Devotionals

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Where do you hide your husbands gifts? Try a trash bag -- men
avoid those like the plague for fear they'll be asked to carry it out.

Do you have the post-Christmas blahs? Some people get them
every year. The wrapping is in the garbage, the kids are already
losing interest in the new toys, the dress that didn't fit can't be
exchanged without a receipt, and now you have to worry about the
credit card bill, and all those decorations have to be taken down.
Why do we do this to ourselves every year?

We are conditioned to get caught up in it like a vicious cycle. We
don't want to be embarrassed by getting something from someone
without having something for them in return.

Wouldn't it be something if we could feel that embarrassed about
not returning to God a fair exchange for all we have gotten from
him? Too often it's a one way thing -- we constantly receive His
blessing but give so little in return. As an example, we may try to
find ways to justify not giving a tithe. We can all name our own
ways.

As you make your New Year's Resolution list, make a second list
of all the benefits and blessings you have because you are God's
child -- better get a big tablet. Now make a list of all the ways you
return the favor by serving the Lord in some way. Sadly, for some,
a 3 x 5 card may be big enough, but I hope you'll need the whole
other side of the tablet.

Psalm 100:2 (nlt) is a wonderful verse for you to follow in 2003,
"Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before Him, singing with
joy." In fact, reading the entire 100th Psalm would be a good way
to usher in the new year!

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