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Beauty and The Beast
Abigail’s story begins in 1 Samuel 25: 1-3. She was the wife of a man named Nabal who was very wealthy. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. The Bible describes her as being intelligent and beautiful, but her husband was surly and mean in his dealings. The Bible also tells us that the name Abigail means source of joy and Nabal means fool. Both lived up to their names. To say she married into a toxic situation would likely be an understatement, but often in life, it’s not the easiest of times, but the hardest that can bring out the best…
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Lottery Tickets
Last week I went to a local convenience store to cash in a few lottery tickets. The total winnings were $12 and I was going to purchase a bag of tortilla chips that I forgot to pick up at the grocery store earlier. The cashier was a woman named Brandy and she was very friendly and helpful. As she was processing the tickets I wondered how many times a day she handed out money to others and that she could probably use some herself, especially with Christmas just around the corner. While I was waiting I pulled a You Matter card from my purse and was preparing to give it…
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Meet: Abigail
For the month of January we will discover some of the many lessons that can be learned from studying the life of Abigail. Overview – Intercessor and Peacemaker Although the name Abigail means source of joy, she had several life experiences that were anything but joyful. She was married to a wealthy man named Nabal who was described as being surly and mean in his dealings. The servants in their household were even hesitant to approach him because he could not be reasoned with. Because of Nabal’s foolish actions, his life and the lives of all the males in his household were threatened by David which opened the door of…
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Royal Records – The Adventure Begins
The Bible is full of stories about women who through their experiences, became Women of Influence. Each one is mentioned in His word by His design to teach us and remind us that God is ever present and always active in our lives. Let their stories renew your faith in the power and love of God. We can connect with their stories because they were women just like us who collectively experienced all that this world threw at them. They were women who also, and more importantly, experienced the many different characteristics of God and their lives were forever changed. We have the privilege of learning from them. God made…
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My God, My Everything
A Journey of Discovery As you grow in your relationship with God your journey will provide abundant opportunities for you to discover some of the many names, titles and descriptions of God. Ask yourself if this is the God you know then check each one you know to be true and write in others that are not listed as you experience them on your journey. ___ My Lord ___ My Savior ___ My Redeemer ___ My Father ___ My Refuge ___ My Strong Tower ___ My Teacher ___ My Healer…
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Daily Gratitude
Psalm 100:4-5 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through the generations. Gratitude can instantly change your attitude because it shifts your focus from all that is wrong to a heart that is thankful for all that is right. Everyday we have a reason to be grateful regardless of what is going on in our lives. That reason is The Cross. Because of Jesus’ selfless obedience to take on our sins and die for us, we have a hope and a future. His resurrection conquered…
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Be Intentional
What does it mean to be intentional? By definition it means to do something on purpose. On our daily journey we have endless opportunities to be intentional. We can choose to be intentional about: what and who we worship how we pray how we study the Bible our gratitude our relationships with God and others. Being mindful of the many choices we have each day gives us a road map that through the guidance of the Holy Spirit will lead us in discovering God’s purpose for our lives. Being intentional about praying continually will not only connect us more deeply to God, but it will open the pathway of communication…
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Traveling Companions
As with any journey it’s always nicer to travel with others. Traveling companions provide fellowship, guidance, joy, learning opportunities and protection along the way. God has provided traveling companions for us on our journey of life. Each has a specific purpose and are gifts meant to make our adventures the best they can possibly be. God’s Holy Spirit As Believer’s His Holy Spirit dwells within us to comfort, guide, convict and lead us through this journey so that our lives will reflect Christ. He is our moral compass and will always direct our path in ways that honor God if we choose to follow Him. The more we rely on…
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Make A Decision
Now that you have a little better understanding of what it means to be Royalty in God’s eyes you have a decision to make. Do you accept the title along with the responsibilities and blessings that come with being a Daughter of the King? The bible teaches us to weigh the costs involved before making such an eternal decision. The pathway of following Jesus isn’t always easy. There will be trials, temptations and tests but there will also be moments of victory, exceeding joy and unsurpassing peace. God has promised to never leave you nor forsake you and as a believer He has provided His Holy Spirit to live within…
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Your Royal Lineage
Fear not! I have redeemed you and called you by name. You are mine. (Isaiah 43:1) Did you know that you are Royalty? Not only are you Royalty but you have been placed in your exact circumstances for such a time as this. God determined the times set for us and the exact places that we should live. (Acts 17:26) Your current location is part of God’s plan for your destiny. Fill in the blanks with your name and embrace your Royal Identity. John 1: 12 ________ is God’s daughter. “But _____ received Him, and to _____ He gave the right to become God’s daughter, because _____ believes in His name.”…