Sacrifice and Friendship

Just a lil' something I came across. have a blessed week! For those of you who'll be moving in, have a safe trip.

-AMR ;-)

check out today's devotional

Who is Your Friend?

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
(proverbs 17:17)

I'm back....did you miss me?? Please keep me in your prayers, as classes start monday! Since I'm making a fresh start in a new city where I don't really know anyone, I've had quite a bit of time to think about things, and especially friends. I received this devotional the other day, and it does a pretty good job summing up a lot of what I had to say. This is an adapted/translated version of a daily devotional sent to me by Arturo Quirós Lépiz. (http://www.mensajesvida.cjb.net/) Enjoy!

-AMR

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WHO IS YOUR FRIEND?

A friend is:

• Someone who is loyal and understands you.
• Someone who accepts you as you are and has faith in you.
• Someone who recognizes your strengths, without envy.
• Someone who can genuinely praise you (without the fake flattery).
• Someone who will unselfishly help you, and won't take advantage of your kindness.
• Someone who gives wise counsel.
• Someone who rejoices in your happiness.
• Someone who tries to understand and help you through tough times, without making you feel uncomfortable.
• Someone who can point out your faults and mistakes, without hurting you (in kindness).
• Someone who can pick you up, when you're feeling down.
• Someone who will take care of you, and will try to alleviate the pain when you're sick.
• Someone who will forgive and forget any offense.
• Someone who can see/accept you for who you are, complete with weaknesses and struggles.

This is a true friend. If you find one, treasure them and keep them close to your heart. Unfortunately, we are all only human and will eventually let down even the best of friends. The only friend who will never fail you is God. In him, you can always find a friend when you need one .

My Rock and Stronghold

Hey there! As you can see, I made it to NC safely but I'm still trying to deal with lots of things so I'll have to go back to the weekly devotional format. I'm off for an ethics retreat tomorrow so have a wonderful, blessed weekend!

-AMR

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The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
My Rock and Stronghold

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2 (NIV)

Have you ever seen a huge boulder in the woods while hiking? These are what I think of when Scripture says God is our rock. These rocks can't be moved. If we turn to God, he will always be steady and safe.

Father, help me to depend solely upon you.

Scripture quoted from Holy Bible, New International Version. Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.

Peace, Security, and Rest

Well, the end is near, and this will probably be the last you hear of me for a while, as I'm going out of town from tues-thurs and I leave for Duke on Fri am. Please keep me in your prayers during this time of transition. I hope that this summer has been a time of growth for all of you, and i'll be in touch when I can.

God Bless!
-AMR

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The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney

Peace, Security, and Rest

"Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease,
without fear of harm."
Proverbs 1:33 (NIV)

God promises peace, security, and rest to his children if they will listen and obey him. The prophet Isaiah announced that God's people would live in peaceful places, secure homes, and undisturbed places of rest (32:18). Does something in life have you worried? Listen to him. Give him control. Trust in him because he cares for you. His desire is that your life would be not only good but also pleasing and perfect.

Father, help me to listen to you so I can have peace.

Scripture quoted from: Holy Bible, New International Version. Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.

The Trouble with Breathing

I think "Carpe Diem" is a pretty good way to sum up today's devotional. For those of you who aren't latin scholars, (such as myself, lol) this translates as "Seize the Day." We can't live our life worrying about what will happen tomorrow or a month from now, because, as the author of this devotional points out, our time on this earth could run out at any moment. I say this not to be depressing, but rather to emphasize that we can't put off serving the Lord...each and every moment is precious. If you put your faith in him, and seek him out, there's no need to worry, or to fear death. Put your trust in God, and he will give you rest (phil 4:7).

God Bless!
-AMR

Check out the campus journal devotional

The "God" of Relationship

My time here in Boston is nearly over....I can't believe how fast the summer has flown by. I hope that you have been able to learn something from this summer's experiences....

-AMR

Check out Oswald Chamber's 9/25 devotional

A Beautiful Love

Life has definitely been pulling me in lots of directions recently, so setting aside even just 15 minutes before bed or in the morning to spend time with God has become even more essential to maintaining focus. I hope that you've been able find the time yourself, even without these devotionals.

God Bless!
-AMR

Check out the campus journal