1) This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10
       3) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5
 
2) All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
     
4) But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12
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Giving Eternal Hope To The World
  		 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Jn. 3:16
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(Obstacles or Opportunities)   (By Helen Grace Lescheid 09/2005) (3 Min.'s)

 Huge old growth tree grows around and over a 7 foot boulder that was in its' way.

Helen Grace Lescheid - Author and inspirational writerScripture: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

I was standing in the Old Growth Forest near Nelson, British columbia, staring at a most extra-ordinary pine tree. The base of the tree rested on a huge boulder like a giant sitting on a chair. A brown cloak covered either side of the rock. Like a grinning champion, after a noble fight, the tree sat at ease on top of its enemy.

I laughed at the tree's audacity.

I imagined the fight, Many years ago, at the edge of a boulder, like a menacing mountain, a small seed sprouted in the ground. What chance did it have to grow up? Still, it pushed its' way through the ground. As it grew in size it kept bumping into a rocky wall, a constant reminder of its unyielding, ornery neighbor. If it had been like us, it might have grumbled, "What did I do to deserve this? I can't even stretch and grow like other pine trees around me." But  it kept growing and reaching and stretching. Then it did the only sensible thing: it climbed on top of the boulder. Thus elevated, it continued to grow, perfectly straight, with the rest of the trees.

Now, seeing it's magnificent shape, it seemed to be saying, "if you can't move it or tunnel through it, use it to your advantage. Turn a stumbling stone into a stepping stone."

What is keeping you from becoming the person you want to be? Do you blame it on a boulder in your life? A traumatic childhood that's decimated your self-worth? A difficult person at work? A complicated marriage? Financial problems?

Cargo Cult Leader, Chief Isaac Wan receives Bible from Dave Dever. Instead of blaming, embrace the boulder as part of "the plan". Start thanking God for this difficulty in your life, for obstacles are really opportunities to see God at work.

Obstacles can either block your way or raise you higher. It depends on you.

Prayer: Father, I thank you that in all things you work for the good of those who trust you. Give me the strength and wisdom and patience to conquer this boulder in my life so that all may see your overcoming power in my life. Amen.

If we can be of help in offering our prayers for a specific concern, or if you have an inquiry, please feel free to send us a note at: info@biblesforthepoor.org



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Devotional Library 

     back to current devotional by Dave Dever: Not Forgotten
     April 2008 by Susan Linterman: Amazing Grace
     Feb. 2008 by Joseph Parker: What Is Success
     Jan. 2007 by  Joseph Parker: The Great Life Tree
     June 2006 by Joseph Parker: The Macedonian Call
     Feb. 2006 by Eileen Enarson: A Promise From My Heart
     Sept. 2005 by Helen Grace Lescheid: Obstacles or Opportunities
     June 2005 by Joseph Parker: Thomas Bridges
     Aug. 2004 by Pastor Andrew Fortuine: What Is Grace?
     June 2004 by Helen Grace Lescheid: Put Failures To Rest
     May 2004 by Mun Hope : The Most Precious Jewel of All
   

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