Sunday Writings in WFM... 3/13/16

 Good Morning Readers 

And we know that in all things 

God works for the good of those who love him, 

who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 NIV
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 Sunday's Devotional 

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

This is the day that most people in the U.S. have set their clocks forward one hour, giving them more daylight hours after work for the summer months. For those who are retired, or for those of us who live in areas that do not adjust their clocks, it is still a time of year when there is more time between sunrise and sunset.  What will you do with your extra daylight hours?  

Some people use that "extra" time to do more evening shopping without having to drive in the dark, or attending outdoor events or sports before darkness sets in.  Farmers simply use the extra daylight hours, no matter what the clocks say, perhaps to get more time in the fields, etc.  Others don't care whether the sun is out or not and just do their normal day of activities year round, oblivious to the extra daylight time. 

God has given us this gift of cyclical changes in daylight hours.  Perhaps we could think of more ways to give back to him a portion of that extra time when our days are extended.  How might we do this?  Maybe there is more time to take a walk after dinner, and while doing so we could pick up litter that is cluttering God's earth.  Or it might give us the opportunity to get to know our neighbors better in this world of increasing isolation.  They may be in dire need of something, or of a listening ear.  Most importantly, we may find ways to share God's love with others around us, whether it be in the neighborhood, or in the shopping mall, or at the athletic field.  We might open up conversations with people by praising God for his glorious creation.  It could lead to a much deeper needed discussion.  If the thought of that scares us, we can pray every day that God will help lead us to say what is needed and to forgive us when we miss those opportunities.  Let's find ways to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ every day!

Psalm 71:8, 14-15 (NIV)  "My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long...  As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.  My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long - though I know not how to relate them all."

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for your wonderful creation with its seasonal changes that we can count on like clockwork. As most of the nation now is observing Daylight Saving Time, help us to remember that it is always "People Saving Time" in your book, through the gift of your Son.  Send us your Holy Spirit to give us stronger faith and the ability to share that faith with those around us who so deeply need to hear about your free gift of salvation in Jesus.  Help us to reach the unbelievers, the doubting, and the fragile in faith with the promise of your loving forgiveness, to give light to their days of struggle.  Thank you for forgiving us when we fail and for giving us the strength to go on in all circumstances.  We praise you for your gracious mercy.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

written by Jan Andersen

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 GRACE 

...and all are justified freely by his grace
through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:24

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man,
how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision
of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life
through the one man, Jesus Christ!
Romans 5:17

And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works;
if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
Romans 11:16

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 Bless you all and have a great Sunday! 

 God bless  

 from 

 the Writing Staff 

 of
 Women's Focus Ministries 

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