October is breast cancer awareness month.
You can learn more about early breast cancer detection, treatment options, and how you can get involved, at the American Cancer Society site:
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/Features/what-you-can-do-about-breast-cancer
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CLICK HERE for a printer-friendly PDF file of this devotional.
Welcome to Day 18 of our Bible based, Christ focused devotional.
Purpose: With so many people suffering during these tough economic times, I wanted to create a daily devotional which would promote faith in God as a solution to overcoming anger and fear.
Each devotional will provide a daily passage of Scripture for you to reflect on throughout the day. In addition, an “Action Item” will assign a daily, simple task to help you address your fears with faith and move forward with God's plans for you.
Thank you and God bless you for reading this devotional--please share it with others!
Steve Kendall
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DAY 18: PERSEVERANCE
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE FOR REFLECTION:
“…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:3-5 (New International Version)
(Read Romans Chapter 5 for the full context.)
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OPENING PRAYER:
In your opening prayer, in addition to anything else you want to pray about, ask God to give you the strength to persevere through problems with His help.
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Perseverance
I woke up this morning with the word “perseverance” on my mind. The flu-like after effects of my recent medical treatment continue to linger, and progress from chills and a queasy stomach to headache and weakness. “Perseverance” came to mind because I’ve experienced these flu-like symptoms many, many times before. I’ve been on meds that have caused side effects far worse than what I’m currently dealing with. Each time, God brought me through it.
Given all of this, I’m not concerned about how I feel right now because dealing with it in the past gives me confidence and assurance that I will feel better soon.
Our problems are often handled in the same manner. When we go through a problem for the first time, without consulting God, we may find ourselves feeling alone and afraid of the outcome.
When you go through problems, praying in faith, God can give you the strength to cope and get through the midnight hour of your despair.
We don’t always get the outcome to problems that we want. Sometimes, the suffering continues, but God can still comfort us and guide us.
Simply put, we may not get all the answers to why certain things happen in our lives while we are here on Earth.
The Bible tells us that there will be suffering in the world, that the poor will always be among us, and that there will be wars, and rumors of wars.
With our human perception of time and circumstance, it is sometimes difficult to see that our ultimate reward lies ahead in Heaven. Our permanent home is in Heaven. We are just renting space down here while we do God’s will.
Therefore, I have the confidence that God will see me through another round of illness, and if I don’t get better, I will still praise Him as He holds the answers and deserves my obedience and appreciation.
I recently heard a preacher say that if God did nothing else for you, from this moment forward, you still couldn’t repay Him for the many blessings He’s given you. So be thankful and content with were you are and what you have because there is always someone with greater problems than yours.
Amen to that!
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ACTION ITEM:
For today’s Action Item, I just want you to think of a time when God brought you through a difficult period in your life. Use this memory the next time you find yourself wondering how you’ll get through a problem.
Until tomorrow, have a blessed day!
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CLOSING PRAYER: For the remainder of our devotions, please pray about whatever the Lord places in your heart and mind. I also ask that you pray for me as well. I pray daily for everyone who comes in contact with these devotions and feel blessed as a result.
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STAY IN TOUCH: You are cordially invited to share how things are going with you and our devotions thus far. I welcome comments and suggestions as well. You can reach me via Facebook or my personal email address: Steve@BibleStudyCafe.com
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FREE STUFF FOR YOU!
Stop by sometime soon to visit my ministry Web site, Bible Study Café, and download free stuff including a prayer journal. Join Bible Study Café on Facebook and follow my twitches and tweets on Twitter.
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A TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD:
If you would like a relationship with God, the only way to do it is through His son, Jesus Christ. This is supported in the Bible: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. --John 14:6 (King James Version)
We begin this relationship by first accepting Jesus. Click Here for a link to more info.
