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                                                                | Today's Bible Verse |  
                                                                | "Thou wilt keep him in perfect
                                                                    peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he
                                                                    trusteth in thee." |  
                                                                | Isaiah 26:3 King James
                                                                        Version (KJV) 
 
 
 
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                                                                | Today's Bible Study |  
                                                                | One of my favorite activities
                                                                    as a child was building forts. The strong walls
                                                                    kept people out and allowed me to stash my
                                                                    treasure, mostly candy, in a safe place. 
 Today, of course, I realize my forts were not very
                                                                    secure. They offered no protection from real
                                                                    threats, like storms and bullies. My trust in its
                                                                    walls was misplaced.
 
 Just as children place a high value on candy,
                                                                    adults crave peace. We live in a dangerous world.
                                                                    Enemy forces come at us from all sides. We have
                                                                    seen destruction and want no part of it.
 
 No man can guard us against everything. The best
                                                                    fortresses fail in their efforts to shield us. Our
                                                                    country’s leaders, diplomats, and armed services
                                                                    stand guard, but their powers are limited.
 
 Peace, which is defined as tranquility and freedom
                                                                    from fear, is possibly the most vulnerable of all
                                                                    conditions. Some experience it temporarily, but
                                                                    perfect peace remains out of reach for most.
 
 We must not base our peace on outside conditions
                                                                    over which we have no control. The Christian’s
                                                                    peace comes from within. It is a peace built upon
                                                                    God’s promise “to keep him in perfect peace whose
                                                                    mind is stayed” on Him.
 
 Philippians 4:6-7 promises that if we, by prayer
                                                                    and supplication with thanksgiving, make our
                                                                    requests known unto God, He will grant us peace
                                                                    that passes understanding.
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                                                | Today's Prayer |  
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                                                | Father, I confess that I am sometimes fearful.
                                                    Help me during those times to keep my mind focused upon You. I know
                                                    Your perfect peace is available when I walk faithfully in Your
                                                    ways. Amen. |  |  |  |    
            
             
                
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                                                                    | Yesterday's Bible
                                                                            Verse |  
                                                                    | "Cast not away therefore
                                                                        your confidence, which hath great recompence of
                                                                        reward." |  
                                                                    | Hebrews 10:35 King
                                                                            James Version (KJV) 
 
 
 
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                                                                    | Yesterday's Bible
                                                                            Study |  
                                                                    | I am a great starter but a
                                                                        not-so-great finisher. 
 New projects catch my attention. I am
                                                                        especially lured to scrapbooking and counted
                                                                        cross-stitch kits. I buy the advertised item
                                                                        with enthusiasm and begin the project with
                                                                        zeal. But soon other activities vie for my
                                                                        attention. Completing the project begins to
                                                                        feel too much like work. I pick it up less and
                                                                        less often. Because its presence taunts me, I
                                                                        stash it inside a drawer or closet. I’m done.
 
 The writer to the Hebrew Christians challenged
                                                                        them to persevere and to maintain an active,
                                                                        confident faith. These new converts had made a
                                                                        sweeping change in their practiced religion. No
                                                                        doubt many were ostracized and looked upon as
                                                                        heretics.
 
 Because they were no longer offering sacrifices
                                                                        and observing holy days, they may have
                                                                        questioned the validity of this new faith. It
                                                                        seemed too easy. In addition, they faced
                                                                        persecution from their enemies. It may have
                                                                        been tempting to second-guess their decision to
                                                                        accept Christ. The writer urges them to hold on
                                                                        to their confidence and think of the great
                                                                        reward to come.
 
 Christians today experience similar
                                                                        temptations. The world offers a multitude of
                                                                        shiny objects and thrilling experiences
                                                                        designed to bring temporary satisfaction. But
                                                                        these things are merely distractions. A
                                                                        relationship with Christ is real.
 
 We must continually bolster our faith with
                                                                        prayer, the study of scripture, and fellowship
                                                                        with other believers. Our confidence in Jesus
                                                                        is our most precious asset. We must treat it
                                                                        like the treasure that it is.
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                                                    | Yesterday's Prayer |  
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                                                    | Father, strengthen me today. Help me keep my eye on the goal. Thank You for the salvation You give through Jesus Christ. Help me never forget the great cost You paid to offer it to me. Don’t let me treat it casually. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen. |  |  |  |     |      | 
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