Devotionals and Scripture

Devotions and Scriptures of 2017

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New Life in Christ

Gen. 1:27  "So God created man in his own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
God has made it clear that there is santity in human life. Every life has value. 
Gen. 2:7 "The Lord formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breathe of life, and the man became a living being. 
We a re made in the image of God.   This is the first life that God has given us.  
He has also given us a second life. The free gift of Salvation. A chance for eternal life. 
God loves us, each and everyone of us.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believed in him should not perish but have everlasting life. "
We have all Sinned...
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
But God has found a way for us to join him in eternity someday.  He wants us all to walk on the streets of God, and no have more trials and temptations.  To be in his presence..
Romans 6:23 " For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
John 1:12 " But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even  to those who believe in His name."
I Cor. 15:3-4 "For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received; that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scripture."
God wants us to come to know him. He wants us to accept his free gift of Salvation, and believe that he is the Lord of Lord, and king of kings.  And he came into this world of corruptions and trials so we may have life.  He loved us so much. That he found us a way  to eternal life.  
Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he in Me. 
We all may be savaed now!
Romans 10:13 " For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
If you haven't given your life to the Lord, it is time to make this choice. Pray: Dear Jesus I know that I am a sinner, I believe that Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins on the cross and was raised for my justification. I do now receive  and confess Him as my personal Savior.  Now your new life in Christ begins.
That doesn't mean there wont be trials, and temptations, because we are in a sinful world and there will be. But now you have the assurance you have our Lord and Savior to guide you and help you in your walk with him. He will give you strength to handle each  trial that come along.  He will comfort you. He loves you. He is your heavenly father. 
God tells us in I Thes. 5:17 " Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
This is your new life, your new beginning .. Like a new baby just out of the mothers womb.. You have a new goal. A goal to be strong in your walk with God. And give up all the worldly addictions. Phil. 3:13-14" Brothers, I don not consider myself yet to have take hold of it. But one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me  heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Are you ready to make a change. I change that God promises to help us with? 
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Trials in New Light

I have a bible App that Scripture pops up everyday for me to read and consider how they play into my day.

Today the scripture read "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

James 1:2"

God doesn't put things into our lives only to make us miserable. He puts trials into our lives because he wants to refine us. He wants to make us better.   He wants to light the  fire under us to have more of a passion for the Lord.  When all is well in our lives we become very complacence, we aren't always giving our whole lives over the the Lord. We just bob around in life with the quietness of the water. But with trials God can place new challenges in our lives, new excitement, new fresh love for the Lord.  New dimensions beyond what we could ever imagine. Maybe if it is just be able to help others that is a big part. New insights to what others are going through.  Give us words to say when only words are needed.  Give us compassion for others that we would have never understood before. God lights our fire.  So when a trial comes into your life, grab ahold of it and give it to God. Let him work in your life and give you more hope, joy, and love for others. Dont be discouraged! God is always with you through it all.

By Colleen Rogness

Turning Away From Old Thoughts

If you find yourself without hope and discouragement. Try replacing your old thoughts with empowering new thoughts.  Apply into our lives biblical thoughts that will renew your spirit.

1. I was made for more then to be stuck in a vicious cycle of defeat.

"Deut. 2:3  You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn North."

2.  When I am considering a compromise , I will think past this moment and ask myself, how will I feel about this choice tomorrow morning. " I Cor. 6:19-20  Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you. Whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were brought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

3.  When tempted, I will either remove the temptation or remove myself from the situation.  " I Cor. 10:13b-14a  God is faithful: he will not let you be tempted beyond wen you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear Friends, flee.

4. I don't have to worry about letting God down because I was never holding him up; God's grace is sufficient. "

2 Cor. 12:9-10

5. I have boundaries in place not for restriction but rather to define the parameters of my freedom.

" Romans 6:19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing  wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. "

Let these statements bump into your new reality and redefine your old pattern of thoughts. And when we change the way we think, we'll be better equipped to change the way we make choices. 

Total Trust

There are  times in our life where what God tells us to do doesn't make sense.  He puts directions in our lives that we say "What Lord? Why do you want me to do that? It doesn't make sense. I think back on a time in my life that God was leading my husband and I to go to Cambodia on a short term mission trip. We would be going half way around the world.  We had 4 small children at home. We aren't in the ministry, just ordinary people. My husband farms and has a truck business and I am a nurse and a mother.  Why would he ask us to do this? But no matter what we prayed God would tell us "I want you to go and minister to Cambodia. There are millions of people there that need to know the Lord. They need the opportunity to hear about God's saving Grace. And that Jesus loves us, all of us in every nation." 

We finally decided we needed to be in God's will, trust him and go where he wanted us to go. He wanted us to say we will go just because you want us to go.  We did go for 11 trips to Cambodia. What a blessing this was in our lives.  We made many, many new friends, and many people in Cambodia heard about the Lord. God took care of of children at home.He  showed us that we were the ones being blessed by the Cambodian people. What a awesome job God called us, normal people to do. It humbles me to know that even if it didn't make sense God was in control and had a plan. A plan to use us.  

Open up your heart today. Let God show you what he wants you to do.  Follow his plan.  And then wait for the blessings to flow upon you. 

"Prov. 3:5-6...Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him."

Remember that God deserves our total trust and complete submission, even when it doesn't make sense.

By Colleen Rogness

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Praise Him ! Praise Him!

Many of us wonder sometimes in our life, what is there to praise God for?  We go along in life with one struggle after another. And sometimes it seems like God isn't even there. He is silent in our lives.  He is like our breathe in a cold winter day. Just a whisper of him..  Being a Christian doesn't protect us from struggles in our lives. He never promised us a Rose garden.  But what he does promise us to always be there with us through the tough times.  Psalm 107 describes many of the troubles we face today. We read phrases like "wandered in wastelands, " "hungry", thirsty,"  "lives that ebbedaway," "trouble,", "distress," and "darkness." The psalmist also reminds us that despite the circumstances we still have reason to praise God. This psalm also includes words, such as "redeemed, enduring love, wonderful deeds, satisfies the thirsty, delivered from their troubles." Words that remind us of God's faithfulness. It is God's faithfulness, then, that inspires our praise.  

We can choose to be discouraged, and not trust God. Be negative in all we say or do. Or, 

We can choose to praise and thank God. Beginning our prays with Praise and Thanksgiving produces an atmosphere of positive thinking. 

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus our blessed Redeemer! 

By Colleen Rogness

Devotions and Scriptures 2016

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"For by Grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:8,9
"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
Have you found the new life in Christ?  God died on the cross to offer us the free gift of salvation. We are able to be part of eternal life and have a place in Heaven with the Lord. God is holding out his hand to you. There isn't anything in this world that is free.  But God is offering us free eternal life. A life that isnt  promised to be perfect and free of sin or troubles here on earth. But a free path to live eternally with the Lord. 
God had given us the ability to make choices that are living a path of loving God. A path that our lives strive to be more Christ like. A path of love and hope for the future. Our sins in the past can be all forgiven. We can become a new person. Our life can change... God has promised us peace.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because  he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep yur hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7

Give your life and God and trust him to hold him in his arms and give you peace from doubts, and concerns in your life.  Be faithful to him. God wants you to be on his team. 
Team God!

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all  things are become new." 2 Cor. 5:17

January 

John 10:10 " The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that (you) may have life, and have it to the full."

Compromise vs. Promise

What happens when you take Com away from compromise? You are left with "promise". 
There are many areas in our lives that the world wants us to compromise.  Compromise by telling a lie. Its just a white lie. Compromise by giving in the first drink or cigarette, its just one. Compromise by taking just something small from a store without paying for it. Compromise by doing drugs just because it makes you feel better.  Compromise by doing the worldly thing is and having sex with many different people. There are many compromises we make in our life.  But when we want to compromise we must remember one truth. We were made for God's promises that lead to an abundant life of truth, strength, and joy. Satan's purpose is to kill and destroy.. "My purpose is to give you a rich and satisfying life." John 10;10  
We can't allow the devil to weaken, expose or make you vulnerable. Do not compromise. Refuse to accept less then the peace and abundant life God has promised to us.
I am made to live the reality of God's promises.

Feburary 2015

O Great God

O great God of highest heaven, occupy my lowly heart.

Own it all and and reign supreme, conquer every rebel power.

Let no  vice or sin remain that resists Your holy war,

You have loved and purchased me, make me Yours forever more.

I was blinded by my sin, had no ears to hear Your voice,

Did not know Your love within, had no tastefor heaven's joys

Then Your Spirit gave me life, opened up Your Word to me

Thru the gospel of Your son, gave me endless hope and peace.

Help me now to live a life tha's depenent on Your grace. 

Keep my heart and quard my soul from the evils that I face.

You are worthy to be prasied with my every thought and deed.

O great God of highest heaven, glorify Your name through me. 

January 2015

Devotional

Psalm 31:24 "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

A wise man once said, "Whatever came to me, I looked on as God's gift for some special purpose, if it was a difficulty, I knew He gave it to me to struggle with, to strengthen my mind and my faith." That idea has sweetened and helped me all of my life."

Anonymous

I have realized through the years that the saying "God doesn't give you anymore then you can handle". Really means, "With everything that is handed out to me in my life, God will give me the strength to handle it." I truly feel that we really aren't given the strength until it is needed." Day to Day God gives us what we need, whether it be strength to handle the struggles in our lives or the praise to God for the good things he has given us in our lives. God alone will give us what we need.. And with each struggle in our lives this helps us grow in the understanding of God's love and faithfulness. Without the struggles where would the growth begin? How would we become strengthened?

I Cor. 16:13 " Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courage; be strong."

Take courage, and turn your troubles..into material for spiritual progress.

"St. Francis de Sales"

We need the courage to start and continue what we should do, and courage to stop what we shouldn't do.

"Richard L. Evans"

(Taken from the book "the language of courage and inner strength.")

December 2014 Devotional

When we think of Super Hero's we might think of Spiderman, Batman, or Captain America. When I think of a Super Hero I do think about those things, but I will never forget that my true Super Hero saved me by dying for me, gave me everlasting life, and has not only loved me but showed me I was someone worth dying for. My Hero also walks on water, can make a blind man see, and heals the sick and weak. Who is my Hero you ask? Jesus Christ

The answer to prayer is slow; the force of prayer is cumulative. Not until life is over is the whole answer given and the whole strength understood.

"Stopford Brooke"

(From the book, The Language of Courage and Inner Strength)

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November 2014 Devotional

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

Psalm 13:1

There are times we feel like the psalmist did- forgotten because of the way our lives are going or where we are at. Especially when we trip and fall flat. Have you ever fallen on your face-literally? You're walking down the stairs and you miss that last step or your trip over something you didn't see- smack! There you are on your face. A few years, U.S. runner Mary Decker, who had trained for years to get tot he Olympics, fell during the competition. Years of training and one slip spelled defeat.

There is the agony in defeat. It hurts.

Perhaps you've fallen flat on your face in a figurative way. You feel defeated God is in the business of raising men from the ashes of defeat. He gives us more than one chance. Peter Drucker, a management consultant, offered these suggestions for recovering from a fall:

Watch what you focus on. Pick the future rather than the past.

Instead of concentrating on the problems, go after opportunities.

Choose your own direction.

Aim for something that's going to make a difference.

Maybe the answer to defeat- and to the psalmist's question in today's verse if found in

 Psalm 139:17-18

"How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly. I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I wake up in the morning, you are still thinking about me."

From the Devotional Book "Strong to the Core" By H. Norman Wright

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OCTOBER DEVOTIONAL 2014

Love knows no limits the same as GOD loves us, and true friendships last a lifetime as Jesus treasures that friendship with us, so get back in touch with some today he or she might need or waiting to call or a text from someone he or she longs for.... and you will be glad you did! Be an inspiration to someone today!

People say that life is a constant struggles, but with GOD in your heart and in your side, you will always find the strength you need to get through the worst of times.

Disappointments are just God's way of saying, "I've got something better." So be patient, have faith and live your life like Christ.

God is always on time, never behind and never ahead. Blessed is the person who learns to wait as he or she prays and never loses patience...For God's time is the best time.

Things have a way of working out. Never underestimate the power of prayer, faith & love. Above all, never underestimate the power of God who is at work in you...

Written by Jun Rafael

Col. 1:10-12 "So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way; bearing fruit in e very good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of the Son he love, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

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September Devotional 2014

When God pushes you to the edge, trust Him fully, because only two things can

happen. Either He will catch you when you fall or He will teach you how to fly.

God has a purpose for your pain, a reason for your struggles and a reward for your faithfulness. So don't give up and keep holding on...in Jesus!

God is always working behind the scenes for your good. Just because you don't see any changes taking place doesn't mean they aren't happening. Keep standing, keep believing, keep hoping because your breakthrough is coming.

Written By: Jun Rafael

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with 

you, not wanting anyone to perish, but ever one to come to repentance. "

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August Devotional 2014

In scriptures God will show us important people in the bible that struggled with situations in their lives. David was a real person with real trials.  Life then like now isn't always easy. We go through struggles in our lives that we question and wonder why God is allowing this to happen.

But even with a strong faith God wants us to cry out to Him for help.  He is a loving and strong

God, he can handle us yelling in times of struggle and questioning. He wants us to have the kind

of relationship that we can go to him in times of need.  One time in my life when my daughter

was taken home to be with Lord there were endless questions. I couldn't for a long time even talk with God.

I couldn't understand why he would do this to us. Our daughter whom we tried to

have for 5 years was now gone. My faith in God was on the edge. I felt like I had

lost my best friend.  One day when I just felt like I couldn't do it anymore

I cried out to God in anger... I shouted "Why did you do this to us, we have trusted loved,

walked the path you want us to walk. I am angry with you God. I don't know how to trust you.

You gave us Jenna only to take her away in 9 short months. I don't know where to go from

here I am so angry."  The tears wouldn't stop flowing. But at that point I heard God tell me." It's ok, my child.. I am here for you. You can be angry and I will comfort you. I have always been here for

you even when you felt like I was gone. I was right behind you holding you up,

and giving you the strength to carry on. My tears have flowed with you for the loss of Jenna. She is so special.  I love you and will keep holding you. And you can be angry with me, I can take it.

You are my special child, and I will keep you in perfect peace and help you make it

through this difficult time. She is now in a special place, and is enjoying the life

that she was created for.. Shes with me in paradise. "

My fears and doubts seem to just  disappear.  I just needed to tell God that I was angry with

him.. He would understand.  This wasn't a sign of weakness in my faith. It was a sign of hope that

I had and the assurance that this trial would pass. Just like we as mothers and fathers like to have

our children come to us for help and assurance, he loves it when we go to him with

our trials, and he can quietly hold us, and help us.

But in the book of Psalm.. David not only went to him with his concerns, but at the end of the

scriptures he always praised him for what he has done for us and what he will do for us in the future.

Thank you Jesus for being the comforting God that you are, and giving us the perseverance

to carry on.

Written By: Colleen Rogness

Psalms 31:20-24

"In  the shelter of your presence you hide them, from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from asssusing tongues. Praise be to the Lord, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. In my alarm I said, I am cut off from your sight! Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. Love the Lord, all his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in ful. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

DON'T WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW, GOD IS ALREADY THERE.

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July Devotional 2014

Footprints

We've walked the sands of time for many years, my Lord and I,

He's walked beside me and held my hand.

He gave me joy and laughter even when storms approached and high winds whirled  the sand in my face

So I could not see the way.

Sometimes I stumbled, sometimes I cursed the storm,

And he would say, "This too will pass." My grace is sufficient. Fear not. "

Our footprints are there in the sand, side by side

Through good times and bad--quite plain for anyone to see

The unsure ones are mine,

His the confident ones with steady pace and even step.

See, there I skipped along--even jumped for joy.

That was a happy time; there are many of those.

But see, there ar e also places where I faltered and fell.

My footprints disappear, but the strong ones go on.

He never wearied or weakened, even when he had to carry me.

He picked me up in mighty arms until we'd passed the storm

And my strength was renewed.

We've walked a long way together, my Lord and I,

And we aren't finished yet!

Scope  Nov. 1980

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June Devotional 2014

Life never seems to be the way we want it  but we it the best way we can. There's no perfect life but we can let God fill it with perfect moments.

What's love and work without faith? What's love and faith without work? What's faith and work without love? Hmmm, nice point isn't it? But what's faith, work, and love if it wasn't for God.

As you walk through the valley of unknown. Don't be afraid because you will find the footprints of Jesus in front of you and beside you. Your not alone in your journey.

Written By: Jun Rafrael

I Peter 2: 2

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual mlk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that THE LORD IS GOOD.

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May Devotional 2014

One day I was tired and downhearted with life's trial and hardships and I asked God. "Why so many hills and mountains to climb in life?" Gd answered, "For you to have a better view ." Keep holding on.

We make plans but God has the final word. We may think we know what is right but God is the judge of our motives. Share are plans with God and you will succeed.

Written By:  Jun Rafrael

Proverbs 3:5,6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; and he will make you paths straight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Walking with God

In the original Hebrew, "in all your ways acknowledge him' is more literally "in all your ways know him." This fundamental statement of how to relate to God implies more than mere reverence. Nodding in God's direction is not enough; you must know him by living closely with him, relating to him personally in every aspect of your life.

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April Devotional 2014

The shortest Distance between a problem and a solution is the same distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.

God will bring us to a point of weakness if that's what it takes to bring you to trust HIM. Because you'll never know that Gd is all you need till God is all you got. You can count on HIM.

Written By: Jun Rafael

Hebrews 11:1

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

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March Devotional 2014

Through prayers GOD hears more than you say, HE answers more than You ask, HE gives you more than you desire. All HE needs is your time.

Happiness Keeps You sweet, trials make you strong. Sorrow keeps you human, failures keep you humble. Success makes you eager and Jesus makes you a winner. Be an Ambassador today.

Sometimes...things CHANGE, plans FAILS, joy FADES, and & excitements GO. And you begin asking why? But when you look beyond, You will see GOD has a better PLAN...So don't worry because someday at some point, EVERYTHING will be fine.


Written By: Jun Rafrael

2 Thessalonians 2:13-16
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the  beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers , stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

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February Devotional 2014

Don't worry about tomorrow God is already there!

So how easy is it for us to always worry about what is ahead for us? I struggle with that. It 's something I have to give over to the Lord quite often. We need to focus on things that make a difference in our lives. Not trivial things that we can't really change or do anything about.  God has promised to be there for us in all situations. We need to trust him, and know that he has the best in mind for our lives in every circumstance. Sometimes the result of what happens will not be happiness in our life. But God has a plan. Sometimes it takes trials to bring us closer to the Savior.

Can we change what the weather will be tomorrow? Can we change what will come into our lives? If we can't change it just trust that God will help us with whatever the challenges that will come. It might a easy challenge and it might be a difficult challenge.. Whatever the challenge lean on Christ for your strength.  Renew your heart..Pray for peace. Pray for strength. God is give it..Trust him.

 We need to trust God and put his kingdom first. 

Written by Colleen Rogness

Matt. 6:31-34

"So do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or what shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things and your heavenly father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow  will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. "

Matt. 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. "

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January Devotional 2014

Adapted from a writing by J.C. Brown

I wouldn't trade my lot in life for anyone else I know

For through the pain and happiness I've felt my spirit grow.

I've cried some tears, and laughted some too,

And done the ordinary things that other people do.

But through the years I've had so much

Of unconditional love and human touch;

That I wouldn't trade my lot in life for anybody elses.

I wouldn't trade one single day for years of any other's,

For even in the heartache, and the pain that really smothers 

I've known my Savior face to face

And especially in the midnight dark, he's walked with me

And shown to me his loving, serving, healing heart-

And I wouldn't trade my lot in life for anybody elses.

He's given me so much of joy, and peace, and excitement

and challenge, and security, and companionship,

And love and strength and patience,

That my cup keeps overflowing with His beautiful acquaintance.

We've climbed some rugged mountains,

And explored some valleys wide;

And I've seen the marvelous view from both

With my Savior at my side.

And I wouldn't trade my lot in life for anybody elses.

Psalm 31:24

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

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December Devotional 2013

I Met my Master

"I had walked life's pathway with easy tread,

Had followed where comfort and pleasure led;

And then it changed in a quiet place,

I  met my Master face to face.

I had built my castles and built them high ,

With their towers that pierced the blue of the sky,

I had sworn to rule with an iron mace,

When I met my Mater face to face

I met Him and knew Him and blushed to see

That His eyes, full of sorrow, were fixed on me,

And I faltered and fell at His feet that day

While my castles melted and vanished away.

Melted and vanished, but in their place

I saw naught else buy my Master's face.

And I cried aloud, O, make me meet

To follow the marks of Thy pierced feet.

My thought is now for the SOULS OF MEN,

I've lost my life to find it again,

E'er since along in that holy place,

I met my Master, face to face.

Unknown

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November Devotional 2013

The Haven of His Love

The Sea of Life is rough and stormy

And my craft is small and frail

But with God's hand upon the wheel

I can weather any gale!

And when doubts and fears assail me

And week to overwhelm

In perfect peace I rest securely

For God is at the helm!

Written by Jon Gilbert

Psalm 55:22 " Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain You; He will never let the rightous fall."

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October Devotional 2013

John 14:27"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world give. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Does the peace of God just come to us?  God wants us to rely on him in all our everyday troubles. But in order for him to give us peace we need to come into his presense... The door into  the temple of praise and prayer is open to us. All we need to do is enter. Only when we totally rely on God are we able to enjoy the inner peace that saticifies completely our quest.

Ps. 31:5"Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth."

Go into a quiet time with God. Read his word.. Praise his name.  Exalt his name. Get closer to him. And the only way to do this is time. Take some time out of your day to just worship God, and show him you want to be closer. Be still and know that I am God...

He WILL give you peace in every situation in our life. But we need to give him our time, to show him we love him. Commit and make your journey today one that God will give you strength. God is totally and completely committed to us. But he wants us to be totally and completely committed to him.

Commit yourself to God.. God is our refuge and our strength. 

Psalm 29:1-2 "Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Asribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

Psalm 29:11"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."

Ps. 27:13,14  "I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Pray for God to give you a positive attitude.

Written by: Colleen Rogness (Mother of Jon Rogness-Co-founder)
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September Devotional 2013

Ten Commandments for an Unhappy Life

1. Thou shalt hold onto bitterness and anger.

2. Thou shalt never get too close to anybody. Keepeth all of thy relationships  at surface level.

3. Thou shalt wear a glum expression on  thy face at all times.

4.  Thou shalt put aside play and shalt inflict upon others that which was once inflicted upon thyself.

5.  Thou shalt grumble about the  small stuff, forgetting the bigger picture.

6.  Thou shalt forget about others needs, thinking only of your own.

7.  Thou shalt hold regular pity parties, inviting others to joinest thou.

8.  Thou shalt not take a vacation.

9.  Thou shalt expect the worst in all situations, blame and shame veryone around thyself for everything, and dwell on the feebleness, faults, and fears of others.

10.  Thou shalt be in control at all times, no matter what.

Phil. 4:11-13

"I am not saying this because I am in need, fore I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I  know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strenght."

Phil. 4:4

"Rejoice in the Lord always, Again I will say, rejoice."

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August Devotional 2013

I John 1:5-9 "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you; God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we clain to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. "

As I sit in my basement on my computer deciding what to write about in this devotional. I feel the sense of darkness around me.  In a basement usually the lighting isn't as good due to less windows.  I feel that my mind isn't as fresh with less light. I don't like the feeling of being in the dark. No matter what the situation it always makes me uneasy. I feel alittle lost inside. I feel it difficult to know where to go from here.

This scripture tells us that God is our light... If we recieve him we will never be in the darkness. Gods life represents what is good, true and holy, while darkness represents what is evil and false. God gives us an individual choice of two lifestyles. 1: Characterized by wickedness and error (Sin).  2: By holiness and truth(Christ). To often people  choose to let their life get robbed of happiness by chosing the first lifestyle.  Its easy to be the fun person. The person who won't say NO to their friends when they are offered something they know is wrong. The person who feels more accepted, and fit in better when they choose to do what the crowd is doing.The person who tries to forget any problems in their life with alcohol and drugs.  The this is all untrue. The bible tells us that this choice leads to darkness. It gives us false hope.

But God promises that if we choose the 2nd choice, the choice of accepting God, this will lead to the light. If we choose God and will make a conscious choice to have a living union with him. He will forgive all our sins. Being in fellowship with God brings  peace and joy to your soul.  It gives you hope for tomorrow and peace for your future. When we walk in the light: 1. We walk in safety 2. We walk in hope 3. We walk in confidence.  I would rather walk in God's path then in the darkness of life, and feel  lost and alone. And wonder where do I go from here.

GOD IS THE REAL DEAL!  Let's choose God. Bring the light into your life!

By: Colleen Rogness

June Devotional 2013

Eph. 6:4 " Bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord."

Fathers day is on June 16th. A day for fathers to be honored.  A day to show our dads that they are special and mean so much to us.  For me it is a day of rememberance. My dad is no longer with us on earth. He is home with the Lord.  I miss him as I think of what he did for my life.  The things he gave up to make sure his wife and children were taken care of.  The hours he worked to put food on the tables in times that it wasn't always that easy to do. The things he taught me on a daily basis. The values that he instilled in my life. There were times I thought that his rules were kindof old fashion, but now I look back as a mom and see that he wanted the best for me. And my rules for my children also look old fashion. But that's ok. He loved me beyond words he could express.  And every decision he made was for my best.   My children did get to know my dad, in which I am thankful. My dad wasn't perfect by any means, but he did his best to show us his love for his family and for the  Lord.  I am thankful for the man that raised me. 

Written by Colleen Rogness

Eph. 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor yourfather and mother, which is the first commanment with a promise. That it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.

Ps. 118:24 " This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. "

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May  Devotional 2013

God's Plan

In light of all the tragedies in the world today, all the terrorists attacks, all the storms, loss of life,  controversary in the government, and saddness...God has a plan that overpowers all plans..

Luke 6:27-36

" But I tell you who hear me: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,  bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other  also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who ask you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those  who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, ecpecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, becuase he's kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Even our enemies need God's love shown to them. God loves each and every one of us.. No matter the choices we have made in our lives. We need to live our lives as God wants us to live. We need to love our enermies, show love to the less fortunate, and show forgiveness.

 No reward is greater then the reward we will receive in heaven.

 No love is greater then God's love.

 No forgiveness is greater then God's forgiveness.

 No life is better then choosing to live a life filled with God and his promises and love.

By Colleen Rogness

April Devotional 2013

Ten Reasons Why We Should Read God's Word

Reason 1. The enemy of your soul does not want you to be a person of the Word. Since our first parents in Eden, Satan has sought to destroy God’s children by questioning God’s Word. He was bold enough to tempt Jesus by misapplying the Scriptures. If Jesus found it necessary to use the Scriptures to defend himself in this world, your knowledge and application of God’s Word are more than choices; they are matters of spiritual survival.

Reason 2. The Bible is a priceless treasure. For thousands of years, God has protected this precious Book from extinction. Believers have died to protect it. Evil regimes and false religions have done everything in their power to keep you from having a copy of the Word of God. Millions of your brothers and sisters in Christ would give their last dime to have a Bible, let alone the three or four copies that many American Christians possess.

Reason 3. The Bible is your resource for absolute truth. In a day of spiritual confusion, moral relativism, and intellectual hypocrisy, you hold in your hand a direct communication from God, which gives you spiritual clarity, moral certainty and intellectual revelation. The Bible consists of more than little black letters on a page. It is a “contract” in force between God and man. Every word is true and unchanging.

Reason 4. The Bible is your manual for living. Its Author is your Creator. God knows why you exist and the best way for you to live. No matter how much money and time you spend on “self-help” books, you’re far better off getting back to your “God-help” book. God is the ultimate expert. He loves you and wants you to succeed. Ultimately, He cares about your eternal destiny.

Reason 5. As a child of God, you should keep up on all the blessings your Heavenly Father desires for all His children. God’s promises in His Word are not reserved for a few “super saints.” They are for every believer. Most Christians do not have any idea how “rich” they are in Christ. By some counts, 7,000 promises are yours. Others have found many more. Find them and claim them. The Maker of Bible promises will never die, has all the resources to fulfill every guarantee, and is not running for political office.

Reason 6. The Word of God is powerful. It is powerful for many reasons. The Bible is the Word of the eternal, omniscient, omnipotent God. Every word of man is conditional and temporal, but God has the final word. The Bible is our powerful defensive and offensive spiritual weapon (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). It is a word of healing and deliverance (Psalm 107:20). People who curse God or refuse to admit He created the world would be shocked to know He sustains the universe by His word of power (Hebrews 1:3).

Reason 7. The Scriptures should be your “food for thought.” The thought processes of the world have become so evil and depraved you must overcome the ideas and philosophies from darkened minds by daily planting the incorruptible seed of the Word of God in your heart (Romans 8:5-8). Everyone knows that positive thinking is better than negative thinking. Imagine how your day would brighten if you met every challenge with a divine promise and every situation with a divine truth.

Reason 8. Those who neglect the written Word of God will soon have serious questions about the living Word: Jesus Christ. The spirit of Antichrist is certainly evident and prevalent in our culture, but truth about Jesus’ past and present and future is clearly revealed in the Scriptures. Remember, we are saved through faith in Jesus and “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV).

When Peter stepped out of a fishing boat in a storm and walked on water, he didn’t begin to sink until he took his eyes off Jesus (Matthew 14:22-31). Believers are in serious trouble when they do not constantly read the Word, which reveals Jesus. Like Peter, those who do not keep Christ in plain view will be dragged down by the storms of life.

Reason 9. Every person has a desire to know about the future. It is amazing to what lengths people will go to see beyond the present. This innate interest feeds fortunetellers, astrologers, palm readers, clairvoyants and other charlatans. Their lack of accuracy is pathetic, yet millions continue to seek their counsel. You have in your possession the greatest Book about prophecy ever written — the Bible. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19).

When people speak of the future with fear and panic, they have taken their future out of the hands of God. They have neglected the words of Jesus: “Set your troubled hearts at rest. Trust in God always; trust also in me. There are many dwelling places in my father’s house; if it were not so I should have told you; for I am going there on purpose to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1,2, NEB).

Reason 10. How would you like to hear God speak to you? How would you like to sit down and listen to the teaching of Jesus, the greatest Teacher who ever lived? You can every day by opening the pages of the Word of God. It really is a letter to you. As you read it, the Spirit of God will quicken and reveal life-giving truth to you.

Reading God’s Word should never be viewed as a laborious task or even a duty. It is a wonderful privilege to open the Book every day and receive divine insights into the nature of God, the purpose of man, and the truth about time and eternity.

The Word of God is vital if you are going to live a victorious life. I pray this stirs a fresh desire in your heart to know divine truth. Remember: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, NKJV).