FRUIT OF THE WORD: November 2013

Saturday, November 30, 2013

* * * Daily Scripture Image * BEING AN ENCOURAGER * November 30,2013 * * *

1 Thessalonians 5:14-Holman Christian Standard Bible

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** Fruit of the Word Devotions * November 30, 2013 * Protection * My Version **

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

Seeing His Love in Your Life

I SHALL NOT FEAR -- FOR God --My God --is with me. He will uphold me with His righteous right hand. I allow those words enfold me like a war blanket, sheltering me from the coldness of fear and dismay. When trouble seems to stalk me, I grip His hand tightly and stay in communication with Him. I can trust Him and not be afraid, for He is my strength and song. His powerful Presence is with me at all times; I face nothing alone. He has promised to strengthen me and help me. Awareness of this truth fills me with peace and joy.

His righteous right hand holds me up in both --the good times and the bad. When things flow smoothly in my life; I am sometimes unaware of His sustaining Presence. Should He cease to support me, though, I would quickly fall. When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death --He is aware of my needs. I gratefully cling to His strong hand. His right hand sustains me during my times of affliction, enabling me to push forward. As I endure my trails in trusting dependence on Him. He blesses me in the midst of hardship. He reaches down into the valley of my affliction --and lifts me up into sacred peace shared with Him.

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"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.'" Isaiah 12:2

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

"You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great." Psalm 18:35

** Fruit of the Word Devotions * November 29, 2013 * Emptiness * My Version **

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

Seeing His Love in Your Life

I come to God with My aching emptiness. I take my time with Him so that His presence fills me with joy. He crafted me as a dependent being, needing many resources outside of myself –air, food, water, human interaction. Even when such needs are met; sometimes I feel something vital missing –I feel a void, an emptiness. A living relationship with God is the only one that can satisfy my soul-hunger –the only One that can fill the void and occupy the emptiness with hope, joy and peace.

God was the same yesterday, as He is today, and will be forever. There is never a time I find Him lacking. I not only know this truth, I believe in it wholeheartedly. Whenever I am feeling empty I seek His throne of grace. I pour out my heart to Him and allow Him to help me. I confess to Him not only my neediness, but also the idolatrous ways I’ve tried to satisfy my needs. I cooperate with Him as He cleanses my heart with idols. Then I lift up my empty hands of faith to receive all that He has in store for me. Thus, I enjoy many blessings even while living in a deeply fallen world –a mere foretaste of the endless pleasures He has reserved for me.

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“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

“I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” Psalm 63:5

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Thursday, November 28, 2013

* * * Fruit of the Word * PATIENCE * November 28, 2013 * Daily Bible Scripture * * *

PATIENCE

Be patient with God (Psalm 75:2)

“When I choose a time,

I will judge fairly.

Psalms75:2 (HCSB)

Patience is valuable (Proverbs 25:15)

A ruler can be persuaded through patience,

and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Proverbs25:15 (HCSB)

Patience is better than pride (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

The end of a matter is better than its beginning;

a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit.

Eccl7:8 (HCSB)

Patience demonstrates love (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Love is patient, love is kind.

Love does not envy,

is not boastful, is not conceited,

1Corinthians 13:4 (HCSB)

Patience is evidence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives (Galatians 5:22)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,

Galatians 5:22(HCSB)

Be patient with each other (Ephesians 4:2)

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love,[

Ephesians 4:2(HCSB)

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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

* * * Fruit of the Word Devotions * Listening to Him * November 28, 2013 * * *

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

Seeing His Love in Your Life

I listen to Him! Thus, I live in peace and in safety, unafraid. Listening to Him is the way of wisdom. God makes wisdom available to anyone who is willing to hear Him. Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She raises her voice in the public squares –proclaiming the truth openly. Those who ignore her message will cry out for mercy on the day of judgment, but it will be too late. Now is the time to listen!

It is vital to hear Him accurately and consistently. If I hear Him inaccurately, I may find myself worshipping a false god: practicing idolatry. The best safeguard against this deception is studying the Word and meditating on it as you do so, the Scripture takes root and flourishes within me– changing the way I think. His Word is living and powerful, sharper than a two edge sword –able to accomplish great things in me.

Listening to Him consistently is both a discipline and a matter of the heart. The more convinced I am of His Love for me, the more motivated I am to listen. He has deep, unfailing Love for all who know Him as Savior-God. Look up to Him through eyes of faith, and see His face shining on me with loving approval. Listen to Him for this is the way of peace.

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Proverbs 1:33

Proverbs 1:20-22

Hebrews 4:12

Psalm 31:16

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* * Daily Bible Scripture * Plans * November 27, 2013 * * Daily Bible Verse

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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

** Fruit of the Word Devotions * Attitiude * November 27, 2013 * Jesus Lives * My Version **

In God's Presence I have infinite approval. I often judge myself on the basis of what I see in the mirror, even though I know how fickle and shallow that ever-changing image is. I tend to be equally enslaved to viewing myself through the eyes of other people, rigorously evaluating my personal performance and almost always feeling displeased with something I've said or done.

"Enslaved" is the appropriate word. I am indeed a slave when I try to measure myself through any perspective but God's. evaluating my worth based on how I look, to myself and to others, is always a trap. It's as if I were sifting sand in a search for gold--looking only at the grains of sand filtering through the sieve, while ignoring the priceless nuggets that remain. The gold represents the eternal part of me: my soul. It is invisible to everyone but Him, the One who plans to spend eternity with me. Though, invisible, a well nurtured soul can actually improve my appearance. As I rest in the certainty of His unfailing Love, my face glows with the Light of His Presence.

His approval of Me is infinite because it will continue forever. It is based entirely on His righteousness, which is mine for all eternity. When I look in the mirror, I will try to see myself as I truly am --arrayed in perfect righteousness, adorned in glowing approval.

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Satisfy us in the morning with Your faithful love

so that we may shout with joy and be glad all our days.[

Psalms 90:14 (HCSB)

You give him blessings forever;

You cheer him with joy in Your presence.

Psalms 21:6 (HCSB)

I greatly rejoice in the Lord,

I exult in my God;

for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation

and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness,

as a groom wears a turban

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Isaiah 61:10 (HCSB)

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** Fruit of the Word Devotions * Victorious Living * November 27, 2013 * * Daily Devotional **

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

Seeing His Love in Your Life

I receive God's Glory –Strength. When ongoing problems require me to stick it out over the long haul, my faith sometimes falters. That is when I resort to grimly gritting my teeth – simply passing time in a negative frame of mind. This is not the way God wants me to deal with difficulties. He is sovereign over the circumstances of my life, so there are always opportunities to be found in them. Sometimes those opportunities are obvious – other times not so much. When the journey is hard and seems endless –this is when I search for hidden treasure. I choose not to be like the man who hid His master’s talent in the ground because He was disgruntled with His circumstances. He gave up and took the easy way out: blaming the hard situation he was in, rather than making the most out of his opportunity. The more difficult your situation the bigger the payoff.

God gladly grants Me Glory-Strength. It is limitless and freely available to each of His followers. It is exceedingly potent, because the Spirit himself empowers me –strengthening me with Power in My inner being. Furthermore, Glory-Strength enables me to keep enduring the unendurable. This strength has no limits, there is more than enough of it to spill over into Joy!

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"May you be strengthened with all the power, according to His Glorious might, for endurance and patience with joy." Colossians 1:11

"See, the Lord God comes with strength, and His power establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His power establishes His rule. His reward is with Him and His gifts accompany Him." Isaiah 40:10

"So I was afraid and I went out and hid your talent in the ground. Look, you have all that is yours." Matthew 25:25

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** Fruit of the Word * Disipline* Daily Scripture * November 26, 2013 **

Monday, November 25, 2013

** Daily Bible Verses * Strength * November 26, 2013 * Daily Scripture **

We shouldn’t wait until our strength is defeated to seek God. We tend to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. God wants us to rely on His strength, not our own. He wants to exchange our weakness for His Power. When you are feeling powerless, remember God is the all Powerful and Mighty God, and you are His child. He will empower you!

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." Isaiah 40:29

"Finally, My brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." Ephesians 6:10

"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14

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** Fruit of the Word Devotions * Striving * November 26, 2013 * Daily Devotional **

Instead of rushing to pursue a goal, I take my time to talk with God about it. God realizes that striving to achieve comes as naturally as breathing. When a goal grabs my attention, my instinct is to “go for it,” without really thinking it through. I invest a lot of time and energy in the endeavor –only to later realize that it was the wrong pursuit. But when I first take the time to discuss matters with God, I experience much more satisfaction and better direction.

There are many benefits to walking with God – before, during, and after my quest. The Light of His Presence illuminates the pursuit so that I may see it in His perspective. As my perspective becomes more aligned with His I gain a growing desire to please Him. This desire produces benefits far beyond the task at hand: it deepens my relationship with Him. If I discern that my pursuit accords with His will, then I can move forward confidently. As I work collaboratively with Him I continue to communicate with Him about what I am doing. When my goal has been achieved, I thank Him for His help and guidance; rejoicing in what we accomplished together.

"They rejoice in Your name all day long, and they are exalted by Your righteousness." For You are their magnificent strength; by Your favor our horn is exalted" Psalm 89:15-16

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail." Proverbs 19:21

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act," Psalm 37:5

" I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

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** Fruit of the Word * November 18, 2013 * Jesus Today Devotions **

Jesus Today

By Sarah Young

TRUST IN ME FOREVER FOR I AM THE ROCK eternal. It is easy to trust Me for a while, especially when things are going well in your life. But I am calling you to trust in Me at all times, no matter what is happening. I understand what a difficult assignment this is, and I know that you will sometimes fail in this venture. But I continue to love you perfectly even when you don’t succeed. Let this assurance of My unfailing love draw you back to Me --back to trusting Me.

Though you trust is imperfect and unsteady, I am the Rock eternal --absolutely steady and unchanging. You can rely on Me! When your walk through this world feels wobbly, remember that I am your Rock. I always provide a stable place for you to stand. I can easily bear all you weight, including the weight of your problems. So come to Me when you are feeling heavy laden with worries. I invite you to lean on Me --trusting Me with all your heart and mind.

"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 26:4

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on you own insight or understanding." Proverbs 3:5

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Saturday, November 23, 2013

** Daily Devotional * November 25, 2013 God is Just

POWER THOUGHTS DEVOTIONAL

by Joyce Meyer

God is Just

"Instead of your shame you shall have a twofold recompense; instead of dishonor and reproach shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs." Isaiah 61:7

Justice is one of God's amazing and admirable character traits. He brings justice as we wait on Him and trust Him to be our Vindicator when we have been hurt or offended. He simply asks us to pray and forgive --and He does the rest. He makes even our pain work out for our good (see Romans 8:28). He justifies, vindicates, and recompenses us. He pays us back for our pain if we follow His commands to forgive our enemies, and He even gives us double for our trouble. Refuse to live in unforgiveness, and trust God to reward you for any mistreatment you have endured.

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"We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

** Click HERE * Author Joyce Meyers * View Collection on eBay **

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** Fruit of the Word Devotions * November 24, 2013 * Abiding in Him * My Version **

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

Seeing His Love in Your Life

God wants me to live close to Him, seeing things from His perspective more and more. I walk as a "Child of Light." for His radiance is all around me and within me; it transforms me inside and out. I remember I was once darkness until His Spirit quickened me to life, empowering me to live in His Holy Presence. I dwell on this blessed remembrance until gratitude for His glorious grace wells up with me.

I trust Him to lead me step by step through each day. He provides sufficient Light for only one day at a time. If I try to look into the future, I find myself peering into darkness. His face shines upon me only in the present! This is where I find His gracious love that never fails me. I live ever so near Him --flourishing in His transforming Light.

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"For you were once darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord. Walk as children of Light --for the fruit of the Light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth --discerning what is pleasing to the Lord."

Ephesians 5:8-10

"For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, to the praise of His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved."

Ephesians 1:4-6

"May Yahweh make His face shine on you and be gracious to you…"

Numbers 6:25

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Friday, November 22, 2013

** Fruit of the Word Devotions * November 23, 2013 * His Sufficiency * My Version **

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

Seeing His Love in Your Life

In union with God I am complete. In the closeness to Him I am transformed more and more into the one He designed me to be.

He knows that I often feel incomplete, as if some vital part of me is missing. When this is just a feeling, not a conscious thought, I respond to many unproductive ways: comforting myself with food, seeking entertainment, searching myself in the mirror, and so on…All the while He is with me, patiently waiting for me to remember Him. If I continue to go my own way --seeking satisfaction where there is none --I become increasingly frustrated. My agitated condition makes it hard for me to turn back to Him --the only One who can complete me. However, it is never too late when I cry out, "Help me, Jesus!"

When a child of God calls out to Him, He never fails to respond. He may not provide instant relief, as if He were a genie, but He goes to work immediately, setting in motion the conditions I need. He helps me gain awareness of what I have been doing: seeking fulfillment in worldly ways. In response to my neediness, He offers me His Glorious riches. When I have settled down enough to think clearly, He invites me to come near Him where I can find completeness.

As I center my attention on Him --resting in the ratified air of His Presence --He blesses me with His peace. Thought I am just a jar of clay, He fills me with His Treasure: The Light of the Knowledge of His Glory. This divine Light fills me to the brim-- making me complete. It also transforms me, bit by bit into the masterpiece He designed me to be.

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"But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."

James 1:4

"Above all, maintain an intense love for each-other, since love covers a multitude of sins."

James 4:8

"He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry for help and saves them."

Psalm 145:19

" For God who said, 'Let Light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 4:6-7

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** Fruit of the Word Devotions * November 22, 2013 * Weakness **

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

Seeing His Love in Your Life

Weakness

I am able to sympathize with your weaknesses, for I have been tempted in every way. Not only do I understand you perfectly with all your weakness, but I have infinite resources because I am both Man and God. When friends try to help you with your problems, their own flaws and sinfulness can get in the way. I, on the other hand, comprehend you from both a divine, all-knowing perspective and a sinless human viewpoint. During My thirty-three years on earth I experienced terrible temptations, and I had to endure everything without sinning --in order to be your Savior. If you ever doubt My Love for you, just look at all I suffered so that I could spend eternity with you!

When you are going through painful trails, it is tempting to blame Me because you know I have unlimited Power to intervene. However, I refrained using that Power to save Myself from brutal torture and execution. Whenever I allow you to suffer, try to see it as My vote of confidence in you. It's a way of affirming you as a member of My royal family: a co-heir with Me. Call upon Me when you are in the midst of trials, and I will be ever so near you --entering into your suffering. Remember that I allow you to share in My sufferings in order that you may also share in My Glory.

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"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are --yet was without sin."
Hebrews 4:15

"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinner against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."

Hebrews 12:3

Now if we are children, then we are heirs --heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory."
Romans 8:17

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Thursday, November 21, 2013

** Fruit of the Word Devotions * November 21, 2013 * Trials **

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

Seeing His Love in Your Life

Though I bring grief, I will show compassion. No matter what trials you are enduring, you can count on My Love and My compassion --neither of which will ever fail. I can bring good out of everything I allow in your life, but ,much of what I do is far beyond your understanding. My children often misinterpret My ways with them. When adversity strikes, they tend to feel as I'm not pleased with them. They don’t realize that My most devoted followers are especially targeted in spiritual warfare. The devil and his demonic underlings delight in tormenting those who live close to Me. When you are suffering and your troubles seem endless, remember I am tenderly present in your afflictions. Instead of lamenting the way things are, search for Me in the wreckage of your adversity. You will not fail to find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

I want you to experience more fully the greatness of My overflowing Love. As you open yourself to My compassionate Presence, this Love flows into you more freely. Like new wine, My Love expands within you, increasing your capacity for Me. Another way to expand this capacity is to let My Love flow from you to others. I am so pleased when you do this that I flood you with more of My living Presence. As you continue this blessed adventure with Me, I fill you with ever-increasing volumes of unfailing Love.

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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

** Fruit of the Word* November 20, 2013 * Jesus Today Devotions My Version

Jesus Today By Sarah Young

My Version

When I trust in God, I take refuge in Him. Trusting Him is so much more than a matter of words; it is mainly a matter of will. As I go through this day, I will encounter many things that can make me anxious, including some of my thoughts. I f I don’t stay alert, anxious feelings can slip into my day without my noticing them,. When this happens, I may wonder why I suddenly start to feel bad. Usually, I just ignore those feelings, or I may try to numb them with food, drink, television, gossip, or other distractions. It is much better to "catch" the worry-thoughts before they take hold of me. That's why God says, "Be on the alert!"

If I am watchful I am alert, I can choose to take refuge in Him whenever anxiety come to me.

A refuge is a place that provides protection, or shelter: a safe haven. It is a place I turn to for help, relief, escape. God is eager to be my refuge, He is with me at all times. Nonetheless, I must exert my by turning to Him for help. Thus, I make Him my refuge, demonstrating my trust in Him. Blessed --happy to be envied --is the one who takes refuge in Him.

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Monday, November 18, 2013

** Fruit of the Word * November 19, 2013 * Friendship * Devotional **

Friendship

Many of us use the term friendship loosely. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter connect us with tons of "friends." However, the truth of the matter is that most of those so called "friends" are only acquaintances and not true friends. A true friend is someone who brings out the best in you; someone who encourages you; someone who gives unselfishly, expecting nothing in return; someone who listens to you; someone who speaks the truth with kindness (does so taking into consideration your feelings); a true friend does not criticize. A true friend stands by your side no matter what the circumstances. Friendships are two-sided, in order to have a friend, you must first learn to be a friend.

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"Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Proverbs 27:6

"As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of His friend." Proverbs 27:17

"A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

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