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Daily Devotions For Women
APRIL 2002 Devotions

April 2002 Devotions

APRIL 1

Part 15
  LOVE COMES FROM YOU
Lord, You often remind us to love and care our families first. At times we American families are so busy being so thoughtful to outside our homes that we forget the ones who are most important. Our families deserve our best manners, our best attention, and our best love, second to God.
 Instead, at times we forget our thoughtful and kind ways and mistreat each other. Perhaps we think our families will put up with our actions, because they love us just the way we are. Must we play mind games or belittle and manipulate the ones we love? Must we say hurtful things to get our way or to get our points across? How sad. This must grieve You terribly, Lord. It is so wrong and so destructive. Forgive us for such sinful actions.
 Help us to treat our spouses, children, and other loved ones with kindness, to cherish and care for them. Help us to avoid careless words that may injure for a lifetime. May we treasure these dear ones and share their joys and concerns and dreams. May our foremost time and effort be with the ones we love the most. Let us show them the love we talk about so freely, so our families will grow strong and secure in You.
 Lord, we know we cannot have strong family units without following Your teachings. You know our hearts. Let our lives please You.
 Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

April 2

Part 16l

SERVICE

Lord of all pots and pans and things

Since Ive no time to be

A saint by doing lovely things,

Or watching late with Thee,

Or dreaming in the dawnlight,

Or storming heavens gates,

Make me a saint by getting meals,

And washing up the plates.

Although I must have Marthas hand,

I have a Marys mind;

And when I black the boots and shoes,

Thy sandals, Lord, I find,

I think of how they trod the earth,

Each time I scrub the floor;

Accept this meditation, Lord,

I havent time for more.

Warm all the kitchen with Thy love,

And light it with Thy peace,

Forgive me all my worrying,

And make all grumbling cease.

Thou who didst love to give me food,

In room or by sea,

Accept this service that I do

I do it unto Thee.

Author Unknown

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

April 3

Part 17

MY OWN PRIVATE ALTAR

Lord, family strife is crushing in again. Ive tried making peace between family members before but Ive found myself caught in the middle. Now, though, Ive discovered my own private altar.

Each time when the hurt feelings fly, I retreat to that altar and raise our needs to You. A peace settles on our home. You intervene where I cant and You bring love back where it belongs.

Once again I retreat from the clamor and bickering. I silently slip through the door. I close and lock it. On my knees by my altar, I lift my heart in praise, urgent petition, and love. Ah, yes! I can already hear the peace, and I sense Your work has begun.

Thank You, Lord, for my own private altar. My knees press on hard tile with one little rug. The air is filled with disinfectant. My elbows rest on smooth porcelain. Though my prayer room is my bathroom, my altar my bathtub, at this moment it is my holy of holies.

My heart rejoices in You. I return to my duties until the next time I come here to meet with You.

MATTHEW 6: 5-6

5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

April 4

Part 18

SOMEONE PRAYED FOR ME

Today was one of those days, Lord, where everything seemed to go wrong. There were many anxious moments. All of a sudden I felt calm. You were able to give me a perspective that helped me through. Was someone praying for me?

THREE DAYS LATER

A note arrived from a friend. It told how she had thought of me and prayed at a certain time. When I recalled the day and time, I remembered my crises. Thank You, Lord, for laying my burdens on the heart of a dear friend, when I most needed her prayers.

Romans 8:26-27

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

April 5

Part 19

THANK YOU FOR YOUR NUDGE

Another chaotic day. My mind is kicked into accelerated speed. Responsibilitiesschedulesdeadlines. Accomplishments well done in a normal workday world. then I feel Your nudge. I recognize Your voice. Ive felt that nudge so many times before. Over and over You prod me, like a child tugging at his mothers sleeve to gain my attention.

You finally get me to listen. Someone comes to mind. I realize the need to pray. Now! I may not even know why. The world stops around me. I offer silent prayer. With powerful wings Your Holy Spirit swiftly wafts my petition for the one in need to almighty God.

You bring the prayer need to mind repeatedly throughout the day. I keep praying.

Later, when I hear the story of the one I prayed for, I marvel at Your timing and wisdom.

Thank You, Lord, for Your nudge.

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

APRIL 6

Part 20

Psalms 25: 4-6

4 Show me your ways, O LORD,

teach me your paths;

5 guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,

for they are from of old.

FLIP SIDE OF NEGATIVE

There are times in this world I see and hear so much of the negative, Father, that Im tempted to get caught up in it. Then I think of You. I cant change others, only myself.

Thank You for helping me see the good in people, the best in difficult situations. Let me sense the fresh smell of drizzling rain, the quiet times during recovering illness. Thank You for teaching me to recall the good events in life and help me not to dwell on the bad ones.

Thank You for helping me see the good even in myself. I will build on that rather than put myself down.

I lift my praise to You in all situations and look for Your goodness and love.

April 7

Part 21

Philippians 4: 4-8

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Thank You for my Bible, Your Word. How dear it is to me. Each day I draw nourishment and direction from it. How rich its words are! How healing and comforting Your promises, in times of weariness and stress. Your Word never fails me. It is like a map for me to find my way. I open it and marvel at all its wisdom. Thank You for providing these Scriptures so I can find direction in my life.

How perceptive are Your teachings. What blessings I receive from reading its words. You are so wonderful to give me the secrets to having a joy-filled life.

Still there are mysteries to unfold as I read its fathomless insights. How can I ever fully understand all of the lessons? Will I ever be able to completely know the mind of God? You are too great for me to do so.

How could I possibly have a pure heart without Your Scriptures to remind and guide each day. I would have no direction or hope.

I seek You with all my being so I might not stray. I memorize and hide Your words in my heart. When temptation and testing come, I can draw on what I have learned as Your Son Jesus did when He was tempted.

Praise You, dear Lord. Teach me Your countless lessons. I will repeat them on my lips and hide them in my heart as You have shown me. I will rejoyce in all I learn. I will meditate on Your Word and praise through my nights and days.

April 8

Part 22

Psalms 119: 11-16

11I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

12Praise be to you, O LORD;

teach me your decrees.

13With my lips I recount

all the laws that come from your mouth.

14I rejoice in following your statutes

as one rejoices in great riches.

15I meditate on your precepts

and consider your ways.

16I delight in your decrees;

I will not neglect your word.

PRAISING YOU AT DAWN

I awake in the hush of night with dawn lacing together shadows and shimmers, silhouetted by a silvery moon. I slip outside and listen to the silence. Might I hear Your voice? A cool rush of wind passes through. I see a small wild animal dart from bush to bush, unaware of my presence. I didnt realize such animals were so near. The wind whispers quietly as if to say, "Be still and know God is also near."

A rooster crows from afar, greeting dawn before I even see it. A robin signals to her family from a nearby tree. In wisdom You so magnificently made it all.

A pale blue glow creeps across the sky, first caressing the trees, then kissing the flowers with tiny drops of dew. "Savor this moment," I feel You say. "Carry the strength I give into your busy, strenuous day. My Spirit goes with you. Take time to bless others."

Ah, yes, Lord, I will.

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

April 9

Part 23

Psalm 5: 1, 3

1Give ear to my words, O LORD,

consider my sighing.

3In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait in expectation.

Another morning, the persistant chirp of a mother robin outside our bedroom window awakened me. I glanced at the clock. 4:30 a. m. how can birds be awake so early? I wondered.

I found myself alert, as though a quiet voice were beckoning me to our backyard patio. I slipped on my robe, tiptoed to the kitchen, and quietly prepared a cup of hot tea. The crisp, gentle breeze caressed my cheeks when I pushed back the sliding door. I settled into my favorite patio chairjust me, my cup of tea, and best of all, my Lord.

"Be still and know that I am God," I felt Him whisper on the wind.

I knew I would soon be challenged with endless responsibilities in the next few days. I had already asked for His help. In the solitude of a backyard heavenly chapel, the Lord and I shared secrets, concerns, and direction for an hour and a half. I thought I would be tired. Instead I felt exhilarated by His Spirit.

I frequently return to my favorite spot while the whole world sleeps. There I regain strength and guidance He always has to give.

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

April 10

Part 24

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WONDROUS WORKS

Thank You, Lord, for Your wondrous works and all the things You do for me. I praise You with my whole heart and soul. So many times You shower Your mercy on me and forgive my sins. You reach down and heal my tired body. Your love, mercy, and patience go beyond measure. You help me in my depths of despair and actually pump new life and enthusiasm into me.

I marvel at how You roll out the star-filled sky like a scroll. The oceans look as though You have scooped them out with Your mighty hand. Even the winds and waves are in Your control. You care about the wild birds and animals. How grateful I am that You also care for me.

You are my King of Kings. How I love You Lord. I will praise You and strive to be a blessing to You forever.

(added)

Psalm 139: 14

14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

April 11

Part 25

Psalm 104: 1-3; 23-24; 33-34 N. I. V.

1Praise the LORD, O my soul.

O LORD my God, you are very great;

you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

2He wraps himself in light as with a garment;

he stretches out the heavens like a tent

3and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.

He makes the clouds his chariot

and rides on the wings of the wind.

23Then man goes out to his work,

to his labor until evening.

24How many are your works, O LORD!

In wisdom you made them all;

the earth is full of your creatures.

33I will sing to the LORD all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

34May my meditation be pleasing to him,

as I rejoice in the LORD.

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

April 12

Part 26

Thank you for making me me

Father, my nose is crooked, my hairs too straight, my curves are bulges and definitely in the wrong places! Im not too smart, and Im always sticking my foot in my mouth. This is what I think of me when my thoughts are not on You.

You know me so well. You see my every thought, no matter how trivial. All my ways are discerned by You. You hear the words before they roll off my tongue. (Help me to bite some before they leave my mouth.) You surround me with Your love and have Your hand on me at all times.

How can You have such magnificent knowledge, too marvelous for me to attain? You are with me everywhere, any time. You are with me in the night time and the beginning of a brand new day. I even awake to Your presence.

You created my inmost being and molded me in my mothers womb. You knew the color of my hair and eyes and the shape of my nose before I was ever born, so now I thank You for them. How can I question my funny looks and ways? I give You praise, instead, that You created such a miracle in me and started my heart beating. How can I comprehend Your mighty works?

I must be precious to You, for You love me as I am. This is all so awesome to me. Search my heart, dear Lord. Cleanse me from evil and change me as You wish. See my thoughts. Understand my concerns and set my mind at ease.

Im glad Im me and Im thankful that You made me. I want to be a blessing for Youjust the way I am.

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

April 13
Part 27

HIS ANSWER

My child, the delight of My heart, you are a gift to Me. Before I formed you in your mothers womb, I already knew you well. I knew your talents and abilities that would someday bless Me and others. You are beautiful in My sight. I love you just the way you are. I made a place in this world especially for you. Ive prepared a future for you to serve Me.

You are a flower in lifes garden, My special one. Your color and sweet fragrance is lovely and treasured.

At times you feel afraid, unsure of what you do. Remember, I am with you, helping, guiding all the way you serve Me. Now, My child, I reach out My hands and touch yours, I touch your feet, your mouth, your mind. Receive then My power and serve Me.

Psalm 139: 1-6; 13-14

1O LORD, you have searched me

and you know me.

2You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

4Before a word is on my tongue

you know it completely, O LORD.

5You hem me in--behind and before;

you have laid your hand upon me.

6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.

13For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

April 14

Part 28

IM PROUD OF MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Father, Im proud of my accomplishments. Not the kind of pride that brags, but the kind that makes me feel pleased and warm inside. Ive worked hard on this project, yet I couldnt have done it without You. Thank You, Father, for Your guidance and help.

Thank You for teaching me to set realistic goals for myself. Thank You for challenging me to do my best. Thank You for showing me how to love You first, then to love myself, as well as others.

If my accomplishments should go unrecognized, no matter. I feel good about them. Best of all, I know You are proud of me and that you love me.

John 15: 5

5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Philippians 4:13

13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

April 15

Part 29

YOU SAID I COULD DO IT

Some said I couldnt do it.

Some shook their heads in doubt.

Some rolled their eyes and sighed.

"You can never work it out."

Some said I couldnt do it.

The task You gave to me.

I worked from dawn through dusk,

With help that came from Thee.

And now that its complete,

New goals You place ahead.

Im glad I showed You honor,

And heard Your voice instead.

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue

April 16

THE BEATITUDES

Matthew 5: 1-12

1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,

2and he began to teach them, saying:

3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

April 17
Most of us are searching for happiness in one form or another. Consciously or unconsciously we are seeking for the secret of blessedness, but a truly happy and contented mind is as rare as a radiant face. All too often we grasp at what we think is happiness only to discover that it is transient and illusory. It is like a rainbow-colored bubble that looks so desirable when it is floating within sight and just out of reach but which breaks at a touch and vanishes into thin air. Experience teaches us that happiness sought as an end in itself will always lead to disappointment and frustration. The kind of happiness which is dependent upon the things of this life can never be wholly satisfying. "Thou madest us for Thyself" said St. Augustine, "and our heart is restless, until it repose in Thee." It is only when we seek happiness for others that we find it for ourselves. It is a by-product of selfless living and selfless givingWho are the happy ones of this world? Who are the blessed? Jesus tells us in the Beatitudes, the opening verses of the fifth chapter of the gospel of St. Matthew, the great and glorious introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. Taken from the book- HAPPY ARE THEY Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience

April 18
THE POOR IN SPIRIT Happy are they who are not burdened with the sense of their own importance. Happy are they who do not have to bother with the petty restrictions imposed by pride. They are happy because the are free, free from self and its exhausting demands. To be poor in spirit is not to be spiritless an ineffectual. It is to be economical in the use of the precious forces which hold the personality together. the self opinionated person dissipates his mental and spiritual energy by indulging in constant outbursts of self-justification and self-assertiveness. He will never be happy because he will never be free. He will always be laboring under some sense of grievance, standing on his dignity and asserting his ego. But the poor in spirit are no subject to this continual drain upon their emotional vitality. They never feel they have to fight for their rights, to hit out or to hit back. They are content to let God work everything out in His own time and in His own way. These are the people to whom the kingdom belongs. They are happy because they are free. BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT: FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN Taken from the book- HAPPY ARE THEY Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong

April 19

THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE

Happy are they who find the consolation of Christ at the heart of every sorrow. Happy are they who see light in darkness, who walk through the valley of the shadow of death fearing no evil and trusting in the promise given by our Lord to all who mourn for a loved one lost. "I am the resurrection and the life" said Jesus. "He who believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."

Happy are they who can bank on that promise. They will never go to pieces under the crushing blow of a bereavement. They will receive strength according to their needs, knowing that their dear ones are safe in the everlasting arms. They will not wither or become embittered in the cruel winds of grief for they will live in the springtime of hope. They will never feel lonely or afraid for they will experience the joy of the perpetual Easter. They will take unto themselves the sweet comfort of the words spoken by Him who died that we might live. Happy are they who rejoice in the truth that the gift of God is eternal life.

"BLESSED ARE THEY WHO MOURN: FOR THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED"

Taken from the book- HAPPY ARE THEY Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong

April 20

BECAUSE THE LORD HAS PROMISED

Because the Lord has promised

And because His word is true,

They who believe shall never die,

Their love God will renew,

Somewhere in the golden morning of Eternity,

Out there in the glory of the world that is to be.

Beyond this brief and changing life

Of sorrow, sin and pain,

Love will have its resurrection.

We shall meet again.

Taken from the book- HAPPY ARE THEY Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong

April 21

THE REWARD OF THE GENTLE MAN

The word "meekness" has gone out of fashion. To say that a person is meek is to imply that he is a doormat, a spineless creature with no will of his own.

Happy are the gentile. This is how the third Beatitude has been translated into basic English and it seems to bring us nearer to what Jesus must have had in mind. Happy are they who are quiet and unassuming, patient, modest and inoffensive. They will always be happy because they will never stir up trouble or create difficult situations. And their reward is the earth. All the blessedness of life will be theirs by right to have and to enjoy.

Taken  from the book- HAPPY ARE THEY Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong

Aril 22

THE GREAT INHERITANCE

What an amazing thought is contained in this strange beatitude and what a bargain God makes with man!

Do not be provocative, argumentative or self-assertive. Accept what comes to you without complaint. Take the best with the grace and serenity. Cultivate the spirit of patience, forbearance and humility and in return God will give the whole earth for your inheritance.

"BLESSED ARE THE MEEK: FOR THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH"

Taken from the book- HAPPY ARE THEY Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong

April 23

BREAD AND WATER

You cannot appease the pangs of bodily hunger unless you have something to eat, you cannot slake your thirst without something to drink. Survival depends upon access to bread and water, but the soul that longs to partake of the good things of God is never left without sustenance, for the food of the spirit is always available.

The Bread of Life is freely broken and distributed amongst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. It is always there, offered on the chipped and homely plates of daily living as well as the Lords Table.

"My soul thirsteth for God" cried David and over a thousand years later Jesus answered that cry in His words to the woman at the well, when He spoke of the living water springing up into everlasting life.

When your desire for that living water and for that Bread of Life is as sharp as a bodily pang your need will be satisfied.

"BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH DO HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS: FOR THEY SHALL BE FILLED"

April 24

PLAIN AND SIMPLE

Jesus comes to us through the commonplace things of our everyday world. plain and simple is the homely fare with which He feeds the hungry soul.

There is no need to distil His teaching into a rare essence which can be appreciated only by those with a taste for theology, nor do we need to take the truths He taught and mix them all up into a rich cake. He offers Himself to us as bread and water, the two basic necessities of life.

Taken from the book- Happy Are They Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong

April26
JUSTICE AND MERCY

How can you hope to obtain mercy for yourself if you refuse to forgive others? When you harbor thoughts of resentment and revenge against someone who has hurt or humiliated you in some way, you set up a barrier between yourself and God. The redemptive power of Divine Love can only get through to you as you maintain a spirit of forgiveness and forbearance; so that when the time comes you may go to your own reckoning forgiven and redeemed.

Do not insist upon justice for others and accept mercy for yourself. Be generous and compassionate towards the misguided and the unfortunate and do whatever lies in your power to help those who are suffering in mind or body.

"BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL: FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY"

April 26

THE KEYS OF PARADISE

Where our earthly journey ends the gates of justice stands. Through their bars we glimpse the glory of the promised land- but we cannot pass into the paradise within- till mercy hears our call and brings the keys to let us in.

Taken from the book- HAPPY ARE THEY Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong

April 27

THE GIFT OF VISION

Happy are they whose hearts are pure, for they will have X-ray eyes that can see through all the imperfection of life and beyond the perfection of ultimate reality.

They will possess the gift of vision and be able to see the beauty and the holiness of all created things. Wherever they look they will see the goodness and the glory of the living God. All the loveliness of Nature will be unto them a revelation of spiritual truth, a sign a manifestation of the Mind behind the cosmos.

The pure-hearted will look upon evil and see only potential good. They will accept the teachings of Jesus Christ with a child-like simplicity and in looking at Him they will see God, for they will be freed from the many sins that blind us to the presence of the Divine in our midst. They will never be depressed or discouraged by the seeming hopelessness of the human situation for they will walk in the brightness of perpetual light. Purity of heart means clarity of vision, the capacity to see God not only in the beauty of Creation but in the ordinary world of the daily round and the common task.

"BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART: FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD"

Taken from the book- HAPPY ARE THEY- Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong

APRIL 28

THE PEACEMAKERS

Pray for the peacemakers. Pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon all who bear the burdens of office. Pray that wisdom and sanity may prevail wherever men meet together in international conference.

War would let loose such Satanic forces of destruction and devastation that civilisation as we know it might well perish from the face of the earth. So pray without ceasing that evil may be held in check and that the love of peace and righteousness may be established in the hearts of all men everywhere. The power of prayer is the secret weapon in the armoury of every Christian. Behind the peacemakers are the prayermakers.

Taken froPatience Strongm the book- HAPPY ARE THEY Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-

April 29

THE PEACEBREAKERS

There are some who never seem to be happy unless they are stirring up trouble airing a grievance or making a fuss about something or other. They are the peacebreakers, continually at war with life and it is the duty of every Christian to try and repair the damage done by such people.

In your home, at work and in your social life, be a peacemaker. Speak the conciliatory word that deflects angry thoughts into harmless channels.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God"

Taken from the book- Happy Are They Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong

 April 30

HELP ME FORGIVE

Ive been hurt again, Lord. Not only me, but, the ones I love. Im angry at the cruelty. I know there is no remorse. If ones who hurt me had it to do again, theyd do the same things. I want to lash out. I want to get even. I know this isnt how You want me to react. My hatred and anger can harm many people, myself, and my relationship with You and others, Lord. I cant seem to forgive or change my attitudes. Help me. I pray that You will take away my pain and wrong attitudes.

Ive done all I can to work things out with no success. Now I seek Your direction and will. I know You command me to love and pray for others, even my enemies. Although their actions are wrong, he me to respond the right way. Remind me not to rejoice when they meet trouble, but to pray continually for them. Guard my tongue against speaking unkind words. Help me to have a pure heart and leave the rest in Your hands.

Because I submit to You, I sense Your help and peace in this situation. Im learning how much love You must have to forgive me.

Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by Anita Corrine Donihue

May1

 

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