem severe, formidable, and frightening. Yet these changes are a part of our lives. And they always turn out for good. We know this, because the Bible says that all things work together for good to those who are called, according to God's purpose, and the Bible also says that what Satan means for evil, God turns to good. But, when changes occur, they are so dramatic that fear is our first response to them. But God has good news for those who fear, for He understands us and what we go through. He is with us as we go through it, and He will lead us to where He wants us to be. He will have total victory, and we will share in that victory as well. Therefore we should not be afraid of the past, (which is done), the present (which God is controlling), or the future (which God has planned). Luke 12:22-32 says the following: "Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.’" To paraphrase this passage we may say - Don't worry! Don't worry about food, clothes, or anything else. You are more important than birds or lilies, which God takes care of beautifully. Seek God's kingdom, and God will give everything to you. He even wants to give you His kingdom. Great changes are happening today, and you may also be experiencing great changes in your life. In all of these things, the kingdom of God will be advanced, for in Philippians 1:12, Paul says, "What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." So do not be afraid "little flock", for your Father has been pleased to give YOU the kingdom. Rev. Patricia A. Rainey M.Ed. C.A.G.S.
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