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LEARN & GROW
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Week of November 15, 2009
KEY VERSE
"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 / ESV)
CENTRAL TRUTH
You do not have to worry because God is in charge of everything, and you are His child.
DEVOTION
In the preceding chapters, Peter has been encouraging Christians to persevere in faith, even during persecution, because they have God's saving promises and the hope of heaven through Christ's death and resurrection. He has challenged them to be stewards of God's grace, living lives that would bring honor to God. We can claim those same promises and that glorious hope for ourselves today, just as we accept the challenge to bring honor to God by the way we live. Knowing that I can give God all my worries has ministered to my faith on many occasions. At one particular time in my life when I had a problem that I couldn't solve by myself, I kept a motto of these words over my sink, where tears of gratefulness to God for His faithfulness would fall into the dishwater. I can't remember a time when I've seen so many in need of being reminded that God is in charge. Nothing happens that He does not know about or even care about for those who belong to Him. He is ever aware of our concerns for our nation, and all of the nations in His world. For those who are out of work, those who are sick, those who are broken-hearted, and those who are praying for unsaved loved ones, as well as for any other problem, you can each one remember that He cares for you. I rejoice in the knowledge that I am a daughter of God. As a young girl, I felt safe when my dad held my hand. I knew he was strong, and he loved me. How much more do I feel safe now, knowing that my all-powerful heavenly Father is in control, and He love me. May it encourage your heart today to know how much God loves you, and that He wants you to give your every worry into His keeping.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- For what concern in your life did you pray and later realize the Lord had heard and answered?
- What are some specific ways can you bring honor to God in your daily life?
- How can you encourage your children to give their concerns to the Lord?
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