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	<title>LYF Student Ministry</title>
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	<description>the Student Ministry of Sugar Creek Baptist Church</description>
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	<itunes:subtitle>LYF is the student ministry of Sugar Creek Baptist Church. This podcast is comprised of messages from our LYF_Community gatherings on Sunday Nights.</itunes:subtitle>
	<itunes:summary>the Student Ministry of Sugar Creek Baptist Church</itunes:summary>
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		<item>
		<title>Jehovah Rophe &#8211; Friday</title>
		<link>http://lyf.net/2012/02/03/jehovah-rophe-friday/</link>
		<comments>http://lyf.net/2012/02/03/jehovah-rophe-friday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:30:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>bkirby</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Names of God Devotions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lyf.net/?p=3146</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Used to bring healing by Brad Kirby]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Content<br /></strong>Most of us would probably agree with the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The often ignored parallel idea states: “If it is<br />broken, do fix it.” There are many reasons why we don’t apply the second rule, but the main one is our failure to acknowledge the problem. We look at shattered relationships and chaotic situations and murmur, “It’s not that broken,” or “Maybe it’ll fix itself,” or “Let’s see how it looks tomorrow.” We end up living with broken things for years!</p>
<p>The people of Israel rarely maintained their relationship with God for long. They broke it by neglect and by deliberate action. They ignored Him and disobeyed Him. And then they refused, sometimes for decades, to admit anything was wrong. And the consequence of the broken relationship was slavery, poverty, humiliation and defeat. God would let things deteriorate until people finally cried out, “All right Lord, we admit it’s broken! We broke it! Please fix it!” Then God would send a mechanic, a handpicked fixer, who became known as a judge. We meet the first two of these judges in today’s reading: Othniel and Ehud. Each had a unique character and skill that God put to good use. Othniel was a warrior, and Ehud was a courier. Othniel delivered defeat; Ehud delivered a message. When the Bible introduces each of these judges, it tells us, “The LORD raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel” (Judg. 3:9,15).</p>
<p>The main point here is that God chooses and uses His servants according to His purposes. God placed the judges and filled them with His Spirit (3:10). Othniel, Ehud and the rest had unique skills, but their real contribution came as a result of God’s guidance. They brought about God’s will—God’s deliverance. When the people repented of sin, God intervened with human servants. God still makes unlikely heroes out of ordinary people. He accomplishes extraordinary good in our lives by unexpected means. His Word and<br />His Spirit are His primary tools. But He also fixes broken things using His servants, His churches, His Bible-teaching radio programs, His books— God delivers!</p>
<p><strong></strong>God doesn’t force deliverance on us. He patiently and lovingly waits for us to acknowledge the sin-chaos in our lives and say to Him, “All right, Lord, we admit it’s broken! We broke it! Please fix it!” Then He delivers.</p>
<p><strong>Application<br /></strong>God demands our attention. Judges 3:12 tells us, “The LORD strengthened Eglon king of Moab against Israel.” Does it ever feel to you like God lets bad things get worse in your life? The lesson is not to assume God is always punishing you, but to assume God always wants you to live in His will. If you make it your purpose not to do “evil in the sight of the LORD” (v. 12), but to walk with Him, you won’t have to worry when difficulties arise. What things in your life is He using to get your attention today? Will you make it your purpose to walk with Him?</p>
<p><strong>Prayer<br /></strong>Ask God for vision to see and courage to admit broken areas of life. Express your dependence on His deliverance. Meditate on Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and<br />strength, a very present help in trouble.&#8221;</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Jehovah Rophe &#8211; Thursday</title>
		<link>http://lyf.net/2012/02/02/jehova-rophe-thursday/</link>
		<comments>http://lyf.net/2012/02/02/jehova-rophe-thursday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:30:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>bkirby</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Names of God Devotions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lyf.net/?p=3142</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Come and be healed by Brad Kirby]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Content</strong><br />Paul was just shipwrecked on the island of Melita. Paul was a prisoner bound for Rome when the ship that he was on was caught in a storm and ended up running aground this island. However, even though many terrible things were happening in the life of Paul, Paul was willing to be used by God by showing kindness to those who God had brought into his life.</p>
<p>Paul had just healed the local ruler’s father. After the people had heard of this great miracle, the multitudes flocked unto Paul that they too might benefit from Paul’s healing touch. Put yourself in Paul’s shoes, everything was going wrong, but in the midst of his terrible situation, he found himself in a position where people were expecting him to minister unto them. Paul could have chosen to throw his own little pity party, instead he elected to be used by God.</p>
<p>Too often we allow ourselves to grow weary and we stop looking for opportunities that we can minister unto those who God is bringing into our life. This is not the attitude that God desires of us. Instead, our focus needs to be upon how we can minister unto those around us. Sometimes when we show kindness to one, others will see that kindness and they will demand the same kindness. Paul found himself in such a situation and he gladly continued to give so that God might be glorified.</p>
<p><strong>Application<br /></strong><br />God does not want us to live a selfish life where we focus upon ourselves and our own needs. Instead, we need to understand that God is in control and that we need serve those God has brought into our life. Do not stop just because you have shown kindness to one person today. Instead, if others hear of your kindness and start coming to you, you need to be prepared to keep giving because God may be using this to start a new ministry in your life.</p>
<p>How many ministries have started because one person was willing to show a particular act of kindness to just one person? People hear about the kindness of the individual and before they know it, God has created a ministry that is far beyond anything they ever imagined.</p>
<p>Maybe you cannot go around and heal every sick person that lives in your town, but that does not mean that God does not have a ministry for you. Maybe you need to speak a word of encouragement to someone. As you praise someone, God can use your kind words to expand their ministry so that HE is glorified.</p>
<p>You do not have to look very far to find people in need. You do not have to wait too long to find someone who is ready to receive an act of kindness. All around you are people that God has brought into your life so that they might see the light of God in your life. You may not be able to meet every need but you can ask God to use you to reflect HIS love to those who are around you. All you have to do is be a willing servant like Paul and watch as HE opens doors that you never thought possible.</p>
<p>If you cannot do anything else, find three people to speak a blessing to today. Stop and pray and ask God to give you a blessing that you can speak into three people’s life. As you allow God to speak through your life, you will see God expand your ministry and you will see God receive the glory from your life. Remember, this life is not your life to live for yourself; instead, focus your attention upon living your life for God’s glory and honor.</p>
<p><strong>Prayer<br /></strong><br />God..</p>
<p>Use me..</p>
<p>Use me to serve your people&#8230;.</p>
<p>Use me to serve strangers&#8230;.</p>
<p>Who in my life needs a healing touch? Show me these people. May I be sensitive to your will and those around me that need you Lord.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Jehovah Rophe &#8211; Wednesday</title>
		<link>http://lyf.net/2012/02/01/jehovah-rophe-wednesday/</link>
		<comments>http://lyf.net/2012/02/01/jehovah-rophe-wednesday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:30:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>bkirby</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Names of God Devotions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lyf.net/?p=3138</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Nobody's Perfect by Brad Kirby]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Content<br /></strong>When we talk about Healing, we tend to think that we are referring to somebody who has an illness. How do we understand the word healing? Healing means universal remedy, to become sound and healthy again. Perhaps we are also thinking people who have the indescribable sickness.</p>
<p>The fact of the matter is we are not only referring to the people who are physically sick. The truth is we all have some things to ask from the LORD. Whether we accept it or not, we are not perfect, there are things that we need to ask God to change in our lives. Examples. our attitudes, our beliefs, our disagreement, maybe our inner nature, our relationship to our brothers and sisters.</p>
<p>I searched the internet about healing and I was amazed that there are so many things about Healing. Healing from anxiety, from overspending, from over eating, from doubt, pornography addiction, internet addiction, from confusion, burnout, boredom, from envy, from greed, from grief, from insecurity, from lying, negative thinking, from perfectionism, from sadness, from shyness, from stage fright, from worry etc.</p>
<p>Nobody in this earth is perfect. That&#8217;s why before we judge others, we judge first ourselves. We need to repent before GOD for all our sins before we ask anything from the LORD. We have to be forgiven from all our sins because sins are like wounds in the body that needs to be medicated so that the skin will be restored to a normal function. When we are forgiven and when we forgave, that&#8217;s the only time we are worthy to come before our LORD.</p>
<p>The good news is if our hearts are right for the LORD and willing to turn away from the old self (old nature), then there will be a victory. This is the promise of the LORD.</p>
<p><strong>Application<br /></strong>READ Isaiah 53:5</p>
<p>There is no such thing as &#8220;maybe this is my nature&#8221;, &#8220;I can&#8217;t change.&#8221; Well for me I considered that &#8220;sickness&#8221; that is definitely needed to be healed. That is what we call &#8220;pride&#8221;.Healing from pride is all what we need. If we are doing our best to be in good heart with the LORD, then there is nothing impossible to HIM whether physical sickness or spiritual, it will be done according to HIS will.</p>
<p>Many people, some they say they are Christians, believe it or not, there are some who are still backstabbing, biting to each other. It still exists in the Christian world. This kind of attitude is worst than having a physical illness in the body. They need miracle to be healed. It is sad but still happening in our christian world. We cannot condemn this people. Instead pray for them that God touch their hearts. This kind of attitude is not from God.</p>
<p>This is one thing that I pray it will be disappeared from any environment especially in churches (IN JESUS NAME) The non-acceptance attitude.</p>
<p>Acceptance is not based on how we smart or beautiful or talented you are. It&#8217;s based on the fact that we belong to each other. We defend and protect family. The church is our home, therefore, we are family.A family member maybe a little out of hand, but still one of us. In the same way, the bible says &#8220;be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other&#8221; Romans 12:10.</p>
<p>We all have annoying traits. One terrible trait that I pray one day would just disappear is GOSSIP. Proverbs 16:28 &#8220;A perverse man stirs up dissension. and a gossip separates close friends&#8221; It destroys friendships, cause division and destroys fellowship.</p>
<p>There is also (I considered sickness) of helping others through mouth not in action.</p>
<p>Proverbs 3: 28<br />&#8221; Do not say to your neighbor come back later, I &#8216;ll give it tomorrow, when you now have it with you&#8221;.</p>
<p>Never tell to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now. Sometimes we are very good in talking than putting words into action. It hurts but it is true.</p>
<p>A sickness of men-pleasing attitude instead of God-pleasing attitude. We need to pray constantly to GOD about this because it does not pleases GOD. James 1:1 &#8220;If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ&#8221;</p>
<p>A sickness of showing off- an act to get attention. He called it &#8220;eye service&#8221;- serving in order to impress people with how spiritual we are. They turned helping others, giving, and even prayer into performance for others. Jesus hated this attitude and warned &#8220;when you do good deeds don&#8217;t try to show off. If you do , you won&#8217;t get a reward from our Father in Heaven&#8221; ( Matthew 6:1)</p>
<p>We have areas of our life that are not perfect. They may be acceptable according to the wold, but they are sick never the less. They need healing.</p>
<p><strong>Prayer<br /></strong>God you are a passionate God. You passionately love some things and passionately hate other things. You promised that if we have a good heart, are willing to be changed and used by You, and are willing to obey the commands that You have given to us; I believe that You are faithful, merciful and keep Your covenant with us who love You and keep Your commandments. In all these, there is nothing impossible.<strong> <br /></strong></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Jehovah Rophe &#8211; Tuesday</title>
		<link>http://lyf.net/2012/01/31/jehovah-rophe-tuesday/</link>
		<comments>http://lyf.net/2012/01/31/jehovah-rophe-tuesday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:30:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>bkirby</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Names of God Devotions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lyf.net/?p=3134</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Healing is an amazing gift! by Brad Kirby]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Content<br /></strong>When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” And he cried to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.</p>
<p>There the LORD made for them a statute and a rule, and there He tested them, saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in His eyes, and give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer.”</p>
<p>Exodus 15:23-26</p>
<p>Bitter water. Doesn’t sound appealing at all, does it?</p>
<p>The Israelites had been freed from the bondage of slavery and now they were faced with bitter water. Does your life ever feel that way? One huge situation is finally resolved and then comes another … it can leave us overwhelmed and broken.</p>
<p>Elizabeth George writes:</p>
<p>&#8220;What an object lesson this encounter with Jehovah-Rophe, the Lord who heals, must have been for the Israelites (and for us)! God’s people were dying of thirst with only bitter, poisonous water on hand. And God took their physical need and turned it into a spiritual issue. Out of a bitter experience God revealed Himself in yet another sweet, comforting way, as “Jehovah heals.”</p>
<p><strong>Application<br /></strong>God’s healing is not just physical. He also reaches down offers total healing … in all areas of our lives.</p>
<p>Consider these three ways God heals and examples of women in Scripture who were the recipients of His total healing.</p>
<p>1. Physical Healing. Remember the woman with the issue of blood? Her story is told in Matthew 9. She had been sick for years and used every bit of money she had to seek healing. When Jesus passed by, she reached out and touched the hem of His garment. I love this story! She was healed immediately and completely! Why? Jesus said, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has made you well.” (Matthew 9:22) I am so thankful for a God who heals us physically.</p>
<p>2. Emotional Healing. Hannah. The broken woman longing for a child, praying so fervently that the priest thought she was drunk. Can you imagine her brokenness? God heard the heart-felt prayers of a wounded woman. And He answered them. I think though the most beautiful part of this story is the change we see in Hannah … from a woman desperate to have a child to a woman willing to give her son back to the God who gave him to her. That, my friends, is the power of God to heal us emotionally. {You can read Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1 – 2.}</p>
<p>3. Spiritual Healing. The most profound healing God ever does in any of our lives is spiritual. That moment when He moves us from death into life, when we become new creations, the old gone and the new in its place (2 Corinthians 5:17). Mary Magdalene’s story is such a beautiful example of that total renewal, total healing. From a woman possessed by seven demons (Luke 8:2) to the woman who first saw Christ after His resurrection (John 20:15) … Mary Magdalene offers us a poignant and powerful image of the full spiritual healing offered to each of us by Jehovah Rophe.</p>
<p>Are you in need of healing? Are there some bitter waters in your life? Will you call upon the God who heals and trust Him to mend the brokenness?</p>
<p>Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:1,3</p>
<p>Today, right now, Jehovah Rophe is offering you the gift of healing. Will you embrace it? And praise Him for this amazing gift?</p>
<p><strong>Prayer<br /></strong>God&#8230;</p>
<p>What area of my life am I most disabled?</p>
<p>Show me the area of my life that need to become more like you?</p>
<p>Help me see the areas of my life that are in need of repair?</p>
<p>Heal me.</p>
<p>Amen.</p>
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		<title>Jehovah Rophe &#8211; Monday</title>
		<link>http://lyf.net/2012/01/30/jehovah-rophe-monday/</link>
		<comments>http://lyf.net/2012/01/30/jehovah-rophe-monday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:30:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>bkirby</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Names of God Devotions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lyf.net/?p=3130</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Call Upon Him! by Brad Kirby]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Read </strong>Exodus 15:25-26</p>
<p><sup>25</sup>Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink.</p>
<p>   There the LORD issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test. <sup>26</sup> He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.”</p>
<p><strong>Content<br /></strong>The children of Israel had just come through some scary and incredibly wondeful times. After 400 years they were free from the bondage of Egypt. The process had been turbulent. They watched plague after plague hit the Egyptians until the final one killing the firstborn male of every household and even striking the livestock. Then they were finally allowed to go by the Pharaoh.</p>
<p>Even after that Pharaoh changed his mind and followed them out to the Red Sea to try to force them to return. But God instructed Moses to extend his hand over the waters and they parted so that the Israelites crossed over on dry land. From the other side of the sea they saw with their own eyes what happened when the Egyptians tried to cross behind them. When they got to the middle, God had Moses stretch out his hand again and release the waters. The Egyptians drowned and were utterly destroyed.</p>
<p>What a party ensued. They sang a great song of joy to the Lord. They danced with timbrels in triumph because they had been saved from their enemies. Now they were ready to move forward free from enslavement. Free at last. But three days later they still had not found water and they cried out and complained. God was testing them. When Moses prayed, God provided the water and he also revealed something new to the people about himself.</p>
<p>&#8220;If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.&#8221; (Exodus 15:26)</p>
<p>There it is; God reveals himself as Jehovah-Rophe for the first time to his people. Do you wonder why he chose that particular time to reveal this part of his character? He didn&#8217;t do it after a big healing service although he had just healed the bitter waters of Marah where they were camping. I think he did it in this timing to comfort his people and to give them hope for their future.</p>
<p><strong>Application</strong></p>
<p>They must have been wondering; what kind of God are we serving? Notice how God says &#8220;I will put none of the disease on you which I have brought on the Egyptians.&#8221; The Israelites must have been thinking in their hearts; look what Jehovah did to them, is he going to bring plagues on us too? They had seen the mighty power of God as he controlled the weather and the natural force of the sea. They saw that his judgments could be terrible; they believed in his awesomeness greatness, yes, but was there any other side to him?</p>
<p>The Lord wanted them to know that he wanted to be known as their healer. In fact, he was making a solemn pact with them so that they would always live in healing. All they had to do was remain faithful to him and his commands and they would remain free from diseases. As time went along, they of course did not keep their end of the bargain. But that did not stop God from continuing to reveal himself as healer. Ultimately, God poured out his desire to be healer through Jesus Christ. Listen to what the prophet Isaiah says would be the destiny of the Messiah:</p>
<p>&#8220;Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.&#8221; (Isaiah 53:4-5)</p>
<p>Please note the present tense, &#8220;we ARE healed.&#8221; His work on the cross paid the totally price for our healing once and for all. Do you need Jehovah-Rophe today? For your body? For you soul? For your mind? He is still in the healing business today and he is only a prayer away. Call upon him!</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong></p>
<p>God, you are my healer. You are kind and merciful to the weary and the suffering. You are always with me and love me. I NEED YOU! Heal me. Heal my relationships, my mind, my spirit, and my body!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Jehovah &#8211; Jireh &#8211; Friday</title>
		<link>http://lyf.net/2012/01/27/jehovah-jireh-friday/</link>
		<comments>http://lyf.net/2012/01/27/jehovah-jireh-friday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:30:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rfisher</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Names of God Devotions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lyf.net/?p=3220</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[No one likes someone who is ungrateful by Richy Fisher]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Content</strong></p>
<p>Not too long ago, my sons and some students from our student ministry and myself helped a woman out with some basic repairs at her house. Her husband had died a long time ago and for the past twenty plus years, had lived in this small house by herself. she was unable to keep up the repairs the house needed due to her health and lack of money so we decided to give her a hand.</p>
<p>We replaced several broken doors, cleaned out her flower beds, removed all of the trash from her yard and even fixed the lock on her front door so that she would be and feel safer.</p>
<p>But as we worked around her house, she kept asking for more and more things to be done which we were not able to do due to time, money and knowledge. However, I told her we would be more than willing to give her name and information to our church and perhaps someone could come by later and take on the other projects.</p>
<p>But what be began to notice was her lack of gratitude for the work being done. She never thanked our students, gave us water or even attempted to help us. After all, it seemed to us that she believed she was entitled to all of this work and wanted even more.</p>
<p>As we loaded up the last of the trash and equipment to leave for the day, my son asked me if I had noticed her ungrateful attitude. I told him I had but moreover, I’m sure God had noticed. He had given her a gift that she could not afford and instead of showing thankfulness to us and to Him, she demanded more.</p>
<p><strong>Application</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>God’s word says that all good gifts that we have come from God. Look around your house. Do you have things to be grateful for? What about your house? Your family? Your clothes? Even your friends? Are you thankful for these things or are you constantly complaining for what you don’t have and expecting to be given more?</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>Make a list of things that you should thank God for and today, take the time to thank Him to them, one-by-one. Pray, “God, I thank you for _____________. You made a way for me to have it and I am grateful for this gift.”</p>
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		<title>Jehovah &#8211; Jireh &#8211; Thursday</title>
		<link>http://lyf.net/2012/01/26/jehovah-jireh-thursday/</link>
		<comments>http://lyf.net/2012/01/26/jehovah-jireh-thursday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:30:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rfisher</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Names of God Devotions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lyf.net/?p=3215</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every good gift that you have comes from God by Richy Fisher]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Content</strong></p>
<p>One of my hobbies is hunting quail. I have done it for many years and the key to having a good hunt is having a good bird dog. Over the years I have had dog of different breeds. Some were smart, some were very dumb, some were great hunters and some were not. You really never know what you are going to get.</p>
<p>That was the case with Lefty, a Llewellin Setter that I received as a gift from a friend. He was 49 days old when I picked him up and although his mother was a great hunter, his dad was unproven. Only time would tell. I had Lefty for 13 years and he and I became very close. He was an average hunting dog but a great friend and over the years, he and I would spend a lot of time together hunting and just hanging out. I taught him everything I could about hunting and in the process he showed me somethings about life and God. Let me share it with you.</p>
<p>The only thing that bird dogs love more than hunting is eating. During hunting season, they burn a lot of calories and eat three to four times their normal intake so feeding time is pretty important. They can eat an entire bowl of food in seconds without ever stopping. It is a site to see. But Lefty was different.</p>
<p>Most dogs that I’ve had at feeding time would jump, spin and bark waiting for their food. They would usually not even wait until all of the food was in their bowls to start eating. They would start as soon as the first pellets hit the bowl, leaving the rest to bounce off of their heads and onto the kennel floor. They would spend the remainder of their meal searching around the kennel for every piece.</p>
<p>But not Lefty. When I would go to feed him, he would sit by his bowl, wait for all of it to be poured and then, would not eat until I petted him. Then, he would devour all of his food. He did this all of his life and it took me a while to realize what was happening. Lefty, liked me and food but me the most; feeding time was time to be with me. I believe that Lefty knew where the food came from and in a “dog way” was grateful.<br /> The other dogs, they didn’t care, they just wanted more and never had the relationship that Lefty and I had.</p>
<p><strong>Application</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>That is how we are most of the time. The Bible says that “every good gift comes from God.” Look around your house, aren’t there good gifts that you have? Have you ever stopped to realize that all you have is from God? Have you ever taken the time to count your blessings and stop before you ask for more and spend some time with God.</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>Today God, I recognize that everything I have is from you and thank you for providing for me. You are a good God who gives good gifts to Your children.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Jehovah &#8211; Jireh &#8211; Wednesday</title>
		<link>http://lyf.net/2012/01/25/jehovah-jireh-wednesday/</link>
		<comments>http://lyf.net/2012/01/25/jehovah-jireh-wednesday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:30:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rfisher</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Names of God Devotions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lyf.net/?p=3210</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[All you sometimes have to do is ask! by Richy Fisher]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Content</strong></p>
<p>There is a story of a man who really wanted to take a vacation on a cruise ship and saved up for many years to afford it. The day arrived when he could purchase a ticket but did not have any money left over to purchase the meals, drinks or entertainment while on the ship so he packed enough food for the week of travel. Mainly he packed cheese, crackers, bottles of water and some dried fruit.</p>
<p>Every meal, while passengers were heading to the large dining halls to eat fabulous meals, he would go to his room and eat cheese an crackers but it was well worth it because he was having the time of his life seeing the ocean and being on the ship. He loved the smell of the sea breeze and enjoyed the cities where the ship ported.</p>
<p>But also on the ship was great entertainment. Every night, there would be bands, singers, magicians, and even a circus onboard. Unable to pay, he would stand outside the large rooms and listen, hoping that one day he could do this again and get the full experience.</p>
<p>When the cruise ended, he packed up all of his belongings and made the walk to the dock when another passenger stopped him and said that they saw him board the ship several days ago but did not ever see him at any of the meals or the evening’s entertainment. Slightly embarrassed, the man told the other passenger that he had saved up for many years to purchase his ticket but did not have enough money to purchase the meals or entertainment.</p>
<p>The other responded with confusion, “Didn’t you know that your ticket price included everything? Your cruise, meals and even the entertainment, it was all included! All you had to do was show up.”</p>
<p>To this, the man realized how much more enjoyable the cruise would had been had he just asked someone when he purchased his ticket.</p>
<p><strong>Application</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>God’s word says that many times, we don’t have because we don’t ask. As we read yesterday, God is concerned about our needs and will provide for us but we have to ask him. God wants to “give good gifts to those who ask Him!” (verse 11).</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>Are there needs that you have that you have not asked God? Today, ask him with a grateful and thankful heart to meet your needs trusting in His word to hear your prayer and answer it.</p>
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		<title>Jehovah &#8211; Jireh &#8211; Tuesday</title>
		<link>http://lyf.net/2012/01/24/jehovah-jireh-tuesday/</link>
		<comments>http://lyf.net/2012/01/24/jehovah-jireh-tuesday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:30:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rfisher</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Names of God Devotions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lyf.net/?p=3205</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[God provides for our needs (and sometimes our wants as well) by Richy Fisher]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Read Matthew 6:25-34<br /></strong></p>
<p><strong></strong> <span><sup>25</sup> “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?</span> <span><sup>26</sup> Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?</span> <span><sup>27</sup> Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life<sup>[<a title="See footnote a" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:25-34&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-23310a">a</a>]</sup>?</span></p>
<p>   <span><sup>28</sup> “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.</span> <span><sup>29</sup> Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.</span> <span><sup>30</sup> If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?</span> <span><sup>31</sup> So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’</span> <span><sup>32</sup> For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.</span> <span><sup>33</sup> But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.</span> <span><sup>34</sup> Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.</span></p>
<p><strong>Content<br /></strong></p>
<p>When I was in middle school, Izod shirts became the “in” fashion choice and only the cool kids wore them. However, I was not a cool kid and had no Izod shirts in my closet. I remember asking my mom for them and when she discovered how much they cost, said that there were better shirts that costs much less and I could have one of them.</p>
<p>What she did not realize that “other shirts” meant that you were either poor or not cool and destined you for joining the chess club (no offense to chess club members). I had to have one of those shirts, so I prayed to God asking Him to help me.</p>
<p>I negotiated with my parents that if I raised the money I could buy one and prayed to God that I could get enough money to join the ranks of the coolest kids in school. He met my needs and in a short while, I had made enough money to purchase two Izod shirts, one green and one blue which were on sale.</p>
<p>When I first wore my new Izod, I thought I would immediately walk into school and be high-fived by all of the cool kids but in fact, no one even noticed. The next day I wore the blue one and again, nothing. So on the third day, back to the green one and so forth for about a week. Now that did catch some attention but not the positive kind. I became known as the kid with two shirts. NOT COOL.</p>
<p>It finally occurred to me that clothes don’t make the person cool but their inner character. As a Christian, that inner character comes from my relationship with God and when I place Him first in my life, He will take care of all my needs, no matter how basic or silly!</p>
<p><strong>Application</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>God knows everything about you, even what you need. Trust in Him to take care of you because if He will take care of the birds and flowers, how much more will He take care of you who He loves even more!</p>
<p><strong>Prayer</strong></p>
<p>God help me today to realize how you have taken care of me and help me learn to trust in you and be thankful for your blessings.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Jehovah &#8211; Jireh &#8211; Monday</title>
		<link>http://lyf.net/2012/01/23/jehovah-jireh-monday/</link>
		<comments>http://lyf.net/2012/01/23/jehovah-jireh-monday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:30:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rfisher</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Names of God Devotions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://lyf.net/?p=3201</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[God is our provider by Richy Fisher]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Read Genesis 22:1-14</strong></p>
<p><strong><sup>1</sup></strong>Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”</p>
<p>   “Here I am,” he replied.</p>
<p> <sup>2</sup> Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”</p>
<p> <sup>3</sup> Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. <sup>4</sup> On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. <sup>5</sup> He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”</p>
<p> <sup>6</sup> Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, <sup>7</sup> Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”</p>
<p>   “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.</p>
<p>   “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”</p>
<p> <sup>8</sup> Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.</p>
<p> <sup>9</sup> When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. <sup>10</sup> Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. <sup>11</sup> But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”</p>
<p>   “Here I am,” he replied.</p>
<p> <sup>12</sup> “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”</p>
<p> <sup>13</sup> Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. <sup>14</sup> So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”<strong></p>
<p>Content</strong></p>
<p>Jehovah Jireh is probably one of my favorite names for God, God is my provider. He has provided for me throughout my entire life. There have been times in my life where I could not have made it unless God provided for me and in every circumstance, He came through. Some of my needs were big and some were very small, but no matter the size, God understood and took care of me.</p>
<p>This is the point of the story for Abraham and for us, that we can trust God no matter what our needs are, He will come through for us even if it is a test! God knew that Abraham would go through with sacrificing his son Isaac because Abraham was faithful. But from the very beginning, Abraham trusted that God would provide a sacrifice other than Isaac and God already had a plan.</p>
<p>Sometimes in your life, you may be going through a difficult time or God is testing you but know this, that God loves you and will always provide a better outcome, just be faithful and trust in Him.</p>
<p>But there was another lesson to be learned in this story. God was teaching Abraham that he would also provide a sacrifice greater that Isaac one day and that would be the sacrifice of His own son Jesus. Jesus would come and die for the sins of the entire world, yours and mine.</p>
<p>And just as Abraham bound up Isaac and laid him on the altar, God bound up Jesus and nailed him on a cross. Jesus would be the final sacrifice for all and would provide for you and me a way for our sins to be forgiven and forgotten and have eternal life.</p>
<p><strong>Application<br /></strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>Be thankful today that God is your provider not just for everyday things but for eternal life and forgiveness of your sins. Look around and notice how He has provided for you and with a cheerful heart, thank Him.<br /><strong><br />Prayer</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>Be thankful today that God is your provider not just for everyday things but for eternal life and forgiveness of your sins. Look around and notice how He has provided for you and with a cheerful heart, thank Him.</p>
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