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	<title>Your Daily Devotional</title>
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	<description>Linda reads through the bible everyday using her R.E.A.P. method and puts her thoughts online with a hope that it blesses you.</description>
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	<itunes:author>Linda Bailey</itunes:author>
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		<itunes:name>Linda Bailey</itunes:name>
		<itunes:email>linda@dailydevotions.com.au</itunes:email>
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	<copyright>Copyright © 2012 Linda Bailey</copyright>
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	<item>
		<title>Message from Linda</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/message-from-linda/</link>
					<comments>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/message-from-linda/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2018 02:06:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15528</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>For over ten years I have read the Bible and written a REAP style devotion as part of my theological reflection. This spiritual discipline has helped me to see the diversity of God and I’m humbled that He willingly reveals Himself to me in my everyday life. Throughout this journey, I have made thousands of...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/message-from-linda/">Message from Linda</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For over ten years I have read the Bible and written a REAP style devotion as part of my theological reflection. This spiritual discipline has helped me to see the diversity of God and I’m humbled that He willingly reveals Himself to me in my everyday life.</p>
<p>Throughout this journey, I have made thousands of my devotions public and have been invited into many people’s spiritual lives.  This has been an honour and a privilege.</p>
<p>And that’s why it is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that I have decided to stop writing my regular REAP posts. I don’t know if this will be long term or short term but I believe it is the right decision for this next season.</p>
<p>I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring God in this way and have been humbled at how many people have joined me on this journey.</p>
<p>I pray that each of you continues to experience the depth of God’s love and the grace that He pours out for you each and every day.</p>
<p>Blessings,</p>
<p>Linda Bailey.</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/message-from-linda/">Message from Linda</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>We don’t really argue</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/we-dont-really-argue-2/</link>
					<comments>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/we-dont-really-argue-2/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2018 16:00:44 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[argument]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[differences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[disagreement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15501</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>It won&#8217;t take long before we find an area of disagreement between them Acts 15:36-41 Reference: They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, (Acts 15:39 NIV) Explore: As part of officiating weddings, I highly recommend doing a pre-marriage counselling course with the couple. This is...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/we-dont-really-argue-2/">We don&#8217;t really argue</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>It won&#8217;t take long before we find an area of disagreement between them</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Acts 15:36-41" href="http://bible.us/111/act.15.36-41.niv" target="_blank">Acts 15:36-41</a></p>
<p><strong>Reference</strong>: They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, (Acts 15:39 NIV)</p>
<p><strong>Explore</strong>: As part of officiating weddings, I highly recommend doing a pre-marriage counselling course with the couple. This is a great way to bring up some areas of importance that a couple may not have thought about before getting married.</p>
<p>We look at topics such as communication, financial management, sexual expectations and family history. Whenever I address the area of conflict resolution many couples will be quick to say, &#8220;We don&#8217;t really argue.&#8221;</p>
<p>While they may not argue like their parents or their other couple friends, it won&#8217;t take long before we find an area of disagreement between them. This does not mean that they have a bad relationship, it just means that they need to work out ways to communicate effectively so that they can maintain a strong connection.</p>
<p>Some helpful conflict resolution tips are:</p>
<p><em>Bring up issues before they fester and grow. </em></p>
<p><em>Only discuss one issue at a time (if you&#8217;re talking about finances it&#8217;s not the time to bring up the wet towel that&#8217;s left on the bathroom floor everyday!)</em></p>
<p><em>Allow both people to share their feelings and opinions. </em></p>
<p><em>Pick your battles</em></p>
<p><em>Start sentences with &#8220;I feel&#8230;&#8221; rather than &#8220;You did&#8230;&#8221;</em></p>
<p>Healthy relationships can still be maintained, even with differences of opinion.</p>
<p><strong>Application</strong>: It&#8217;s no surprise that there were disagreements between people in the Bible. Even the greatest followers of Jesus were human and had differences of opinion with each other.</p>
<p>Paul and Barnabas had been working together for a long time. They had an incredible history together and had witnessed amazing moves of God in their work.</p>
<p>However, they hit a difference of opinion that sent them in opposite directions. Their conversation is not recorded in our scripture, but I wonder how the early church would be different if they had have worked out their differences in a more positive way.</p>
<p>Thankfully, God&#8217;s mission is not limited by our disagreements with other people, but often it is our lives which are impacted by the conflicts we have with others. God is peace and when peace is removed it can negatively affect our lives.</p>
<p>Whilst disagreements can be expected in any relationship, it is God&#8217;s desire to see peace reign and, therefore, we must continue to work through our differences.</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong>: Lord, give us Your wisdom, love and peace as we work together to fulfil Your purpose here on earth. Amen.</p>
<p><em>What&#8217;s one thing you can do to bring more peace to your relationships?</em></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/we-dont-really-argue-2/">We don&#8217;t really argue</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>I Scratched The Car</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/i-scratched-the-car-2/</link>
					<comments>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/i-scratched-the-car-2/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Sep 2018 16:00:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[honesty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wrong]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15500</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>It could have been much worse.  Acts 15:22-35 Reference: We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. (Acts 15:24 NIV) Explore: Believe it or not, I have been known to stuff things up at times! It&#8217;s always a horrible feeling when...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/i-scratched-the-car-2/">I Scratched The Car</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>It could have been much worse. </strong></p>
<p><a title="Acts 15:22-35" href="http://bible.us/111/act.15.22-35.niv" target="_blank">Acts 15:22-35</a></p>
<p><strong>Reference</strong>: We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. (Acts 15:24 NIV)</p>
<p><strong>Explore</strong>: Believe it or not, I have been known to stuff things up at times! It&#8217;s always a horrible feeling when you realise that things have gone pear-shaped and every human would have experienced that feeling.</p>
<p>I drove to church one Sunday and, as I parked the car on the street, I accidentally scraped the car next to mine. My heart sank.</p>
<p>I got out to survey the damage and noticed some paint scrapings and a scratch down the side of the car. Thankfully it could have been much worse.</p>
<p>I got a cloth out of my car and wiped down the damaged car. In the end, most of the paint had been from my own car and the scrapes were only on the surface.</p>
<p>Unless you were looking specifically for marks in that area, you would never have noticed the 2cm scratch near the bottom of the car. I had done my best to fix the damage and it would have been easy to justify if I just walked away.</p>
<p>However, I knew the right thing to do was to let the owners know about the incident. I found a piece of paper in my car and wrote them a note, leaving my contact details.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m sure they only noticed the scratch because I pointed it out to them, but the right thing to do was to be honest and admit my fault.</p>
<p><strong>Explore</strong>: It&#8217;s really easy to get into the habit of always jumping on the defence. If we ever do anything wrong we are quick to point the finger or weasel our way away from the blame.</p>
<p>I love the example that the Bible gives when things go wrong.</p>
<p>The apostles and elders of the early church had heard that some of their group were making things difficult for the Gentiles. Even though they were not directly to blame they were happy to write a letter of apology to the Gentiles to bring back peace.</p>
<p>Because of their humility and honesty, thousands of people were encouraged in their faith of God. The leaders could have easily pointed the finger and thrown someone less important under the bus, but they took responsibility and worked towards making it right again.</p>
<p>You&#8217;d be amazed how quickly a disagreement can be defused when someone admits fault and shows that they are keen to make things right again. Let&#8217;s face it, we are all humans and we all get something wrong at some stage.</p>
<p>Just because it&#8217;s inevitable for us to fail, it does not give us the liberty to ultimate rebellion, but means we constantly need to be working towards bringing our world to justice and peace.</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong>: Lord, may I be honest enough to own up to my responsibilities and to put my pride aside so that peace can reign. Amen.</p>
<p><em>What has helped you to act honourably when you&#8217;ve known you&#8217;re in the wrong?</em></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/i-scratched-the-car-2/">I Scratched The Car</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>Apricot Chicken</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/apricot-chicken-2/</link>
					<comments>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/apricot-chicken-2/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2018 16:00:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[acceptance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[apricot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[barriers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meals]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15499</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>While I love cooking my family great meals, there are some things that tip me over the edge. Acts 15:1-21 Reference: “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. (Acts 15:19 NIV) Explore: For some reason I always struggle to find apricot nectar on the...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/apricot-chicken-2/">Apricot Chicken</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>While I love cooking my family great meals, there are some things that tip me over the edge.</strong></p>
<p><a title="Acts 15:1-21" href="http://bible.us/111/act.15.1-21.niv" target="_blank">Acts 15:1-21</a></p>
<p><b>Reference:</b> “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. (Acts 15:19 NIV)</p>
<p><b>Explore:</b> For some reason I always struggle to find apricot nectar on the supermarket shelf. It’s a normal sized can with a picture of an apricot on it, however, it’s the most illusive item in the whole shop.</p>
<p>It’s an essential ingredient to making Apricot Chicken, which is one of my family’s favourite dishes. It’s easy to make and a taste sensation once baked.</p>
<p>When looking for the essential nectar I always start off in the canned fruit aisle. It seems that the supermarkets do not consider the nectar of apricot made out of fruit! Then I head into the baking section, which is a rookie mistake that I seem to make EVERY time.</p>
<p>Finally I arrive in the correct location, the juice aisle. You would think that I finally reach success here, but often the can is either up too high, or out of stock, that I throw my hands up in the air and give up.</p>
<p>While I love cooking my family great meals, there are some things that tip me over the edge. Surely there’s a meal that causes me less stress than Apricot Chicken!</p>
<p><b>Application: </b>Our family is blessed to have a whole range of options for a meal, so removing apricot chicken from the menu is not going to affect our future. However, there are often hurdles that come into our lives which can stop us from doing really important things.</p>
<p>A bad mark on an assignment can stop us from trying hard with other assessments; a close friend who suddenly passes away can stop us from getting close to anyone again; a big binge on food can stop us from trying to get back on the healthy bandwagon. It’s sad when barriers get in the way of important things in our lives.</p>
<p>It’s even worse when these barriers did not have to be there in the first place. Often we put certain criteria in place to protect that which is important to us, and yet, that criteria often excludes others.</p>
<p>This happened in the early church. A new group of people were coming to faith and the older believers were struggling to adapt to include them.</p>
<p>There are some things in our faith that are non-negotiable. However, there is a great deal to our faith that is best practice for us. This doesn’t mean that we should judge others for not doing likewise, or exclude them for doing differently.</p>
<p>If there’s anything we can learn about Christ it is His constant acceptance of ALL people. Let’s not hold so tightly to our religion that we lose sight of our Saviour.</p>
<p><b>Prayer:</b> Lord, You are more powerful than any barrier we can create, but help us to embrace people rather than push them away from Your love. Amen.</p>
<p><i>When have you experienced a barrier in your life?</i></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/apricot-chicken-2/">Apricot Chicken</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>Moving House</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/moving-house-2/</link>
					<comments>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/moving-house-2/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Sep 2018 16:00:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[discipleship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[house]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[longevity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[moving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trials]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15498</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>I knew that we had moved a little bit, but it wasn&#8217;t until I did the math that I realised how often we actually shifted. Acts 14:21-28 Reference: And they stayed there a long time with the disciples. (Acts 14:28 NIV) Explore: In the 11 years that my husband and I have been married, we&#8217;ve...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/moving-house-2/">Moving House</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>I knew that we had moved a little bit, but it wasn&#8217;t until I did the math that I realised how often we actually shifted.</strong></p>
<p><a title="Acts 14:21-28" href="http://bible.us/111/act.14.21-28.niv" target="_blank">Acts 14:21-28</a></p>
<p><strong>Reference</strong>: And they stayed there a long time with the disciples. (Acts 14:28 NIV)</p>
<p><strong>Explore</strong>: In the 11 years that my husband and I have been married, we&#8217;ve moved 6 times. Wow, I knew that we had moved a little bit, but it wasn&#8217;t until I did the math that I realised how often we actually shifted.</p>
<p>Each time we move I make a concerted effort to get to know my neighbours. Waving to each other as we put out the bins is one thing, but I&#8217;ve strived to build decent relationships with those who live nearby.</p>
<p>The last house we lived in I was more successful than previous attempts. I was a similar age to my neighbours and they were always up for a chat when I made the time.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, we moved house again before we had the chance to really build life-long friendships. There are a few friendships that happen instantly, however, most relationships take an extended period of time to build.</p>
<p><strong>Application</strong>: Life can get so busy that we don&#8217;t take the time to make new friends and cultivate new relationships. Due to our regular moving I have not been able to maintain any of my previous neighbourly relationships, besides a bit of Facebook interaction.</p>
<p>You can really make a difference if you settle for an extended period of time, allowing relationships to grow and trust to develop.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s the same with discipleship. Many people don&#8217;t instantly become a follower of God as soon as they hear the good news. It often takes a long period of time, with a faithful friend, to gradually chip away at the barriers of disbelief.</p>
<p>We can sometimes focus too much on the next best thing rather than settling into our current positions and building great relationships that develop faith. Let&#8217;s not rush into moving and changing but recognise that there is a time to move but also a time to plant our feet.</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong>: Lord, when things get tough it often feels easier to just pick up and move on. Help us to persevere through trials so that we come to rely on You and to build the strong relationships that are needed to openly share Your love. Amen.</p>
<p><em>What are the benefits for you to stay where you currently are?</em></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/moving-house-2/">Moving House</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>A New Recipe</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/a-new-recipe-2/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Sep 2018 16:00:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[praise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Psalm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[worship]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15497</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>As soon as it receives a positive response it quickly goes on my rotation of meals. Psalm 149:1-9 Reference: Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people. (Psalm 149:1 NIV) Explore: It&#8217;s always exciting for me to discover new recipes that the whole family...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/a-new-recipe-2/">A New Recipe</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>As soon as it receives a positive response it quickly goes on my rotation of meals.</strong></p>
<p><a title="Psalm 149:1-9" href="http://bible.us/111/psa.149.1-9.niv" target="_blank">Psalm 149:1-9</a></p>
<p><strong>Reference</strong>: Praise the Lord.<br />
Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people. (Psalm 149:1 NIV)</p>
<p><strong>Explore</strong>: It&#8217;s always exciting for me to discover new recipes that the whole family enjoy to eat. As soon as it receives a positive response it quickly goes on my rotation of meals.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ve made the mistake of taking a good meal and cooking it too often. It was the Chicken and Leek pie.</p>
<p>While it was a little fiddly to make, it was a taste sensation that every member of the family enjoyed. I would bring it out every couple of weeks, but one week I made a big batch and I felt like we were eating it every second night!</p>
<p>From that point I took it off rotation as I couldn&#8217;t bring myself to face the pie again. Two years later, after my daughter remembered enjoying it, the pie has only just started to be made in my kitchen again.</p>
<p><strong>Application</strong>: When it comes to food; we all like variety. Sure, we have our favourite meals but it&#8217;s always nice to fill our mouths with a mixture of taste sensations.</p>
<p>Surely this would be the same when it comes to giving God our praise. Yes, we have songs, prayers and phrases that we might like to use regularly, but even the psalmist encourages us to sing a &#8216;new song&#8217;.</p>
<p>There are 150 psalms in the Bible which shows that believers have always had a huge range of songs to choose from. However, let&#8217;s not limit our praise just to those songs and prayers that have already been written.</p>
<p>If we are to express our creativity, then surely it&#8217;s in our praise that we should give it our all. Whether you praise God through singing, playing instruments, writing, speaking, researching&#8230; Whatever your act of praise may be, continue to find new ways of expressing how glorious our God is.</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong>: Lord God, You give us a fresh start each and every day. May we honour You with our praise, new and fresh each morning. Amen.</p>
<p><em>What is your new song for today?</em></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/a-new-recipe-2/">A New Recipe</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>Poker Face</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/poker-face-2/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2018 16:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[challenges]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[integrity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[issues]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15492</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>People try to maintain a poker face &#8211; keeping a straight face so that no one can see what they are thinking or feeling.  Acts 14:8-20 Reference: He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed (Acts 14:9 NIV) Explore: The other day...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/poker-face-2/">Poker Face</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>People try to maintain a poker face &#8211; keeping a straight face so that no one can see what they are thinking or feeling. </strong></p>
<p><a title="Acts 14:8-20" href="http://bible.us/111/act.14.8-20.niv" target="_blank">Acts 14:8-20</a></p>
<p><strong>Reference</strong>: He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed (Acts 14:9 NIV)</p>
<p><strong>Explore</strong>: The other day I caught up with a group of friends. We hadn&#8217;t seen each other for such a long time and it was great to all sit around a meal and catch up on everyone&#8217;s news.</p>
<p>We all seemed to pick up where we had left off. Bronwyn updated us on how she was coping with her elderly father moving into the family home, Melanie laughed about the challenges of juggling a young family as well as a part time job, and Emma spoke glowingly of her growing children.</p>
<p>As far as our initial conversations, everything seemed to be going swimmingly. However, as soon as Emma left the table to go to the bathroom we all revealed our real thoughts.</p>
<p>While Emma had spoken pleasantly about her family life we could see a different picture reflected in her face. She had lost weight, her eyes were drawn, and she had lost the brightness in her smile.</p>
<p>While her words said one thing, the look on her face said another.</p>
<p>As the meal continued our conversation moved from general chit-chat to deeper thoughts. Soon our impressions of Emma&#8217;s situation were revealed to be true.</p>
<p>Her husband had lost his job and finances were tough. They had committed to a substantial mortgage and, to make ends meet, Emma had needed to return to work sooner than planned.</p>
<p>Here she sat, holding the financial burden for her family, as well as feeling incredibly guilty for not spending enough time with her children. While we were devastated by her current situation we were not surprised to hear that there were issues going on.</p>
<p><strong>Application</strong>: People try to maintain a poker face &#8211; keeping a straight face so that no one can see what they are thinking or feeling. However, most people struggle to hide their raw emotions.</p>
<p>This can sometimes get us in trouble when we reveal our distaste for something, however, it can also help us to communicate how we truly feel.</p>
<p>When Paul was preaching the word of Jesus he met thousands of people. This passage in Acts speaks of a lame man who Paul encountered.</p>
<p>It says that Paul could &#8216;see he had faith&#8217;. I&#8217;m not sure what that look is like, but it&#8217;s one that I would be proud to have.</p>
<p>If we had complete integrity then everything we say and do would shine through in how we look. The biggest question is, what do people see when they look at us?</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong>: Lord, when we give ourselves completely to You, then Your love and grace flows through everything we do. May we connect so strongly to You that people just have to look at us to notice the difference You have made in our lives. Amen.</p>
<p><em>What do people see when they look at you?</em></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/poker-face-2/">Poker Face</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>Breaking Bones</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/breaking-bones-2/</link>
					<comments>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/breaking-bones-2/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Sep 2018 16:00:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[LightFM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[evangelism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fear]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[future]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[past]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reliant]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15491</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>I found myself to be totally reliant on my mother.  Acts 14:1-7 Reference: where they continued to preach the gospel. (Acts 14:7 NIV) Explore: When I was 13 I broke my finger playing mixed netball. In my first year of secondary school I found myself to be totally reliant on my mother. Because I only...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/breaking-bones-2/">Breaking Bones</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>I found myself to be totally reliant on my mother. </strong></p>
<p><a title="Acts 14:1-7" href="http://bible.us/111/act.14.1-7.niv" target="_blank">Acts 14:1-7</a></p>
<p><strong>Reference</strong>: where they continued to preach the gospel. (Acts 14:7 NIV)</p>
<p><strong>Explore</strong>: When I was 13 I broke my finger playing mixed netball. In my first year of secondary school I found myself to be totally reliant on my mother.</p>
<p>Because I only had the use of one hand, my mum helped me dress, do my hair, butter my toast&#8230; There was very little that I didn&#8217;t need help with.</p>
<p>This experience totally turned me off playing netball. Although I was never going to play at a professional level, it was my favourite sport.</p>
<p>With such a strong fear that I would break another bone, I didn&#8217;t play netball again for 5 years.</p>
<p><strong>Application</strong>: Our past experiences influence how we act in the present. Due to my negative netball experience I stopped myself from allowing that to happen to me again.</p>
<p>Fortunately, for the life of the church, the early disciples of Christ did not shape their actions on the bad experiences from their past. Paul and Barnabas had their lives threatened in one place.</p>
<p>Instead of shutting their mouths so they were never threatened again, they just moved onto the next place, but continued to speak boldly for Christ. The word of Jesus would never have spread if the disciples were held back with fear from their precious experiences.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s the same in our world. If we fear that we&#8217;ll fail, maybe like we&#8217;ve failed before, then we will never move forward. May we take courage and motivation from Paul and Barnabas, who did not let fear from past experiences hold them back.</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong>: Lord, You did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline. Help us Jesus to move beyond the bad experiences of our past and embrace the challenges of the future with confidence. Amen.</p>
<p><em>What is an experience from your past that is holding you back?</em></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/breaking-bones-2/">Breaking Bones</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>The Super Bowl</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/the-super-bowl-2/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2018 16:00:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[game]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Good News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Super Bowl]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[winners]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15490</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>At the end of the day half the crowd are happy and the other half are disappointed. Acts 13:42-52 Reference: On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. (Acts 13:44 NIV) Explore: The Super Bowl is one of the most watched sporting games. Companies pay millions of...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/the-super-bowl-2/">The Super Bowl</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>At the end of the day half the crowd are happy and the other half are disappointed.</strong></p>
<p><a title="Acts 13:42-52" href="http://bible.us/111/act.13.42-52.niv" target="_blank">Acts 13:42-52</a></p>
<p><strong>Reference</strong>: On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. (Acts 13:44 NIV)</p>
<p><strong>Explore</strong>: The Super Bowl is one of the most watched sporting games. Companies pay millions of dollars to have their advertisements play during the game on this one day because they know so many people will see it.</p>
<p>At the end of the day half the crowd are happy and the other half are disappointed. Only one team can win and the results are final until the next season.</p>
<p><strong>Explore</strong>: When Jesus walked this earth it was reported that thousands of people came out to hear Him. This was true of His followers once they continued on His ministry too.</p>
<p>In this chapter of Acts we hear of the whole city gathering to hear Paul and Barnabas speak.</p>
<p>The great thing about preaching the word of God is that everyone can receive Good News. Jesus&#8217; message does not exclude half the crowd, but gives hope and grace to anyone who will receive it.</p>
<p>That&#8217;s the type of team I want to be on. That&#8217;s the champion I want to follow.</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong>: Lord, it&#8217;s great to have other interests in our lives, but let&#8217;s not forget that You are the number one. May we be open to Your message, enthusiastic to hear more, and dedicate our time to worshipping You. Amen.</p>
<p><em>How can we follow Christ as enthusiastically as a fan follows a sports team?</em></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/the-super-bowl-2/">The Super Bowl</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>Blow Me Out Of The Water</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/blowme-out-of-the-water-2/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2018 16:00:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[developing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[improving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15489</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>They are both amazing cooks and create dishes with amazing flavours, textures and combinations. Acts 13:13-41 Reference: But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. (Acts 13:37 NIV) Explore: While I love food, I cook to survive. You won&#8217;t find me in the kitchen thinking up some new taste-sensation, but I...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/blowme-out-of-the-water-2/">Blow Me Out Of The Water</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>They are both amazing cooks and create dishes with amazing flavours, textures and combinations.</strong></p>
<p><a title="Acts 13:13-41" href=" http://bible.us/111/act.13.13-41.niv" target="_blank">Acts 13:13-41</a></p>
<p><b>Reference:</b> But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. (Acts 13:37 NIV)</p>
<p><b>Explore:</b> While I love food, I cook to survive. You won&#8217;t find me in the kitchen thinking up some new taste-sensation, but I will be in the kitchen cooking the best meal I can for the family.</p>
<p>My limitations in the kitchen department become very apparent when I visit my sisters. They are both amazing cooks and create dishes with amazing flavours, textures and combinations.</p>
<p>My food is edible and cooked to the best of my ability, however, both my sisters blow me out of the water when it comes to creativity and complexity in delectable dishes.</p>
<p><b>Application:</b> John the Baptist was an incredible follower of God. He had many disciples and God used him in many ways to draw people closer to Him.</p>
<p>However, if you compare John’s abilities to Jesus’ then it is like comparing my cooking ability to my sisters. It’s not that John and I are terrible; it’s just that there is another whose gifts far surpass our abilities.</p>
<p>Let’s be honest, Jesus blows us all out of the water. There is no one greater than Jesus when it comes to communication, empathy, compassion, love, grace… the list could go on.</p>
<p>But this is not something that we should be intimidated by. Let’s not just give up because Jesus is better than us. That is not His intention.</p>
<p>If you want to improve at something in your life, look to see how Jesus lived. He is the One whom we follow and His example in how to live is the best we can replicate.</p>
<p>Yes, He’s better and He always will be. If we want to be better then maybe we should follow His example.</p>
<p><b>Prayer:</b> Dear Lord, Thank You for giving me the best example to live by. May I not give up in developing myself to be more and more like You. Amen.</p>
<p><i>What is an area in your life that you would like to develop?</i></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/blowme-out-of-the-water-2/">Blow Me Out Of The Water</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>The Time Is Now</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/the-time-is-now-2/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 16 Sep 2018 16:00:10 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[LightFM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[challenges]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[praise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Psalm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[worship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[worthy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15482</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Her teenage daughter has rebelled from the family values and hit the drug scene in a pretty hard way. Psalm 148:1-14 Reference: Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendour is above the earth and the heavens. (Psalm 148:13 NIV) Explore: I was standing in church last weekend...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/the-time-is-now-2/">The Time Is Now</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Her teenage daughter has rebelled from the family values and hit the drug scene in a pretty hard way.</strong></p>
<p><a title="Psalm 148:1-14" href=" http://bible.us/111/psa.148.1-14.niv" target="_blank">Psalm 148:1-14</a></p>
<p><b>Reference:</b> Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendour is above the earth and the heavens. (Psalm 148:13 NIV)</p>
<p><b>Explore:</b> I was standing in church last weekend and had a look around at the congregation. While I don’t know everyone at church there were some people who caught my attention.</p>
<p>Rachel was sitting up the front. She’s only just given birth to a beautiful baby girl and looks exhausted.</p>
<p>Matt was up the front doing backing vocals. His son has been diagnosed with a debilitating illness that finds them taking regular trips to the hospital.</p>
<p>Jenny was greeting people at the door. Her teenage daughter has rebelled from the family values and hit the drug scene in a pretty hard way.</p>
<p>Barb came in late and snuck into the back row. Her elderly mother has just moved into her home as she needs round-the-clock care.</p>
<p>Life is not always easy, however, looking at these people in church inspired my worship. They could be the first to declare that God is not looking out for them, and yet, here they stood, singing boldly their praises to their Lord.</p>
<p><b>Application:</b> The Bible does not tell us to only worship God when everything is going our way. It does not suggest that God is only worthy of our praise when we are happy and we feel like singing.</p>
<p>No, all of creation is to be in a constant state of praise, no matter what our situation. In fact, I find that when I am going through times of trial my worship becomes even more meaningful.</p>
<p>The Psalms highlight over and over again how important it is for us to praise God. The writers knew of the power of worship and they also understood how worthy God was to receive it.</p>
<p>May we not be limited to worshipping God only when the feeling is right, but let’s lift up a psalm of praise each and every day.</p>
<p><b>Prayer:</b> Lord, there are times when life gets tough and all I can do is think of how hard it is to be me. However, I am blessed beyond all measure because I have You in my life. May I never stop offering You the praise and adoration that You are worthy of. Amen.</p>
<p><i>When is it easiest for you to worship God? When is it hardest?</i></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/the-time-is-now-2/">The Time Is Now</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>Speak Up</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/speak-up-3-2/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Sep 2018 16:00:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[confidence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[courage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[evangelism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15481</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Everyone was keen to know the answer, but no one was brave enough to ask the question Acts 13:1-12 Reference: Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said… (Acts 13:9 NIV) Explore: I recently caught up with an old group of friends. After we finished school...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/speak-up-3-2/">Speak Up</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Everyone was keen to know the answer, but no one was brave enough to ask the question</strong></p>
<p><a title="Acts 13:1-12" href="http://bible.us/111/act.13.1-12.niv" target="_blank">Acts 13:1-12</a></p>
<p><b>Reference:</b> Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said… (Acts 13:9 NIV)</p>
<p><b>Explore:</b> I recently caught up with an old group of friends. After we finished school the four of us tried our best to keep in contact as much as we could. Three of us succeeded.</p>
<p>The strange thing is that a month ago our fourth friend randomly contacted us and said she’d like to catch up again. While we were all intrigued about her reappearance in our lives, we were certainly keen to all get together again.</p>
<p>The conversation flowed freely and it was great to all be together again. At one point I turned to our prodigal friend and asked, “So, what was it that prompted you to reconnect with us?” My other two friends quickly gave our conversation their full attention.</p>
<p>It was then that I realized everyone was keen to know the answer, but no one was brave enough to ask the question.</p>
<p><b>Application:</b> I’m all for being friendly and socially appropriate, but I think there are times when I shy away from asking the important questions. I can still show respect whilst enquiring about deeper information.</p>
<p>When the Apostle Paul was doing ministry in a foreign place he encountered a sorcerer who was making life difficult for them. I liked how this passage says that Paul was ‘filled with the Holy Spirit and looked straight at Elymas’.</p>
<p>Paul was certainly not one to be backward in coming forward, but it’s not like all his situations were easy. This would have been a great challenge for him, he would not have known it was going to work out perfectly, and yet, he still looked the man straight in the eyes.</p>
<p>The Holy Spirit does not make us shy and timid, but gives us the confidence we need to speak out for God. If you are ever in a situation where you need strength to be heard, call on the Holy Spirit for confidence and determination.</p>
<p><b>Prayer:</b> Lord, give us the strength and courage to speak up for You. Amen.</p>
<p><i>Are you needing some confidence in declaring your faith at the moment?</i></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/speak-up-3-2/">Speak Up</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>Cirque du Soleil</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/cirque-du-soleil-concert-2/</link>
					<comments>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/cirque-du-soleil-concert-2/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2018 16:00:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[abilities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[praise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strengths]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[talents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wonder]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15480</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>A &#8220;dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment.&#8221;  Acts 12:19-25 Reference: They shouted, &#8220;This is the voice of a god, not of a man.&#8221; (Acts 12:22 NIV) Explore: A few years ago I went to see Cirque du Soleil. This is a performance company based in Canada that describe themselves as a &#8220;dramatic mix...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/cirque-du-soleil-concert-2/">Cirque du Soleil</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>A &#8220;dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment.&#8221; </strong></p>
<p><a title="Acts 12:19-25" href="http://bible.us/111/act.12.19-25.niv" target="_blank">Acts 12:19-25</a></p>
<p><strong>Reference</strong>: They shouted, &#8220;This is the voice of a god, not of a man.&#8221; (Acts 12:22 NIV)</p>
<p><strong>Explore</strong>: A few years ago I went to see Cirque du Soleil. This is a performance company based in Canada that describe themselves as a &#8220;dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment.&#8221;</p>
<p>The performers are outstanding. They seem to defy gravity as they climb and jump and dive around the stage using super-human strength. The whole audience is on the edge of their seats as they watch the death-defying presentation.</p>
<p><strong>Application</strong>: There are many incredible people in our world. Whether it&#8217;s amazing performance art, breath-taking story telling, brilliant mathematical ability, intricate surgical skills or incredible physical feats, people can be quite sensational.</p>
<p>However, there is nothing that a human can do that could surpass the greatness of God. No matter how incredible a person may be, it is just a small part of God&#8217;s creativity.</p>
<p>It is wonderful to marvel at other people&#8217;s ability and to applaud their strengths, but let&#8217;s not forget where they have received these gifts from. God has given each of us abilities and we can rejoice in the Lord whenever we use them.</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong>: Lord, when we look at all the incredible people in our world it is hard to fathom how great You must be. May we give You the praise for the awesome abilities You give to all creation. Amen.</p>
<p><em>What skills has God blessed you with?</em></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/cirque-du-soleil-concert-2/">Cirque du Soleil</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>I Carried You</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/i-carried-you-footprints-2/</link>
					<comments>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/i-carried-you-footprints-2/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2018 16:00:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[LightFM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[challenges]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comfort]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[footprints]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trials]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15479</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We don&#8217;t notice His company at these times until we stop and look back.  Acts 12:1-19 Reference: Then Peter came to himself and said, &#8220;Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod&#8217;s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.&#8221; (Acts 12:11...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/i-carried-you-footprints-2/">I Carried You</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>We don&#8217;t notice His company at these times until we stop and look back. </strong></p>
<p><a title="Acts 12:1-19" href="http://bible.us/111/act.12.1-19.niv" target="_blank">Acts 12:1-19</a></p>
<p><strong>Reference</strong>: Then Peter came to himself and said, &#8220;Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod&#8217;s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.&#8221; (Acts 12:11 NIV)</p>
<p><strong>Explore</strong>: There&#8217;s a well known poem about someone walking across a beach with God. It&#8217;s called <em>Footprints in the Sand</em>:</p>
<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom"><b>One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>             Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                  In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                       Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                           other times there were one set of footprints.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b> </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                                  This bothered me because I noticed</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                                that during the low periods of my life,</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                             when I was suffering from</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                         anguish, sorrow or defeat,</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                     I could see only one set of footprints.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b> </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>          So I said to the Lord,</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>      &#8220;You promised me Lord,</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>         that if I followed you,</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>             you would walk with me always.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                   But I have noticed that during</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                          the most trying periods of my life</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                                 there have only been one</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                                       set of footprints in the sand.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                                           Why, when I needed you most,</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                                          you have not been there for me?&#8221;</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b> </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                                 The Lord replied,</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                          &#8220;The times when you have</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>                  seen only one set of footprints,</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>          is when I carried you.&#8221;</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Such a powerful poem that explains how God is always with us, especially during our times of hardship. It&#8217;s just that often we don&#8217;t notice His company at these times until we stop and look back.</p>
<p><strong>Application</strong>: The apostle Peter was experiencing a particularly difficult time. His fellow disciple, James, had been killed by the king and now he found himself heading towards the same fate.</p>
<p>This passage in Acts describes Peter&#8217;s incredible escape from prison, one of my all time favourite interventions of God. However, it&#8217;s not until Peter goes through the experience that he realises God has a finally carried him through this situation.</p>
<p>Once a time of trial is over it becomes much easier to see God&#8217;s involvement. When we are going through tough times our heads are filled with emotion and concern.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s important for us to remember to continuously rely on God during our suffering, but when the seas are starting to calm let&#8217;s not forget to look back to see how much God was carrying us through.</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong>: Lord, You promised never to leave us. Although there are times when we feel alone, we know You are faithful and true to Your word. Help us, in our time of trial, to feel Your loving arms as You carry us through. Amen.</p>
<p><em>When have you needed God to carry you?</em></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/i-carried-you-footprints-2/">I Carried You</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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		<title>The Perfect Getaway</title>
		<link>https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/the-perfect-get-away-2/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda Bailey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2018 16:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[LightFM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[R.E.A.P.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[challenges]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[evangelism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[persecution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[positive]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging2.daily-devotional.org/?p=15478</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>I counted down the days until we could spend time walking along the beach, exploring the coastline and viewing the area. Acts 11:19-30 Reference: The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. (Acts 11:21 NIV) Explore: My husband and I were exhausted. We’d been running around...</p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/the-perfect-get-away-2/">The Perfect Getaway</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>I counted down the days until we could spend time walking along the beach, exploring the coastline and viewing the area.</strong></p>
<p><a title="Acts 11:19-30" href="http://bible.us/111/act.11.19-30.niv" target="_blank">Acts 11:19-30</a></p>
<p><b>Reference:</b> The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. (Acts 11:21 NIV)</p>
<p><b>Explore:</b> My husband and I were exhausted. We’d been running around after our three foster children (4, 6, and 19 years old) and we were in need of a rest.</p>
<p>We were able to coordinate a very special weekend away, so we booked a cabin in a seaside town, just out of Melbourne. I counted down the days until we could spend time walking along the beach, exploring the coastline and viewing the area.</p>
<p>As we led up to our special weekend away I looked ahead at the weather report. “Cloudy with patchy showers” was the prediction, but I knew the conditions would change by the time we went away.</p>
<p>They did change. By the time the weekend came it was “rain and thunderstorms” and they were not wrong. The one time we did venture out of the cabin we were at the end of a pier when sheets of rain came across the water and saturated us to the bone!</p>
<p>While this was disappointing for our weekend away it did mean one thing. We caught up on sleep, we relaxed and we spent lots of time chatting together.</p>
<p>While the weather had initially dampened our weekend, it ended up being the main thing that assisted our refreshment as we headed back into the busyness of life.</p>
<p><b>Application:</b> It’s funny how a negative can often be turned into a positive if you have the right attitude and trust in God. While our little weekend away was not a life or death situation, I actually think that the rain was exactly what we needed to refresh ourselves from a tough couple of months.</p>
<p>There were many tough moments in the lives of the apostles as they continued to forge the church after Jesus’ resurrection. And, just like in my situation, it’s amazing how God continued to bring positive outcomes even after disappointing times.</p>
<p>When the believers scattered across the area after the stoning of Stephen, some could have thought that this would reduce the effectiveness of the new church. However, when God has a plan He is not about to let people’s fear stop the spreading of His word.</p>
<p>Instead, with the believers dispersed, it opened up the opportunity for more people to hear the good news and turn to Jesus. We will never know whether their evangelism would have been this widespread without the persecution, but we can see that God is not about to let a hateful act hinder His love.</p>
<p>We all experience set backs in varying degrees. Don’t see these as God holding you back, but know that God can work through these times to bring forth fruit that you never even dreamed of.</p>
<p><b>Prayer:</b> Lord, it’s never pleasant to go through hardships. When we are in the midst of despair may we continue to hold onto You, knowing in faith that You can bring something beautiful into our future. Amen.</p>
<p><i>When has something good come from a disappointing situation for you?</i></p>
<p>This Devotional <a href="https://daily-devotional.org/daily-devotions/the-perfect-get-away-2/">The Perfect Getaway</a> is provided as a free resource. Please visit our <a href="https://daily-devotional.org" title="Daily Devotional">Daily Devotional</a> site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.</p>
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