Tuesday Writings...5/10/16

Good morning...

      I am excited to introduce you to a new devotional writer on our staff. Here name is Diane Sutton. Diane has a gift for giving words to people that help them in understanding themselves and what God is trying to work in their lives. As you will see she is an excellent writer and her work shows great insight that will interest you. Welcome, Diane.

Have a Magnificent Monday!

Have you ever felt called to do something by God that was way out of your comfort Zone? Something that you did not feel equipped or talented enough to do? If you do you are in good company. Moses felt the same day when God wanted him to led the Israelites out of Egypt. We all have felt that way. Diane Sutton has written a devotional called, "The First Time." It speaks to our lack of confidence when asked to do something we feel we are not equipped to do. This is one point she has made in this writing, "Each time God calls on us, we should trust in the Lord and have confidence that He is with us as each step is taken."

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  Today's Devotional   

"The First Time"

written by

Diane Sutton

This year has become a year of “uncomfortable firsts” for me.  In February I gave my first public testimony in church.  In April I spoke for the first time at the WFM retreat. Now in May I am writing my first devotion.

When asked to do something for the first time, I am eager to begin the preparations.  But then doubts enter my mind – “What was I thinking?  I have never done this before.  I can’t do this. I am in way over my head. There are others more qualified than me.” 

I am reminded of Moses when he was directed by the Lord to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. After giving God several excuses why he shouldn’t be the one chosen to lead, Moses finally pleaded, “Please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:1-17)

Moses pleaded with the Lord because he lacked the confidence that he could accomplish this monumental task. We each have faced such tasks in our lives where God has called us to step away from our comfort zone. Each time God calls on us, we should trust in the Lord and have confidence that He is with us as each step is taken.

“But blessed is the one 

who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him. 

They will be like a tree
planted by the water that 

sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; 

its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

God uses uncomfortable situations to grow us, to challenge our beliefs, to strengthen us, and to bless others.  We have to willingly accept that when we allow God to have control of our lives, we will be put in situations that make us uncomfortable.  When we are willing to be in an uncomfortable place, we will be able to experience fully the plan and purpose that God has for us.

LORD, please do not let me get too comfortable in in my habits and daily life that I don’t want to want to move to where you are leading me. I am glad I can trust you and have complete confidence in you. In your precious name, amen 

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  Tuesday Humor  

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   Conversations with Cory   

Let's be real, if you are breathing, you've experienced at least one season of significant struggle in your life. Whether it's relational, emotional, spiritual, financial, or physical the mere fact that you are living in an imperfect world means you have battled in one or more of these areas. But today, as I read this one verse over and over again, I was reminded that 

" my present struggles are small and won't last very long". 

Welllll... Honestly they don't feel small. And, they certainly DO feel long!!! Maybe you've been in a place where you could echo this sentiment. The truth is its all about PERSPECTIVE! There is ALWAYS someone whose troubles are greater than my own. And in light of eternity, this season of difficulty is just a blip in the landscape of my story. But, it's the second part of this verse that truly stirs the excitement in me. My troubles are doing more than just being a pain in my neck (literally)! These troubles are producing for me a glory that far outweighs the trouble itself! Hmmm... Soak that in! And that glory lasts forever!!! 

Remember the most beautiful of diamonds had to sustain the greatest of pressure and the most intense heat so that it could emanate strength and beauty. So today my sweet friends, I encourage you, wherever you are at on your life's journey, to join me in embracing the struggles, allowing them to purify and refine you so that you can come out the other side stronger and more radiant than ever!

Written by Cory Hudson

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   Encouraging Christian Poems   

God's PeaceA Christian Poem about needing God's peace in such a chaotic world
 and relating to receiving God's peace to overcome the daily stress.

God's tender love and peace

Is what we all long for
In a world so hopelessly chaotic,
So unstable and unsure

It brings stability to our minds
And calmness to our souls,
For that is what we desperately need
As this world can be so cold

We need to have God's peace
When turmoil's in our lives,
For God's peace doesn't depend
On the daily pressures of life

When we have those stressful days,
God's peace can often soothe
And bring us such a quiet hope
That chases away the blues

So when you feel the pressure on,
Remember, Jesus Christ,
Receive from Him the peace He gives
As His daily dose for life!

 By M.S.Lowndes

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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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