Sunday Writings.....7/10/16

Sunday Writings... 7/10/16

Good morning...

I am enjoying the visit of my daughter, Aleisha, and my grandson, Sam. There is joy in life no matter what horror is happening. 

That said, as I was looking for quotes of Christian wisdom I came upon the following quote...

A national evil requires a national remedy; let not this any longer be delayed: let your minds expand, free from every narrow principle, and let the public good become the sole object of your united Christian efforts. 

Joseph Lancaster

Please pray for our country and for ourselves as people who can participate in the creation of a national remedy against the evil and misunderstandings that seem to be rampant,

God bless from
Corinne

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The Devotional component in the Sunday Writings of Women's Focus Ministries is titled, "KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON" and was written by Jan Andersen. In light of all that is going on in our world today, it is sometimes hard to keep calm and carry on.  "There are also other times when life seems to take over and overwhelm us - health issues, family discord, work struggles, abuse, addictions, etc.  It makes us wonder how we can keep calm and carry on.  The important thing for us is to turn to God and trust in him to take care of us no matter what..."

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  Today's Devotional   

"KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON"

written by

Jan Andersen

The phrase "Keep Calm and Carry On" comes from a set of British motivational posters from 1939 in preparation for World War II.  Ironically, most of the nearly 2.5 million Keep Calm posters were never used and were later destroyed.  But the phrase has been resurrected and used on numerous products.

I have learned that if I become anxious it only makes situations worse.  As a young student in school I was often self conscious about things like dropping something as I walked in the hallway.  Fretting about whether other kids were making fun of me as I picked it up would usually make me drop more things.  Remaining calm allowed me to proceed with grace.  When I was learning to play the flute in grade school, I found that if I played with confidence, the sound came out better and I made fewer mistakes.  I have continued to learn how keeping calm is helpful.  When I am riding a horse, it helps when I remain relaxed, especially when the horse is nervous or fearful.  If I become apprehensive, then the horse senses it through the tension in my body and becomes more excitable.  If I remain calm, even if the horse spooks, I am able to remain atop my steed, and he quiets much more quickly!

Keeping calm in daily life can be difficult.  Sometimes there are things going on around us in this turbulent world that make us very fearful.  Take for example all the senseless shootings that have occurred.  For some of us it is just a general despair over the state of things.  But for others there is a very real sense of danger and an actual threat to their very lives.  There are also other times when life seems to take over and overwhelm us - health issues, family discord, work struggles, abuse, addictions, etc.  It makes us wonder how we can keep calm and carry on.

The important thing for us is to turn to God and trust in him to take care of us no matter what.  Sometimes it is immediately apparent and other times it is more in the long run that God's help becomes evident.  In any case we turn to him in prayer for peace, and we carry on in steadfast trust.  It is amazing how letting go to God and keeping calm in his arms makes our problems melt away!

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)  You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Dear Lord in heaven, have mercy on us.  Help us to remain faithful and to put our full trust in you in spite of what happens around us and to us in this world. Forgive us where we falter.  Help us to keep calm and carry on in perfect peace, witnessing your love to all those around us.  Keep our eyes fixed on you.  In Jesus' name, Amen. 

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  Quotes of Famous Christians   

   Past and Present   

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. Martin Luther

The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.' 

Billy Graham

The same thing which is now called Christian religion existed among the ancients. 

They have begun to call 'Christian' the true religion which existed before. 

Saint Augustine 

When you become a Christian, something truly amazing happens: 

God comes to live inside your heart. You become the home of God. 

Joyce Meyer

I have always had a deep connection with my faith, and I was fortunate 

to have been brought up in a Christian environment. My faith is 

a very important part of who I am. 

Roma Downey

Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/christian_35.html

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    Inspirational Prayer for Today   

My Eternal Wise King, the Maker of all things created, I'm so thankful that You're a God that's not only gentle and kind, but bountiful, when it comes to Your mercy. Know that I come before You today, with the hope that You will help aid me, when it comes to developing the fruit of gentleness. I truly believe that I've come to realize, that I need to be more gentle. And not only that, but quick to listen and slow to anger. Especially when it comes to my dealing with others. O Heavenly Father, help me to be able to reflect the fruit of gentleness in which I seek. Help me to be able to use this fruit, when it comes to my daily habits. Particularly if those habits consists of learning how to be more forgiving, humble, kind and understanding.

My Loving Lord, I wondering if it's truly possible for me, to be able to be covered in tender mercy, meekness, humility, and kindness? O God, if so, show me how! And in turn, I will continually press myself, when it comes to walking in gentleness.

My Strong Tower, please give me the strength and courage, to be truly loving to others.

Know that I'm placing my heart, and my complete trust in You. For I'm so fortunate to have found myself at a place in my life, to where I'm now willing, to let peace rule throughout my heart and mind. Also know that I no longer, want chaos, running rampant from within me, terrorizing my inner-being. 

Thank You Father for being a Source, that's true and uncorrupted. For I know how fortunate I am, to be able to have someone like You. Someone that I can constantly count on in my life. For You're my Dwelling Place. You're the Shield in which I will courageously stand behind, holding fast, while being unwavering, when it comes to who I truly am, in Christ. Help me Almighty, to be obedient and strong enough, when it comes to being a gentle light. When it comes to being a light that's burns bright, especially when it comes to being able to shine, from within a world that has become so dark and filled with spite.

My Merciful Judge, I beg of You, please be patient with me. Especially as I press myself, when it comes to being used more; used by Your Holy Spirit. For I now know that this is the only way, I will be able to be, not only gentle, but also powerfully effective, when it comes to my calling. I'm so grateful that I'm learning to have more patience, and a better understanding. Particularly when it comes to the struggle of others. Know that I've dedicate myself (more and more,) when it comes to the spreading of the Gospel. Thank You O Loving Father, for what You're about to do in my life, especially when it comes to being a strong gentle light. A light that burns constantly bright from within this lost dark world. In Jesus Mighty Name - I pray - 

Amen.

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   Today's Inspiring Graphic   

Would you rather be an eagle or a pigeon?

It is true that pigeons flock together, 

and it is said that there is safety in numbers.

On the other hand to soar like an Eagle is has been noted in the Bible.

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, 

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 49:31

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Prayers are lifted up daily for 

you by the Devotional Writers 

and the Monthly Writing Staff

of Women's Focus Ministries.

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