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Gwendolyn Anderson and Donna Schillinger join Gwendolyn Anderson and Donna Schillinger join Gwendolyn Anderson and Donna Schillinger join Gwendolyn Anderson and Donna Schillinger join three generations of the Jerald family in worshipthree generations of the Jerald family in worshipthree generations of the Jerald family in worshipthree generations of the Jerald family in worship

Christian Triumph’s &Christian Triumph’s &Christian Triumph’s &Christian Triumph’s &

India’s Connection Go Way Back India’s Connection Go Way Back India’s Connection Go Way Back India’s Connection Go Way Back By Donna Schillinger

In a previous issue of the In a previous issue of the In a previous issue of the In a previous issue of the Faith Faith Faith Faith MessengerMessengerMessengerMessenger, I announced an , I announced an , I announced an , I announced an upcomingupcomingupcomingupcoming trip to India to visit trip to India to visit trip to India to visit trip to India to visit missionary David Jerald, an Indian missionary David Jerald, an Indian missionary David Jerald, an Indian missionary David Jerald, an Indian national, in Kerala. I am pleased to national, in Kerala. I am pleased to national, in Kerala. I am pleased to national, in Kerala. I am pleased to be sitting at my desk now after the be sitting at my desk now after the be sitting at my desk now after the be sitting at my desk now after the

conclusion of that trip and to be conclusion of that trip and to be conclusion of that trip and to be conclusion of that trip and to be able to report of its success. A able to report of its success. A able to report of its success. A able to report of its success. A hearty thank you to all those who hearty thank you to all those who hearty thank you to all those who hearty thank you to all those who prayed for our purpose prayed for our purpose prayed for our purpose prayed for our purpose and safety. and safety. and safety. and safety. In the next edition of the In the next edition of the In the next edition of the In the next edition of the Faith Faith Faith Faith MessengerMessengerMessengerMessenger, I will report more in , I will report more in , I will report more in , I will report more in depth about what I observed in depth about what I observed in depth about what I observed in depth about what I observed in India and the work of Brother India and the work of Brother India and the work of Brother India and the work of Brother Jerald. But for now (since I haven’t Jerald. But for now (since I haven’t Jerald. But for now (since I haven’t Jerald. But for now (since I haven’t fully recovered from jet lag and the fully recovered from jet lag and the fully recovered from jet lag and the fully recovered from jet lag and the deadline is looming), I will just deadline is looming), I will just deadline is looming), I will just deadline is looming), I will just attempt attempt attempt attempt to correct the mistakes I to correct the mistakes I to correct the mistakes I to correct the mistakes I made in my last article! made in my last article! made in my last article! made in my last article! There were two important ones.There were two important ones.There were two important ones.There were two important ones. David Jerald’s ministry is located in David Jerald’s ministry is located in David Jerald’s ministry is located in David Jerald’s ministry is located in the Indian the Indian the Indian the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, not state of Tamil Nadu, not state of Tamil Nadu, not state of Tamil Nadu, not Kerala, as I had reported. This is Kerala, as I had reported. This is Kerala, as I had reported. This is Kerala, as I had reported. This is significant because Kerala enjoys significant because Kerala enjoys significant because Kerala enjoys significant because Kerala enjoys the longest presence of Christhe longest presence of Christhe longest presence of Christhe longest presence of Christianity tianity tianity tianity on the subcontinent, whereas on the subcontinent, whereas on the subcontinent, whereas on the subcontinent, whereas ChristianiChristianiChristianiChristianity did not effectively ty did not effectively ty did not effectively ty did not effectively spread inspread inspread inspread in the neighboring state of the neighboring state of the neighboring state of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu under the evangelism of Tamil Nadu under the evangelism of Tamil Nadu under the evangelism of Tamil Nadu under the evangelism of the disciple Thomas. the disciple Thomas. the disciple Thomas. the disciple Thomas. Christianity got its greatest foothold Christianity got its greatest foothold Christianity got its greatest foothold Christianity got its greatest foothold in Tamil Nadu in the early 1900s in Tamil Nadu in the early 1900s in Tamil Nadu in the early 1900s in Tamil Nadu in the early 1900s with the work of Irishwith the work of Irishwith the work of Irishwith the work of Irish missionary missionary missionary missionary Amy Carmichael. The orphanage Amy Carmichael. The orphanage Amy Carmichael. The orphanage Amy Carmichael. The orphanage Page 2

Contents:

India……………………….…......1 - 3

Byrum’s Poetry………...…..…….….3

Freedom in Recovery…………..........4

Joy of Forgiveness by Anita .....……..5

Thought for the Day by Sara..….. 6 - 7

….….

*Volume 78 *No. 09 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 * NOV 2013

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and hospital she founded are stilland hospital she founded are stilland hospital she founded are stilland hospital she founded are still ggggoing strong and the Christian oing strong and the Christian oing strong and the Christian oing strong and the Christian presence in the state is presence in the state is presence in the state is presence in the state is concentrated around the area she concentrated around the area she concentrated around the area she concentrated around the area she evangelized. Ievangelized. Ievangelized. Ievangelized. I encourage you to read encourage you to read encourage you to read encourage you to read a biography about Carmichael’s a biography about Carmichael’s a biography about Carmichael’s a biography about Carmichael’s workworkworkwork————her stoher stoher stoher story is one of the great ry is one of the great ry is one of the great ry is one of the great mission mission mission mission adventures of the 20adventures of the 20adventures of the 20adventures of the 20thththth century. Nonetheless, Christianity century. Nonetheless, Christianity century. Nonetheless, Christianity century. Nonetheless, Christianity has been sorely resisted by the has been sorely resisted by the has been sorely resisted by the has been sorely resisted by the Tamil people and only six percent of Tamil people and only six percent of Tamil people and only six percent of Tamil people and only six percent of the state’s population report tothe state’s population report tothe state’s population report tothe state’s population report to be be be be Christian, compared to 25 percent Christian, compared to 25 percent Christian, compared to 25 percent Christian, compared to 25 percent of the population in Kerala state. of the population in Kerala state. of the population in Kerala state. of the population in Kerala state. Secondly, I reported that our Secondly, I reported that our Secondly, I reported that our Secondly, I reported that our contact with David Jerald had contact with David Jerald had contact with David Jerald had contact with David Jerald had originated with former Christian originated with former Christian originated with former Christian originated with former Christian Triumph president Clifford Triumph president Clifford Triumph president Clifford Triumph president Clifford Donaldson in the 1990s. In fact, it Donaldson in the 1990s. In fact, it Donaldson in the 1990s. In fact, it Donaldson in the 1990s. In fact, it goes back much further. goes back much further. goes back much further. goes back much further. In 1968, a certain reader of the In 1968, a certain reader of the In 1968, a certain reader of the In 1968, a certain reader of the Faith MessengerFaith MessengerFaith MessengerFaith Messenger decided to recycle decided to recycle decided to recycle decided to recycle the periodical after reading it the periodical after reading it the periodical after reading it the periodical after reading it instead of instead of instead of instead of just just just just throwing it away. throwing it away. throwing it away. throwing it away. That reader sent it to an That reader sent it to an That reader sent it to an That reader sent it to an organization called Christian organization called Christian organization called Christian organization called Christian Salvage (no longer in operation). Salvage (no longer in operation). Salvage (no longer in operation). Salvage (no longer in operation). Christian Salvage redistributedChristian Salvage redistributedChristian Salvage redistributedChristian Salvage redistributed Christian literatureChristian literatureChristian literatureChristian literature————somethingsomethingsomethingsomething,,,, by by by by the waythe waythe waythe way,,,, that Christian Triumph that Christian Triumph that Christian Triumph that Christian Triumph also does. This recycled also does. This recycled also does. This recycled also does. This recycled Faith Faith Faith Faith MessengerMessengerMessengerMessenger was sent to India and was sent to India and was sent to India and was sent to India and ended up in the hands of J.R. ended up in the hands of J.R. ended up in the hands of J.R. ended up in the hands of J.R. Jerald, DavidJerald, DavidJerald, DavidJerald, David’s’s’s’s father. The elder father. The elder father. The elder father. The elder Jerald had grown up in a Christian Jerald had grown up in a Christian Jerald had grown up in a Christian Jerald had grown up in a Christian homehomehomehome————his own father was his own father was his own father was his own father was evevevevangeangeangeangelized by Amy Carmichaelized by Amy Carmichaelized by Amy Carmichaelized by Amy Carmichaellll————and now he was a pastor. Upon and now he was a pastor. Upon and now he was a pastor. Upon and now he was a pastor. Upon reading the reading the reading the reading the FaithFaithFaithFaith MessengerMessengerMessengerMessenger, he , he , he , he decided to write to Evelyn Anderson, decided to write to Evelyn Anderson, decided to write to Evelyn Anderson, decided to write to Evelyn Anderson,

my grandmother. They struck up a my grandmother. They struck up a my grandmother. They struck up a my grandmother. They struck up a correspondence and Christian correspondence and Christian correspondence and Christian correspondence and Christian Triumph made several contributionTriumph made several contributionTriumph made several contributionTriumph made several contributionssss towards the printing of tracts otowards the printing of tracts otowards the printing of tracts otowards the printing of tracts over a ver a ver a ver a period of ten or so years. period of ten or so years. period of ten or so years. period of ten or so years. For whatever reasons, the For whatever reasons, the For whatever reasons, the For whatever reasons, the correspondence waned but when correspondence waned but when correspondence waned but when correspondence waned but when David decided to attend Bible David decided to attend Bible David decided to attend Bible David decided to attend Bible College in the United States, his College in the United States, his College in the United States, his College in the United States, his father put him in touch with father put him in touch with father put him in touch with father put him in touch with Christian Triumph. That was 1997 Christian Triumph. That was 1997 Christian Triumph. That was 1997 Christian Triumph. That was 1997 and Clifford Donaldson was and Clifford Donaldson was and Clifford Donaldson was and Clifford Donaldson was president anpresident anpresident anpresident and alsod alsod alsod also pastoring a pastoring a pastoring a pastoring a church in Jupiterchurch in Jupiterchurch in Jupiterchurch in Jupiter, Florida, within , Florida, within , Florida, within , Florida, within visiting distance of where David visiting distance of where David visiting distance of where David visiting distance of where David Jerald attended Bible College. After Jerald attended Bible College. After Jerald attended Bible College. After Jerald attended Bible College. After some years of contact, again the some years of contact, again the some years of contact, again the some years of contact, again the relationship fell dormant until 2002 relationship fell dormant until 2002 relationship fell dormant until 2002 relationship fell dormant until 2002 when David sought assistance to when David sought assistance to when David sought assistance to when David sought assistance to purchase a cow for a missionarpurchase a cow for a missionarpurchase a cow for a missionarpurchase a cow for a missionary y y y Page 3

Faith Messenger

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3

family who lived in an area of severe family who lived in an area of severe family who lived in an area of severe family who lived in an area of severe drought. In an unprecedented move, drought. In an unprecedented move, drought. In an unprecedented move, drought. In an unprecedented move, Christian Triumph provided theChristian Triumph provided theChristian Triumph provided theChristian Triumph provided the funds for the cow, after exhausting funds for the cow, after exhausting funds for the cow, after exhausting funds for the cow, after exhausting other possibilities such as Heifer other possibilities such as Heifer other possibilities such as Heifer other possibilities such as Heifer International. DavidInternational. DavidInternational. DavidInternational. David reported to me reported to me reported to me reported to me recently that the cow died after recently that the cow died after recently that the cow died after recently that the cow died after some years but not before having a some years but not before having a some years but not before having a some years but not before having a calf who lives on, providing milk as calf who lives on, providing milk as calf who lives on, providing milk as calf who lives on, providing milk as a source of food and income for that a source of food and income for that a source of food and income for that a source of food and income for that missionary family.missionary family.missionary family.missionary family. In 2010, William Anderson (Evelyn’s In 2010, William Anderson (Evelyn’s In 2010, William Anderson (Evelyn’s In 2010, William Anderson (Evelyn’s son)son)son)son),,,, began providing funds for the began providing funds for the began providing funds for the began providing funds for the printiprintiprintiprinting of tracts again in India, one ng of tracts again in India, one ng of tracts again in India, one ng of tracts again in India, one time annually. The Indian time annually. The Indian time annually. The Indian time annually. The Indian government restricts foreign government restricts foreign government restricts foreign government restricts foreign activities significantly, compared to activities significantly, compared to activities significantly, compared to activities significantly, compared to some other countries with which the some other countries with which the some other countries with which the some other countries with which the U.S. has diplomatic relations. U.S. has diplomatic relations. U.S. has diplomatic relations. U.S. has diplomatic relations. Actually senActually senActually senActually sending tracts is more ding tracts is more ding tracts is more ding tracts is more problematic,problematic,problematic,problematic, and expensive, tha and expensive, tha and expensive, tha and expensive, than n n n having them printed in India. having them printed in India. having them printed in India. having them printed in India. In the next edition, I’ll tell you how In the next edition, I’ll tell you how In the next edition, I’ll tell you how In the next edition, I’ll tell you how those tracts are being used. Let me those tracts are being used. Let me those tracts are being used. Let me those tracts are being used. Let me just say that you will be surprised at just say that you will be surprised at just say that you will be surprised at just say that you will be surprised at the spiritual hunger of the Indian the spiritual hunger of the Indian the spiritual hunger of the Indian the spiritual hunger of the Indian people. people. people. people. DonnaDonnaDonnaDonna

David JeraldDavid JeraldDavid JeraldDavid Jerald

Praise God for His care and Praise God for His care and Praise God for His care and Praise God for His care and prprprprotection. “I will praise the Lord, otection. “I will praise the Lord, otection. “I will praise the Lord, otection. “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night mywho counsels me; even at night mywho counsels me; even at night mywho counsels me; even at night my

heart instructs me. I have set the heart instructs me. I have set the heart instructs me. I have set the heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He Lord always before me. Because He Lord always before me. Because He Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be is at my right hand, I will not be is at my right hand, I will not be is at my right hand, I will not be shaken…You have made known to shaken…You have made known to shaken…You have made known to shaken…You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me me the path of life; You will fill me me the path of life; You will fill me me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in youwith joy in youwith joy in youwith joy in your presence, with r presence, with r presence, with r presence, with eternal pleasures at your right eternal pleasures at your right eternal pleasures at your right eternal pleasures at your right handhandhandhand.... Psalm 16 Psalm 16 Psalm 16 Psalm 16

THANKS, LORD, FOR YOUR CONCERN

When at times in the past I’ve gone astray;

Have failed to listen, and to keep your commands;

When I’ve wandered from the straight, narrow way

I’ve returned with regrets to your outstretched hands.

Your bountiful love and grace always prevailed,

Giving blessings to me that I could never earn.

Your mercies are great, and have never failed.

Thank you, Lord, for your constant concern.

Whatever the future may hold for me, Lord,

Whether my days be many or few,

I’m seeking each day to follow your Word,

And be faithful to you in all that I do.

Byrum C. Lee: 09/2010

------

NEWS FROMNEWS FROMNEWS FROMNEWS FROM

CHRISTIACHRISTIACHRISTIACHRISTIAN TRIUMPHN TRIUMPHN TRIUMPHN TRIUMPH The local Church at Christian Triumph is The local Church at Christian Triumph is The local Church at Christian Triumph is The local Church at Christian Triumph is growing by leaps and bounds. Recently several growing by leaps and bounds. Recently several growing by leaps and bounds. Recently several growing by leaps and bounds. Recently several young people went out into the neighborhood, young people went out into the neighborhood, young people went out into the neighborhood, young people went out into the neighborhood, picking up trash. The neighbors were picking up trash. The neighbors were picking up trash. The neighbors were picking up trash. The neighbors were surprised and definitely not used to seeing surprised and definitely not used to seeing surprised and definitely not used to seeing surprised and definitely not used to seeing youth do this. They asked, “Are yyouth do this. They asked, “Are yyouth do this. They asked, “Are yyouth do this. They asked, “Are you young ou young ou young ou young people in trouble? Are you being punished?”people in trouble? Are you being punished?”people in trouble? Are you being punished?”people in trouble? Are you being punished?” This gift to the neighborhood was a blessing This gift to the neighborhood was a blessing This gift to the neighborhood was a blessing This gift to the neighborhood was a blessing

from Godfrom Godfrom Godfrom God. . . . The children’s classes are growing The children’s classes are growing The children’s classes are growing The children’s classes are growing

also with more families coming. Emails are also with more families coming. Emails are also with more families coming. Emails are also with more families coming. Emails are coming in about the local Bible Institute. The coming in about the local Bible Institute. The coming in about the local Bible Institute. The coming in about the local Bible Institute. The public is responding topublic is responding topublic is responding topublic is responding to the church’s radio the church’s radio the church’s radio the church’s radio ministry. ministry. ministry. ministry. Although the new building is not Although the new building is not Although the new building is not Although the new building is not finished yet, God is adding to the church.finished yet, God is adding to the church.finished yet, God is adding to the church.finished yet, God is adding to the church. Thanks to all who encourage this ministry!Thanks to all who encourage this ministry!Thanks to all who encourage this ministry!Thanks to all who encourage this ministry!

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ExperiencingExperiencingExperiencingExperiencing

FFFFreedom reedom reedom reedom

In RECOVERIn RECOVERIn RECOVERIn RECOVERYYYY

Matthew 5:14Matthew 5:14Matthew 5:14Matthew 5:14----15, “You are the light of the world. A 15, “You are the light of the world. A 15, “You are the light of the world. A 15, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put itlight a lamp and put itlight a lamp and put itlight a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they under a bowl. Instead they under a bowl. Instead they under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine the house. In the same way, let your light shine the house. In the same way, let your light shine the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds before men, that they may see your good deeds before men, that they may see your good deeds before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” NIVand praise your Father in heaven.” NIVand praise your Father in heaven.” NIVand praise your Father in heaven.” NIV

How can we be the “light of the How can we be the “light of the How can we be the “light of the How can we be the “light of the worldworldworldworld”””” when so many dysfunctional things when so many dysfunctional things when so many dysfunctional things when so many dysfunctional things are going on inside of our lives?are going on inside of our lives?are going on inside of our lives?are going on inside of our lives?

Are we not all recovering from Are we not all recovering from Are we not all recovering from Are we not all recovering from something? Yet, we want to make our something? Yet, we want to make our something? Yet, we want to make our something? Yet, we want to make our mark and let our light shine!mark and let our light shine!mark and let our light shine!mark and let our light shine!

My recovery is My recovery is My recovery is My recovery is as an enabler, also as an enabler, also as an enabler, also as an enabler, also known as a cknown as a cknown as a cknown as a codependent. My late odependent. My late odependent. My late odependent. My late husband, Jake, drank thhusband, Jake, drank thhusband, Jake, drank thhusband, Jake, drank the first twelve of e first twelve of e first twelve of e first twelve of our thirty one years of marriage.our thirty one years of marriage.our thirty one years of marriage.our thirty one years of marriage.

There were times my light was just a There were times my light was just a There were times my light was just a There were times my light was just a tiny flicker. I remember going to the tiny flicker. I remember going to the tiny flicker. I remember going to the tiny flicker. I remember going to the Medical Auxiliary meetings in the 60’s (the Medical Auxiliary meetings in the 60’s (the Medical Auxiliary meetings in the 60’s (the Medical Auxiliary meetings in the 60’s (the days of hats and gloves), looking the part days of hats and gloves), looking the part days of hats and gloves), looking the part days of hats and gloves), looking the part of a happy housewife as all the ladies didof a happy housewife as all the ladies didof a happy housewife as all the ladies didof a happy housewife as all the ladies did. . . . Inside, however, I was filled with worry. Inside, however, I was filled with worry. Inside, however, I was filled with worry. Inside, however, I was filled with worry. Would my husband be home after work or Would my husband be home after work or Would my husband be home after work or Would my husband be home after work or would he stop at a bar?would he stop at a bar?would he stop at a bar?would he stop at a bar?

It was difficult to help other women It was difficult to help other women It was difficult to help other women It was difficult to help other women who were hurting because I had so little who were hurting because I had so little who were hurting because I had so little who were hurting because I had so little faith for my own problems, especially my faith for my own problems, especially my faith for my own problems, especially my faith for my own problems, especially my husband’s recovery from alcohohusband’s recovery from alcohohusband’s recovery from alcohohusband’s recovery from alcoholism.lism.lism.lism.

Being an enabler or cBeing an enabler or cBeing an enabler or cBeing an enabler or codependent for odependent for odependent for odependent for many years meant I had to face many many years meant I had to face many many years meant I had to face many many years meant I had to face many dysfunctional behaviors in my own life. dysfunctional behaviors in my own life. dysfunctional behaviors in my own life. dysfunctional behaviors in my own life. Some of those were deceit, game playing, Some of those were deceit, game playing, Some of those were deceit, game playing, Some of those were deceit, game playing, anger, resentment and control. The anger, resentment and control. The anger, resentment and control. The anger, resentment and control. The

hardest decision hardest decision hardest decision hardest decision for me was seeking help for me was seeking help for me was seeking help for me was seeking help from a pfrom a pfrom a pfrom a psychiatrist, sychiatrist, sychiatrist, sychiatrist, but I really felt I had but I really felt I had but I really felt I had but I really felt I had no choice as I watched my entire family no choice as I watched my entire family no choice as I watched my entire family no choice as I watched my entire family being destroyed. Even so, it took a long being destroyed. Even so, it took a long being destroyed. Even so, it took a long being destroyed. Even so, it took a long time to see my need for help because I time to see my need for help because I time to see my need for help because I time to see my need for help because I thought we would be fine if only Jake did thought we would be fine if only Jake did thought we would be fine if only Jake did thought we would be fine if only Jake did not drink.not drink.not drink.not drink.

It took my Doctor many sessions to It took my Doctor many sessions to It took my Doctor many sessions to It took my Doctor many sessions to make clear to me that I make clear to me that I make clear to me that I make clear to me that I was very angry was very angry was very angry was very angry and resentful. Some of these feelings were and resentful. Some of these feelings were and resentful. Some of these feelings were and resentful. Some of these feelings were from my childhood and teenage years. I from my childhood and teenage years. I from my childhood and teenage years. I from my childhood and teenage years. I had buried them deeply in my memory. had buried them deeply in my memory. had buried them deeply in my memory. had buried them deeply in my memory. Once Dr. Smith, whom I affectionately Once Dr. Smith, whom I affectionately Once Dr. Smith, whom I affectionately Once Dr. Smith, whom I affectionately called “Dr. Searchbrains”, helped me to called “Dr. Searchbrains”, helped me to called “Dr. Searchbrains”, helped me to called “Dr. Searchbrains”, helped me to see my own dysfunctional problems, I see my own dysfunctional problems, I see my own dysfunctional problems, I see my own dysfunctional problems, I knew I knew I knew I knew I had to stay in therapy and do had to stay in therapy and do had to stay in therapy and do had to stay in therapy and do whatever I could to become healthy.whatever I could to become healthy.whatever I could to become healthy.whatever I could to become healthy.

The greatest challenge was to “let The greatest challenge was to “let The greatest challenge was to “let The greatest challenge was to “let go” of controlling. I often tried to control go” of controlling. I often tried to control go” of controlling. I often tried to control go” of controlling. I often tried to control the drinking as well as everyone else.the drinking as well as everyone else.the drinking as well as everyone else.the drinking as well as everyone else.

My recovery was slow, but it began My recovery was slow, but it began My recovery was slow, but it began My recovery was slow, but it began with a Ladies Bible Study led by thewith a Ladies Bible Study led by thewith a Ladies Bible Study led by thewith a Ladies Bible Study led by the Pastor. We had just startedPastor. We had just startedPastor. We had just startedPastor. We had just started attending this attending this attending this attending this particular particular particular particular churchchurchchurchchurch, and I didn’t know , and I didn’t know , and I didn’t know , and I didn’t know anyone, but the study of scriptures and anyone, but the study of scriptures and anyone, but the study of scriptures and anyone, but the study of scriptures and prayer brought us together. For instance, prayer brought us together. For instance, prayer brought us together. For instance, prayer brought us together. For instance, if one of the women was upset, all of us if one of the women was upset, all of us if one of the women was upset, all of us if one of the women was upset, all of us went to her with tears of love in our eyes, went to her with tears of love in our eyes, went to her with tears of love in our eyes, went to her with tears of love in our eyes, and it wand it wand it wand it was in this group, that I finally as in this group, that I finally as in this group, that I finally as in this group, that I finally began to find Hope.began to find Hope.began to find Hope.began to find Hope.

I had received help with a reading I had received help with a reading I had received help with a reading I had received help with a reading problem (until then I learned by hearing), problem (until then I learned by hearing), problem (until then I learned by hearing), problem (until then I learned by hearing), and I loved the Old Testament history and and I loved the Old Testament history and and I loved the Old Testament history and and I loved the Old Testament history and would read the Bible early each morning.would read the Bible early each morning.would read the Bible early each morning.would read the Bible early each morning.

The Pastor suggested we read five The Pastor suggested we read five The Pastor suggested we read five The Pastor suggested we read five Psalms aPsalms aPsalms aPsalms and one Proverb each day. That nd one Proverb each day. That nd one Proverb each day. That nd one Proverb each day. That began a whole new world for me. Even began a whole new world for me. Even began a whole new world for me. Even began a whole new world for me. Even though my husband drank off and on, the though my husband drank off and on, the though my husband drank off and on, the though my husband drank off and on, the scripture helped to see how much God scripture helped to see how much God scripture helped to see how much God scripture helped to see how much God loved me. I longed for a relaloved me. I longed for a relaloved me. I longed for a relaloved me. I longed for a relationship with tionship with tionship with tionship with God like David (ofGod like David (ofGod like David (ofGod like David (of the Old Testament) had. the Old Testament) had. the Old Testament) had. the Old Testament) had.

In my struggles, I often rIn my struggles, I often rIn my struggles, I often rIn my struggles, I often read Psalm ead Psalm ead Psalm ead Psalm 63:1, “Oh God, You are my God; early will 63:1, “Oh God, You are my God; early will 63:1, “Oh God, You are my God; early will 63:1, “Oh God, You are my God; early will I seek You. My soul thirsts for You; my I seek You. My soul thirsts for You; my I seek You. My soul thirsts for You; my I seek You. My soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where no water is.”land where no water is.”land where no water is.”land where no water is.”

Years later, when I read this verse I Years later, when I read this verse I Years later, when I read this verse I Years later, when I read this verse I stopped after I read, “my soul thirsts for stopped after I read, “my soul thirsts for stopped after I read, “my soul thirsts for stopped after I read, “my soul thirsts for You.” And then I You.” And then I You.” And then I You.” And then I heard myself say, heard myself say, heard myself say, heard myself say, Page 5

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“My soul doesn’t thirst for You, Lord…I “My soul doesn’t thirst for You, Lord…I “My soul doesn’t thirst for You, Lord…I “My soul doesn’t thirst for You, Lord…I don’t long for You.” I continued talking to don’t long for You.” I continued talking to don’t long for You.” I continued talking to don’t long for You.” I continued talking to the Lord about where I had lost touch with the Lord about where I had lost touch with the Lord about where I had lost touch with the Lord about where I had lost touch with Him, and then I asked Him to give me a Him, and then I asked Him to give me a Him, and then I asked Him to give me a Him, and then I asked Him to give me a thirst for His word and a hunger for thirst for His word and a hunger for thirst for His word and a hunger for thirst for His word and a hunger for prayer. That experience prayer. That experience prayer. That experience prayer. That experience was the beginning was the beginning was the beginning was the beginning of my praying of my praying of my praying of my praying ---- with scripture. with scripture. with scripture. with scripture.

My desire for God’s Word increased My desire for God’s Word increased My desire for God’s Word increased My desire for God’s Word increased more and more. Reading the four Gospels more and more. Reading the four Gospels more and more. Reading the four Gospels more and more. Reading the four Gospels and praying about my relationship with and praying about my relationship with and praying about my relationship with and praying about my relationship with Christ helped me to become broken before Christ helped me to become broken before Christ helped me to become broken before Christ helped me to become broken before the Lord. I was able to face unforgiveness, the Lord. I was able to face unforgiveness, the Lord. I was able to face unforgiveness, the Lord. I was able to face unforgiveness, anger aanger aanger aanger and resentment in a way that I nd resentment in a way that I nd resentment in a way that I nd resentment in a way that I never dreamed I could.never dreamed I could.never dreamed I could.never dreamed I could.

Another scripture that helped me in Another scripture that helped me in Another scripture that helped me in Another scripture that helped me in praying for my dysfunctional behavior was praying for my dysfunctional behavior was praying for my dysfunctional behavior was praying for my dysfunctional behavior was found in Colossians 3. Two words in Verse found in Colossians 3. Two words in Verse found in Colossians 3. Two words in Verse found in Colossians 3. Two words in Verse 7 stood out 7 stood out 7 stood out 7 stood out –––– AngerAngerAngerAnger and and and and RageRageRageRage –––– I stopped I stopped I stopped I stopped right there and prayed, telling the Lord right there and prayed, telling the Lord right there and prayed, telling the Lord right there and prayed, telling the Lord tttthings I had not thought of for many hings I had not thought of for many hings I had not thought of for many hings I had not thought of for many years.years.years.years.

Then I went on to Verse 12; the Then I went on to Verse 12; the Then I went on to Verse 12; the Then I went on to Verse 12; the words words words words –––– compassioncompassioncompassioncompassion,,,, kindness kindness kindness kindness, , , , humilityhumilityhumilityhumility, , , , gentlenessgentlenessgentlenessgentleness, and , and , and , and patience patience patience patience reached out to reached out to reached out to reached out to me. I understood that I needed to pray for me. I understood that I needed to pray for me. I understood that I needed to pray for me. I understood that I needed to pray for patience, and so I did. Next I thanked the patience, and so I did. Next I thanked the patience, and so I did. Next I thanked the patience, and so I did. Next I thanked the Lord that in giLord that in giLord that in giLord that in giving up the old ving up the old ving up the old ving up the old dysfunctional patterns, I would then dysfunctional patterns, I would then dysfunctional patterns, I would then dysfunctional patterns, I would then receive healthy thoughts and actions from receive healthy thoughts and actions from receive healthy thoughts and actions from receive healthy thoughts and actions from Him. Him. Him. Him.

PRAYER: PRAYER: PRAYER: PRAYER: It is with Your help, Lord, It is with Your help, Lord, It is with Your help, Lord, It is with Your help, Lord, that we do not have to hide our candle that we do not have to hide our candle that we do not have to hide our candle that we do not have to hide our candle under a bushel of dysfunctional problems. under a bushel of dysfunctional problems. under a bushel of dysfunctional problems. under a bushel of dysfunctional problems. Through You we can let our light shinThrough You we can let our light shinThrough You we can let our light shinThrough You we can let our light shine e e e regardless of from what we are recovering. regardless of from what we are recovering. regardless of from what we are recovering. regardless of from what we are recovering. It is then we will experience freedom in It is then we will experience freedom in It is then we will experience freedom in It is then we will experience freedom in You. AmenYou. AmenYou. AmenYou. Amen

By Melissa Ann BellBy Melissa Ann BellBy Melissa Ann BellBy Melissa Ann Bell, , , , Author: Author: Author: Author: White Collar Skid RowWhite Collar Skid RowWhite Collar Skid RowWhite Collar Skid Row

And SpeakerAnd SpeakerAnd SpeakerAnd Speaker Melissa_ann_bell@hotmail.comMelissa_ann_bell@hotmail.comMelissa_ann_bell@hotmail.comMelissa_ann_bell@hotmail.com

JOY OF FORGIVENJOY OF FORGIVENJOY OF FORGIVENJOY OF FORGIVENESSESSESSESS By Anita

ThanksThanksThanksThanksgiving time will soon giving time will soon giving time will soon giving time will soon be here.be here.be here.be here. The rThe rThe rThe ritual of many itual of many itual of many itual of many may be that traditionally it is a may be that traditionally it is a may be that traditionally it is a may be that traditionally it is a time to reflect on our many time to reflect on our many time to reflect on our many time to reflect on our many

blessings.blessings.blessings.blessings. After After After After

readingreadingreadingreading in the Book of in the Book of in the Book of in the Book of 1st and 2nd Kings, it seems as if 1st and 2nd Kings, it seems as if 1st and 2nd Kings, it seems as if 1st and 2nd Kings, it seems as if there wasthere wasthere wasthere was an abundance of riches an abundance of riches an abundance of riches an abundance of riches amamamamong the Kings. ong the Kings. ong the Kings. ong the Kings. However, riches However, riches However, riches However, riches were notwere notwere notwere not the answer the answer the answer the answer to many of to many of to many of to many of their problems. As well, fametheir problems. As well, fametheir problems. As well, fametheir problems. As well, fame and and and and prestige did notprestige did notprestige did notprestige did not offer the comfort offer the comfort offer the comfort offer the comfort which made them feel secure.which made them feel secure.which made them feel secure.which made them feel secure. Good Good Good Good health couldhealth couldhealth couldhealth could be lost, and family andbe lost, and family andbe lost, and family andbe lost, and family and friends could turn against those of friends could turn against those of friends could turn against those of friends could turn against those of thethethetheiriririr house hold. house hold. house hold. house hold. What What What What mightmightmightmight be the real source obe the real source obe the real source obe the real source of f f f inner peace, joy and well being inner peace, joy and well being inner peace, joy and well being inner peace, joy and well being whichwhichwhichwhich would be would be would be would be worthy of true worthy of true worthy of true worthy of true thankfulness?thankfulness?thankfulness?thankfulness? If If If If indeed indeed indeed indeed wealth, wealth, wealth, wealth, health, and happiness could behealth, and happiness could behealth, and happiness could behealth, and happiness could be lost, lost, lost, lost, what would be leftwhat would be leftwhat would be leftwhat would be left???? Thankfully, the Thankfully, the Thankfully, the Thankfully, the scriptures do not leave us without scriptures do not leave us without scriptures do not leave us without scriptures do not leave us without an answer.an answer.an answer.an answer. Paul in his writingPaul in his writingPaul in his writingPaul in his writingssss in in in in Philippians 4:11, said " Philippians 4:11, said " Philippians 4:11, said " Philippians 4:11, said " Not that I Not that I Not that I Not that I speak in respect of want:speak in respect of want:speak in respect of want:speak in respect of want: for I have for I have for I have for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, learned, in whatsoever state I am, learned, in whatsoever state I am, learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be contenttherewith to be contenttherewith to be contenttherewith to be content." (." (." (." (KJVKJVKJVKJV) ) ) ) PEACEPEACEPEACEPEACE OF MIND OF MIND OF MIND OF MIND ---- regardless of regardless of regardless of regardless of our position in life our position in life our position in life our position in life ---- is a source of is a source of is a source of is a source of joy for whijoy for whijoy for whijoy for whichchchch we can be we can be we can be we can be very very very very grateful.grateful.grateful.grateful.

However, an unforgiving spirit However, an unforgiving spirit However, an unforgiving spirit However, an unforgiving spirit can interruptcan interruptcan interruptcan interrupt our our our our tranquility and tranquility and tranquility and tranquility and hurt our cherished relationship with hurt our cherished relationship with hurt our cherished relationship with hurt our cherished relationship with God. To find peace, one must God. To find peace, one must God. To find peace, one must God. To find peace, one must remember what Jesus taught: remember what Jesus taught: remember what Jesus taught: remember what Jesus taught: Page 6

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"For if ye forg"For if ye forg"For if ye forg"For if ye forgive men their ive men their ive men their ive men their trespasses, your heavenlytrespasses, your heavenlytrespasses, your heavenlytrespasses, your heavenly Father Father Father Father will also forgive you:will also forgive you:will also forgive you:will also forgive you: But if ye But if ye But if ye But if ye forgive not men theirforgive not men theirforgive not men theirforgive not men their trespasses, trespasses, trespasses, trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your neither will your Father forgive your neither will your Father forgive your neither will your Father forgive your trespasstrespasstrespasstrespasses.” Forgiveness brings Joy!es.” Forgiveness brings Joy!es.” Forgiveness brings Joy!es.” Forgiveness brings Joy!

What greater What greater What greater What greater

appreciation appreciation appreciation appreciation could we offer at could we offer at could we offer at could we offer at Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Thanksgiving

timetimetimetime than these than these than these than these words: “Wwords: “Wwords: “Wwords: “We aree aree aree are veryveryveryvery thankful to thankful to thankful to thankful to bebebebe forgiven.forgiven.forgiven.forgiven.”””” FFFFor or or or

as we ourselves forgive are we as we ourselves forgive are we as we ourselves forgive are we as we ourselves forgive are we forgivenforgivenforgivenforgiven....

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Thought for the Day by Sara October 15, 2013October 15, 2013October 15, 2013October 15, 2013

“The Lord is my strength and my “The Lord is my strength and my “The Lord is my strength and my “The Lord is my strength and my shield;shield;shield;shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am My heart trusts in Him, and I am My heart trusts in Him, and I am My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped”helped”helped”helped” Psalm 28:Psalm 28:Psalm 28:Psalm 28:7a7a7a7a At no time in my life have these At no time in my life have these At no time in my life have these At no time in my life have these words ever been more true than words ever been more true than words ever been more true than words ever been more true than they have in the past year.they have in the past year.they have in the past year.they have in the past year. Most of Most of Most of Most of you know that I lost my husband you know that I lost my husband you know that I lost my husband you know that I lost my husband last year on October 15th.last year on October 15th.last year on October 15th.last year on October 15th. He found He found He found He found the light at the end of the tunnel, as the light at the end of the tunnel, as the light at the end of the tunnel, as the light at the end of the tunnel, as the Lord had promised him just 2 the Lord had promised him just 2 the Lord had promised him just 2 the Lord had promised him just 2 weeksweeksweeksweeks earlier. earlier. earlier. earlier. On October 1st, we had learned On October 1st, we had learned On October 1st, we had learned On October 1st, we had learned that Bob’s cancer was now to be that Bob’s cancer was now to be that Bob’s cancer was now to be that Bob’s cancer was now to be found in his spinal fluid.found in his spinal fluid.found in his spinal fluid.found in his spinal fluid. The The The The doctor’s office had called him at doctor’s office had called him at doctor’s office had called him at doctor’s office had called him at work and when he came home for work and when he came home for work and when he came home for work and when he came home for lunch that day, he was really lunch that day, he was really lunch that day, he was really lunch that day, he was really depressed. It was the first time I had depressed. It was the first time I had depressed. It was the first time I had depressed. It was the first time I had

actually seeactually seeactually seeactually seen him that low in spirit.n him that low in spirit.n him that low in spirit.n him that low in spirit. He remarked that it was the first He remarked that it was the first He remarked that it was the first He remarked that it was the first time he had ever considered that the time he had ever considered that the time he had ever considered that the time he had ever considered that the outcome of his battle with multiple outcome of his battle with multiple outcome of his battle with multiple outcome of his battle with multiple myeloma might not turn out the way myeloma might not turn out the way myeloma might not turn out the way myeloma might not turn out the way we wanted it to.we wanted it to.we wanted it to.we wanted it to. I tried to get Bob to stay home I tried to get Bob to stay home I tried to get Bob to stay home I tried to get Bob to stay home from work that afternoon; howefrom work that afternoon; howefrom work that afternoon; howefrom work that afternoon; however, ver, ver, ver, he refused to do so because he had he refused to do so because he had he refused to do so because he had he refused to do so because he had learned the doctor wanted to do 4 learned the doctor wanted to do 4 learned the doctor wanted to do 4 learned the doctor wanted to do 4 (20(20(20(20----hour) chemo treatments, which hour) chemo treatments, which hour) chemo treatments, which hour) chemo treatments, which would involve a hospital stay and 4 would involve a hospital stay and 4 would involve a hospital stay and 4 would involve a hospital stay and 4 weeks off from work.weeks off from work.weeks off from work.weeks off from work. He wanted to He wanted to He wanted to He wanted to make sure that he tied up loose make sure that he tied up loose make sure that he tied up loose make sure that he tied up loose ends on some projects he was ends on some projects he was ends on some projects he was ends on some projects he was working on and tworking on and tworking on and tworking on and to train others how o train others how o train others how o train others how to do part of what he was doing.to do part of what he was doing.to do part of what he was doing.to do part of what he was doing. I I I I watched him as he walked toward watched him as he walked toward watched him as he walked toward watched him as he walked toward his car at a slow pace with his car at a slow pace with his car at a slow pace with his car at a slow pace with shoulders slumped.shoulders slumped.shoulders slumped.shoulders slumped. It was so very It was so very It was so very It was so very unlike my usually optimistic hubby.unlike my usually optimistic hubby.unlike my usually optimistic hubby.unlike my usually optimistic hubby. That afternoon, I was sitting in That afternoon, I was sitting in That afternoon, I was sitting in That afternoon, I was sitting in my recliner which happened to bemy recliner which happened to bemy recliner which happened to bemy recliner which happened to be facing Bob’s.facing Bob’s.facing Bob’s.facing Bob’s. As I sat there drinking As I sat there drinking As I sat there drinking As I sat there drinking my habitual cup of hot tea, the my habitual cup of hot tea, the my habitual cup of hot tea, the my habitual cup of hot tea, the thought came to mind that I could thought came to mind that I could thought came to mind that I could thought came to mind that I could be looking at a perpetually empty be looking at a perpetually empty be looking at a perpetually empty be looking at a perpetually empty chair in the notchair in the notchair in the notchair in the not----tootootootoo----distant future.distant future.distant future.distant future. Although it was hard, I tried to Although it was hard, I tried to Although it was hard, I tried to Although it was hard, I tried to develop a more positive outlook for develop a more positive outlook for develop a more positive outlook for develop a more positive outlook for Bob’s sakBob’s sakBob’s sakBob’s sake.e.e.e. After seeing the After seeing the After seeing the After seeing the struggle he was going through when struggle he was going through when struggle he was going through when struggle he was going through when he went back to work, I all but he went back to work, I all but he went back to work, I all but he went back to work, I all but dreaded his coming home.dreaded his coming home.dreaded his coming home.dreaded his coming home. Bob usually left work at 4 p.m. Bob usually left work at 4 p.m. Bob usually left work at 4 p.m. Bob usually left work at 4 p.m. or shortly thereafter.or shortly thereafter.or shortly thereafter.or shortly thereafter. That That That That particular afternoon, I watched as particular afternoon, I watched as particular afternoon, I watched as particular afternoon, I watched as his car pulled into the driveway.his car pulled into the driveway.his car pulled into the driveway.his car pulled into the driveway. I I I I heaheaheaheard the garage door lift and rd the garage door lift and rd the garage door lift and rd the garage door lift and listened as he walked across the listened as he walked across the listened as he walked across the listened as he walked across the basement floor and headed up the basement floor and headed up the basement floor and headed up the basement floor and headed up the stairs.stairs.stairs.stairs. Unlike the slow, plodding Unlike the slow, plodding Unlike the slow, plodding Unlike the slow, plodding

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steps he was taking when he left, he steps he was taking when he left, he steps he was taking when he left, he steps he was taking when he left, he seemed to have a spring in his seemed to have a spring in his seemed to have a spring in his seemed to have a spring in his stride.stride.stride.stride. As he came into the living As he came into the living As he came into the living As he came into the living room, there was a smileroom, there was a smileroom, there was a smileroom, there was a smile on his face. on his face. on his face. on his face. “The Lord and I just had a good “The Lord and I just had a good “The Lord and I just had a good “The Lord and I just had a good talk on my drive home,” Bob talk on my drive home,” Bob talk on my drive home,” Bob talk on my drive home,” Bob declared.declared.declared.declared. “He told me there was “He told me there was “He told me there was “He told me there was light at the end of this tunnel!”light at the end of this tunnel!”light at the end of this tunnel!”light at the end of this tunnel!” His His His His whole demeanor had changed.whole demeanor had changed.whole demeanor had changed.whole demeanor had changed. From that moment on, his attitude From that moment on, his attitude From that moment on, his attitude From that moment on, his attitude was one of thankfulness and joy. I was one of thankfulness and joy. I was one of thankfulness and joy. I was one of thankfulness and joy. I will hawill hawill hawill have to admit that I wondered if ve to admit that I wondered if ve to admit that I wondered if ve to admit that I wondered if the light at the end of the tunnel the light at the end of the tunnel the light at the end of the tunnel the light at the end of the tunnel was not on this earth.was not on this earth.was not on this earth.was not on this earth. Bob’s myeloma specialist had Bob’s myeloma specialist had Bob’s myeloma specialist had Bob’s myeloma specialist had been preparing him for a second been preparing him for a second been preparing him for a second been preparing him for a second stem cell transplant; this time from stem cell transplant; this time from stem cell transplant; this time from stem cell transplant; this time from a donor.a donor.a donor.a donor. And they had even located And they had even located And they had even located And they had even located a donor who was a perfect a donor who was a perfect a donor who was a perfect a donor who was a perfect match match match match –––– all they would tell us was that the all they would tell us was that the all they would tell us was that the all they would tell us was that the person was from Europe.person was from Europe.person was from Europe.person was from Europe. However, However, However, However, they had to eradicate the myeloma they had to eradicate the myeloma they had to eradicate the myeloma they had to eradicate the myeloma from Bob’s spinal fluid in order for from Bob’s spinal fluid in order for from Bob’s spinal fluid in order for from Bob’s spinal fluid in order for the transplant to have a chance to the transplant to have a chance to the transplant to have a chance to the transplant to have a chance to be effective. be effective. be effective. be effective. That was the reason for That was the reason for That was the reason for That was the reason for the upcoming chemotherapy the upcoming chemotherapy the upcoming chemotherapy the upcoming chemotherapy sessionsessionsessionsessions in the hospital.s in the hospital.s in the hospital.s in the hospital. This could be a lot longer, but I This could be a lot longer, but I This could be a lot longer, but I This could be a lot longer, but I do not want to turn what is do not want to turn what is do not want to turn what is do not want to turn what is supposed to be a devotion into a supposed to be a devotion into a supposed to be a devotion into a supposed to be a devotion into a novel.novel.novel.novel. On October 15, 2012 at 4:10 On October 15, 2012 at 4:10 On October 15, 2012 at 4:10 On October 15, 2012 at 4:10 p.m., Bob found the light at the end p.m., Bob found the light at the end p.m., Bob found the light at the end p.m., Bob found the light at the end of the tunnel.of the tunnel.of the tunnel.of the tunnel. He went to sleep on He went to sleep on He went to sleep on He went to sleep on this earth and woke to athis earth and woke to athis earth and woke to athis earth and woke to a heavenly heavenly heavenly heavenly glory.glory.glory.glory. It was several months later It was several months later It was several months later It was several months later that I realized that he passed away that I realized that he passed away that I realized that he passed away that I realized that he passed away exactly 2 weeks to the day (and exactly 2 weeks to the day (and exactly 2 weeks to the day (and exactly 2 weeks to the day (and almost to the minute) after he had almost to the minute) after he had almost to the minute) after he had almost to the minute) after he had his talk with the Lord.his talk with the Lord.his talk with the Lord.his talk with the Lord. One of the last conscious things One of the last conscious things One of the last conscious things One of the last conscious things Bob did was to pray for me.Bob did was to pray for me.Bob did was to pray for me.Bob did was to pray for me. It was It was It was It was

our nightour nightour nightour nightly ritual to pray together ly ritual to pray together ly ritual to pray together ly ritual to pray together before we went to sleep.before we went to sleep.before we went to sleep.before we went to sleep. He thanked He thanked He thanked He thanked God for the wonderful wife he had, God for the wonderful wife he had, God for the wonderful wife he had, God for the wonderful wife he had, and he prayed for God to give me and he prayed for God to give me and he prayed for God to give me and he prayed for God to give me strength.strength.strength.strength. I have often called on God during I have often called on God during I have often called on God during I have often called on God during the past year, reminding Him of the past year, reminding Him of the past year, reminding Him of the past year, reminding Him of Bob’s prayer.Bob’s prayer.Bob’s prayer.Bob’s prayer. And God has And God has And God has And God has answered with answered with answered with answered with a strength and a strength and a strength and a strength and endurance I never thought I could endurance I never thought I could endurance I never thought I could endurance I never thought I could have.have.have.have. As I reflect back through the As I reflect back through the As I reflect back through the As I reflect back through the past months, I can see many past months, I can see many past months, I can see many past months, I can see many evidences of the ways God has held evidences of the ways God has held evidences of the ways God has held evidences of the ways God has held me up and kept me moving forward me up and kept me moving forward me up and kept me moving forward me up and kept me moving forward when all I wanted to do was sit and when all I wanted to do was sit and when all I wanted to do was sit and when all I wanted to do was sit and cry.cry.cry.cry. Maybe this is not a normal Maybe this is not a normal Maybe this is not a normal Maybe this is not a normal ddddevotion; however, I felt the need to evotion; however, I felt the need to evotion; however, I felt the need to evotion; however, I felt the need to share my heart today.share my heart today.share my heart today.share my heart today. My prayer is My prayer is My prayer is My prayer is to be a blessing to others and not a to be a blessing to others and not a to be a blessing to others and not a to be a blessing to others and not a burden.burden.burden.burden. I hope that my story will be I hope that my story will be I hope that my story will be I hope that my story will be a witness that God is faithful even a witness that God is faithful even a witness that God is faithful even a witness that God is faithful even through our darkest times.through our darkest times.through our darkest times.through our darkest times. I hope I hope I hope I hope that it will be a beacon of hope to that it will be a beacon of hope to that it will be a beacon of hope to that it will be a beacon of hope to tttthose who are struggling hose who are struggling hose who are struggling hose who are struggling –––– God will God will God will God will provide strength for us all along the provide strength for us all along the provide strength for us all along the provide strength for us all along the way.way.way.way. I am learning more and more I am learning more and more I am learning more and more I am learning more and more to take one day to take one day to take one day to take one day –––– even one moment even one moment even one moment even one moment –––– at a time. at a time. at a time. at a time. I do not need to see I do not need to see I do not need to see I do not need to see tomorrow’s strength today because tomorrow’s strength today because tomorrow’s strength today because tomorrow’s strength today because God gives me what I need for today God gives me what I need for today God gives me what I need for today God gives me what I need for today and I have and I have and I have and I have the reassurance that He the reassurance that He the reassurance that He the reassurance that He will do so each and every day that will do so each and every day that will do so each and every day that will do so each and every day that comes.comes.comes.comes. Scripture: Scripture: Scripture: Scripture: “I can do all things “I can do all things “I can do all things “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”through Him who strengthens me.”through Him who strengthens me.”through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 Philippians 4:13 Philippians 4:13 Philippians 4:13 NASBNASBNASBNASB Sara Ray has been writing and sending devotions off and on since 1999. Email address: cookingwithsara@gmail.com

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