Today's Influence:
Ezekiel 11:18-21 (NLT):
When the people return to their homeland, they will remove every trace of their vile images and detestable idols. I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God. But as for those who long for vile images and detestable idols, I will repay them fully for their sins. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!
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Today's Prayer:
Lord, help me return to you, my blessed homeland. Show me those images and idols to remove from my life and my heart, dear God. Help give me the strength to overcome their hold on my, for your power alone is enough. Give me singleness of heart and put a new spirit within me. Take away my stony, stubborn heart and give me a tender, responsive heart, so I will obey your decrees and regulations. Let me be your people, as I call on you to be my God.
Help my family to return to you as well, dear Lord. Show them the idols that are taking place in their heart and lives which should be dedicated solely to you. Give them the strength to fight these temptations in your name, and to place you first above all others. Give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. Take away their stony, stubborn hearts and give them tender, responsive hearts, so they will obey your decrees and regulations. Show us how to be your people, as we call you to be our God.
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My Story:
It's been about a year and a half since I started venturing out of the wilderness and back toward God's outstretched arms. I find myself being confronted by the truth of my own idolatry and asking for God's forgiveness on a daily basis. Constantly discovering His merciful blessings within my life helps me to keep focused on His unfailing love.
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Your Turn:
Do you have favorite scriptures or prayers that you rely on when you feel the need to re-focus your life on God and His many blessings? Share in the comments.
Today's Inspiration:
Jeremiah 15:19 (NLT):
If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you!
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Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to return to you. Restore me so that I can serve you God. Help me to speak good words and tear worthless ones from my thoughts before they dare leave my lips, O God. Have me be your spokesman. Lead me to influence others for the sake of your righteousness. and in the name of your most beloved son, Jesus Christ. Do not let those who are lost influence me, dear God - but instead show me the way to influence them on your behalf. To God goes all the glory! Amen!
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My Story:
Learning to return to God while raising children is not easy. Trying to teach pre-teens and teens the reason to pray and read the Bible after having spent a decade not touching God's Word doesn't make it any easier. I find myself asking for God's strength and influence daily, so that I can learn to be a better role model and teacher for those whom He has entrusted to my training.
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Your Turn:
What are some ways that God has asked you to influence others? Are there things that come to mind for you to better follow His lead and be a spokesman for Him? Share in the comments.
Today's Inspiration:
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NLT):
Don't let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.
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Today's Prayer:
Help us to know you, Lord, and to witness your unfailing love. Help us to seek your justice and righteousness, Dear God. Help us to bring you delight.
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My Story:
I have a hard time remembering to give God the credit when things are working out according to "my" plan. And yet, things going well are a confirmation of my following God's plan, not my own. I need to be more persistent in praising Him and thanking Him for the wonderful circumstances He brings into my life, as I strive to lean on Him and strengthen my understanding of His wonderful grace.
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Your Turn:
How often do you find yourself boasting about your own achievements rather than giving God the credit? What are you actively doing to increase your knowledge and understanding of the Lord? Share in the comments.
