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Daily Devotion: Relief for the Troubled

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[God will] give relief to you who are troubled.  2 Thessalonians 1:7 One of my favorite scenes in literature occurs when a feisty aunt confronts an evil stepfather over the abuse of her nephew, David Copperfield. This scene takes place in Charles Dickens’ novel named after the main character. When David Copperfield shows up at his aunt’s house, his stepfather is not far behind. Aunt Betsy Trotwood is not pleased to see the malicious Mr. Murdstone. She recounts a list of offenses and does not let him slither out of his responsibility for each act of cruelty. Her charges are so forceful and truthful that Mr. Murdstone—a normally aggressive person—finally leaves without a word. Through the strength and goodness of Aunt Betsy’s character, David finally receives justice. There is Someone else who is strong and good, and who will one day right the wrongs in our world. When Jesus returns, He will come down from heaven with a group of powerful angels. He will “give relief to...
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Daily Devotion: Unconventional Tactics

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We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.  2 Chronicles 20:12 In 1980, a woman hopped on a subway during the Boston Marathon. No big deal, except for one small detail. She was supposed to be  running  the marathon! Later, witnesses saw her jump into the race less than a mile from the finish line. She finished well ahead of all the other female runners, and oddly, she wasn’t winded or even sweating much. For a brief time she looked like the winner. In a conflict long ago, a people who were losing a battle found a more honorable way to win. When messengers told King Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom,” he was terrified (2 Chron. 20:2-3). But instead of turning to typical military tactics, Jehoshaphat turned to God. He acknowledged God’s supremacy and admitted his own fear and confusion. “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12). Then the king chose singers to lead the army into battle. Instead of a war cry, they...
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Daily Devotion: Springing Back

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The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust him.  - Nahum 1:7 (NIV) My job at a nursery involves propagating trees. Taking a small bud from one variety of tree, we graft it onto the root stock of another variety. In time, the two develop as one — growing tall and seemingly strong — but the process does not end there. When the tree has matured, we check it by using the simple test of pushing against the trunk. If the graft has properly healed, the tree will bend with the pressure and spring back when released. If the graft has not healed, the tree may still look healthy; but when force is applied, hidden weakness is exposed and the trunk will snap off at the graft. So it is when the pressures of life push in on us and our faith is tested. If our spiritual life has little depth, all may look well; but like the tree, we may easily break under stress. Spending time in God’s presence through prayer and daily reading of scripture p...
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