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Sunday, May 19, 2013

PrayerCenter - Devotionals

Prayer is the practice of the presence of God. It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is the place of admitting our need, of adopting humility, and claiming dependence upon God. Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Devotionals

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HOSPITALITY: Today’s Blog topic is Hospitality—- 1 Peter 4: Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. —- Hebrews 13: Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. —- Matthew 25: Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared [...]
Fasting and Prayer: The topic of today’s blog is Fasting and Prayer. —- From Matthew 6:16-18, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash [...]
Danger: The topic of today’s blog is Danger.—- We start with God’s blog in Romans 12:19, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” —- Next, let’s read John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” —- And God [...]
DELIVERANCE: The topic for today’s blog is Deliverance. —- From Proverbs 28:26, we read, “he that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.”—- In Psalm 41:1, we discover these words from God, “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.”—- “Who gave [...]
Change: Today’s blog topic is Change. —- From Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”—- From Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —- From Romans 12:1-2: “I appeal to [...]

CATHY'S CORNER - This blog is simply insight into who I am, what I feel, and what I represent spiritually. I may view life differently than some, but choose to have a positive outlook regardless of the situation.

BORN TO WORSHIP & GLORIFY GOD: Why were we created? We were created for God’s pleasure, His glory, to worship and glorify Him. He knew us while we were yet in our mother’s womb. The Word clearly states… “HE KNEW US IN ADVANCE.” He even prepared a way for each of us to have access to forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. He loves us so very much. He created us and He cares for us daily. So how do we repay Him? We live a holy life in honor of Him. We worship and praise Him as we were created to do. We become righteous through His son, Jesus Christ. We fulfill what we were born to do, to WORSHIP & GLORIFY GOD.
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I personally have known from an early age that I was chosen to work for the Lord. Even during the times in my life that I was noncommittal, He still had chosen me, and I could not run from that calling upon my life. Stories were told to me by my parents that I use to be placed upon the altar to sing in Church. At the age of 11, I committed to following the Lord when there were only TWO people attending our little hometown Church, our pastor and myself. It was during that time that God revealed to me that my entire family would be saved. I am overwhelmed with emotion because HE ANSWERED MY PRAYERS AND FULFILLED HIS PROMISE TO ME. My parents, my siblings, my children all have come to know the Lord. His promise to me when I was only a child came to pass.
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God is worthy to be honored and praised. We are who we are and where we are today due to the Grace of God. It is not His will that anyone should perish. He desires everyone to come to know Him on a personal level, committing our lives to Him, and Him alone. While we were still sinners, He prepared a way for us.
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My decision is to serve the Lord with all my might. I have decided to follow Jesus, to worship Him, to glorify His name all the days of my life. I WAS BORN TO WORSHIP AND GLORIFY GOD.
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Psalm 22:9-10 (NIV)- �“Yet you brought me out of the womb;�you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.^�From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.”
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Isaiah 43:7 (NIV)- “….everyone who is called by my name, whom I created�for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
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Romans 8:29- (NLT)- “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
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Psalm 8: 3-5- (NIV)- “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,^�what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them�a little lower than the angels and crowned them�with glory and honor.”
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Revelation 4:11-(NIV)-� “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things,and by your will they were created and have their being.”
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John 3:16- (NIV)-� “For God so loved�the world that he gave�his one and only Son, that whoever believes�in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
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Romans 5:8- (NIV)-� “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
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2 Peter 3:9- (NIV)- “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise,�as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient�with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
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Psalm 86:12 (NIV)-� “I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.”
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Devotion Written By: CATHY PRUITT

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A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM: We’ve had visitors from Colorado this week, our Tuesday devotional writer, Joe, and his two sons, Matt and Colton. Colton was born with Downs Syndrome and a heart defect called Ventricular Septal Defect. When he was six months old, he had open heart surgery, and was hospitalized for almost three weeks. He was in a drug induced coma for 9 days. His chest was left open with a sterile patch covering the open incision site. He went into cardiac arrest two days after surgery, and the doctor was able to do a direct heart massage to restart his heart. He was a very sick little boy. Even the physician was amazed at Colton’s complete recovery. He was not expected to live. He is now 23 years old, and is in very good health. He has a kind heart, a gentle spirit, loves people, and is well mannered and considerate. Colton is an amazing young man with a heart of gold. God spared his life for a reason.
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I told Colton’s story to actually lead into this devotion. We can learn so much from children, we can learn from their innocence, their honesty, their kind spirits and hearts. They trust and love unconditionally and accept people for who they are, not expecting anything more. They work hard for simple acceptance. We as adults try to analyze others and even become judgmental without even realizing it. A child doesn’t see race or nationality, nor do they only accept certain personality traits, they are simple minded in their total acceptance of others, and this is EXACTLY THE WAY JESUS IS. Jesus also looked upon people with compassion, and that is EXACTLY what a child does.
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Isaiah 11:6- (NKJV)- “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat,the calf and the lion and the yearling�together, and a little child will lead them.”
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Matthew 19:14- (NIV)- “Jesus said,�“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs�to such as these.”
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Matthew 9:36- (NIV)- “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,�because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
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This week Colton has renewed in me the importance of kindness toward others, unconditional love, and the spirit of giving without expecting anything in return. This child has LED ME TO A NEW AWARENESS OF WHAT THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE ARE. Thanks, Colton.
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Devotion Written By: CATHY PRUITT
LOOKING FOR DONKEYS TO BECOMING A KING: Saul’s father, Kish, had donkeys that strayed from home, and Saul with the help of a servant set out on a journey to find them. Unable to find his father’s animals, Saul was ready to return home when the servant reminded him that a man of God lived in the region of Zuph who was held in high honor and everything he spoke came true. The servant requested they look for the man of God to see if he could assist them in finding the donkeys. This man of God was Samuel.
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God had already spoken to Samuel the previous day that he was to anoint a man from the land of Benjamin as leader and king over Israel. Saul was chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the hand of the Philistines because the Lord had heard the cries of His children, but was unaware at the time of God’s plan when he left home with the servant in search of his father’s donkeys.
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Saul and his servant were directed where they could find Samuel.
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1 Samuel 9: 18-21 (NLT) -� “Just then Saul approached Samuel at the gateway and asked, “Can you please tell me where the seer’s house is?”^�“I am the seer!” Samuel replied. “Go up to the place of worship ahead of me. We will eat there together, and in the morning I’ll tell you what you want to know and send you on your way. ^�And don’t worry about those donkeys that were lost three days ago, for they have been found. And I am here to tell you that you and your family are the focus of all Israel’s hopes.”^�Saul replied, “But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?”
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Saul set out with a servant to find his father’s donkeys, but God had a special anointing for his life and the future of Israel. He was not expecting �the Lord to work in such a mighty way in his life that day, but God had a plan.
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1 Samuel 10:1 (NLT) - ��“Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it over Saul’s head. �He kissed Saul and said, “I am doing this because the Lord has appointed you to be the ruler over Israel, his special possession.”
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God indeed works in mysterious ways. Saul had set out to find donkeys, and ended up being anointed King over the Israelites. God will indeed move in our lives when we least expect it. His divine will was manifested that day to Saul, and God will pour out His anointing on our lives as well if we follow His will. Yes, when we least expect it, God will direct us in ways we could never imagine. Let’s always be willing to follow His will and His anointing for our life, just as Saul did.
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We may be heading in one direction taking care of other issues, and God will maneuver us in the direction He has planned for us. His plan and His will are always perfect.
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1 Samuel 10:9 (NLT) - “As Saul turned and started to leave, God gave him a new heart, and all Samuel’s signs were fulfilled that day.”
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God will give us a heart to follow Him in all things if we obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. Wherever we are in life, we must be willing to allow God’s anointing to flow over us so we too will be able to minister to God’s children.
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Saul headed out looking for donkeys, and he became the king of Israel. Along the road of life, we may be surprised what God has in store for us!
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Dear Lord, may we always be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit every day. No matter where we are heading, allow us to hear Your divine voice of anointing over our lives. May we always follow the leading of the Holy Spirit every day so our lives will be anointed to minister to those who need You. If You call us for a specific job to do, please help us to be willing to follow Your voice. In the name of Jesus, �Amen.
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Devotion Written By: CATHY PRUITT

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CLING TO HIM: Deuteronomy 13:4-(NLT)- “Serve only the Lord your God and fear Him alone. Obey His commands, listen to His voice, and cling to Him.”
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The word “CLING” literally jumped off the page at me while reading in the book of Deuteronomy. “CLING” means TO HOLD ON TO SOMETHING OR SOMEONE TIGHTLY; TO ADHERE TO SOMETHING BY STICKING TO IT OR STAYING VERY CLOSE TO IT.
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We will only remain close to the Lord if we “CLING” to Him, holding on so tightly that nothing or no one can separate us from Him. We must be so attached to Him spiritually that we will never waver.
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Holding on tightly and adhering to Him consists of daily communication through prayer and supplication, daily Bible reading, and daily praise and worship. By doing so, we will remain very close to the Lord. That is how we “CLING.”
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Romans 8:38-39-(NLT) – “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—noteven the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
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Remember to “CLING” to the Lord. Hold on for dear life. Obey His commands, listen to His voice, and serve only the Lord our God.
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Deuteronomy 13:18-(NLT) – “The Lord your God will be merciful only if you listen to his voice and keep all his commands that I am giving you today, doing what pleases him.”
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Dear Lord, please renew in each of us the importance of clinging continually to YOU. May we commit more wholeheartedly to what pleases YOU. Move upon our hearts so we may desire to draw closer to YOU, holding on tightly to your Word and YOUR promises to each of us. May we CLING to YOU, and never let go. Strengthen each of us as we continue to serve YOU in spirit and in truth. In the name of Jesus,� Amen.
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Devotion Written By: CATHY PRUITT
SIN IS SIN: Within the contents of this devotion, I will make reference to an extremely sensitive subject. I’m not writing this devotion to upset anyone or to invite debate.� The words I speak will be backed by scripture. Please read for yourself.
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James 4:17- “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
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First and foremost, we as Christians understand what “SIN” is. Sin is: transgression of theological principles; an act, thought, or way of behaving that goes against the law or teachings of a religion, especially when the person who commits it is aware of this; shameful offense; something that offends a moral or ethical principle ; estrangement from God;�in Christian theology, the condition of being denied God's grace because of a sin or sins committed.
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“SIN” is when we openly and blatantly do something we KNOW is against God’s laws or His Word. We also understand and comprehend when there is need for repentance of sins based on our actions, words, or deeds.
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Now, to the serious portion of this devotion…. PEOPLE TEND TO CATEGORIZE SIN. People may feel there are little sins and big sins. �Some may feel telling ‘a little white lie’ is much worse than murder. But, “SIN IS SIN” in the eyes of the Lord.� The example I desire to use is homosexuality. Although this is a touchy subject in our society, I know where I stand regarding that lifestyle as a Christian, because of what the Word of God says about it. There is no other way around it, homosexuality is a sin and an abomination in the eyes of God. BUT……. It is no worse than any other sin. We tend to shy away from the woman or man living a homosexual lifestyle, but they are in need of a Savior just as the drunkard, the liar, the murderer, or someone who has never received salvation.
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Proverbs 23 speaks of the dangers of the drunkard.�
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Exodus 20:16- “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”
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Exodus 20:13- “Thou shalt not kill.”
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Leviticus 20:13- “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination….”
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1 Corinthians 6:9-10- (NIV)- “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men^��nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
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1 John 3:4- “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
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With just these few verses it is obvious how “SIN” equates in God’s eyes according to the teachings of His Word.
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So, please look upon EVERY SINNER with compassion, understanding, and the same unconditional love that God does. No one should categorize “SIN.” We must be open minded enough to understand that to God, “SIN IS SIN.” Everyone is in need of a Savior. Everyone is in need of salvation and eternal life. Show the love of God to all mankind, and many will be drawn to repentance by His Spirit.
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May God soften our hearts to all lost souls.
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Devotion Written By: CATHY PRUITT

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Our Daily Bread - Daily Devotionals

To Be Continued