SHADRACH, MESHACH AND ABEDNEGO

THE FIERY FURNACE

Read Daniel 3

    “there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon–Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego–who pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:12 NIV

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    Daniel's three friends refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's image of gold, even though the penalty was death in a fiery furnace. But before this ultimate test of their loyalty to God, they had already passed smaller tests.      Their refusal to eat the king's food during their training period had resulted in God's blessing and protection. 

     Now in this greater test they remained faithful saying, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."  (3:17–18)

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     Dear Lord, You have said that “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.” (Luke 16:10 NKJV) Help us to teach our children that little matters of obedience are very important. Then when the bigger tests of faithfulness and loyalty come along, they will be prepared. Lord, help us to be examples of faithfulness in the little things, as well.

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     "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God." 

Daniel 3:28 NIV

KING OF KINGS

NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM

Read Daniel 2

    “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.   Daniel 2:19b–21 NIV

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     When Daniel was still young, God gave him the ability to interpret dreams. No one could tell King Nebuchadnezzar what his dream was, or what it meant, until Daniel asked his three friends “to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery.” God answered by revealing the mystery to Daniel in a night vision. (2:18-19)

    God’s revelation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a giant statue contained a message with far reaching significance…even to our day and beyond. Before Daniel even attempted to give the interpretation, he praised the name of God who is in control of all things. He told the king, “The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory…You are that head of gold.” (2:37-38)

     When we look at what is happening in our world today, particularly in the Middle East, it is easy to despair of ever seeing a peaceful resolution. But this prophesy to the King of Babylon, speaks of a future kingdom ruled by the King of Kings–Jesus the Messiah–where nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. (Isaiah 2:4b)

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     I praise You Lord, that You are the God who sets up kings and presidents–We can trust You in the days and years ahead.

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     "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.  Daniel 2:44 NIV

DANIEL AND FRIENDS

COURAGE TO DO RIGHT

Daniel 1

     Then the king ordered the chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility- Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. Daniel 1:3, 6-7 NIV

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     King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon chose some of the best and brightest young men of Judah to serve in his palace. Although they were treated well in comparison to other captives, they were not free to do as they pleased. In spite of this, these four young men refused to eat food that their Jewish law prohibited. They could have been killed for this, but God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel. (1:9)

     The guard the official appointed over them allowed the four to refrain from eating the king’s food for ten days. Daniel and his friends obeyed God at great risk, and God honored their obedience. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. (Daniel 1:15)

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     Lord, help us to raise sons and daughters who, like Daniel and his friends, will stand up for what they believe. Help our children to have courage and do right even when it would be easier to do wrong. May our lives set an example that they can follow.

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     In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. Daniel 1:20 NIV

HUNGER AND THIRST

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Read Isaiah 55; John 4:10-42, 7:37-39

     "Surely you will summon nations you know not and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy one of Israel…" Isaiah 55:5 NIV

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     Here, Isaiah is speaking of Israel's future; prophesying that other nations will join them in worshiping Messiah. God has a future plan and a hope for all who will trust in Him. He says, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

     Through Isaiah, God told them, "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. (Isaiah 55:2)

     Hundreds of years later Jesus would say, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)

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     Lord, this morning I come to You, hungry for the Bread of Life, and thirsty for Living Water. Bless this reading of Your Word for You have said, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (55:9) As I prepare meals for my family help me to serve with a thankful heart that because of You, we "delight in the richest of fare."

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     "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!"   Isaiah 55:1 NIV

MESSIAH PROMISED

TAUGHT BY THE LORD

Read Isaiah 52–54

     "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” Isaiah 53:6

    “After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light [of life] and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many and he will bear their iniquities. " Isaiah 53:11 NIV

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    Isaiah 53 contains the most detailed prophesies in the Old Testament describing the Messiah's suffering, death and resurrection. Written hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth; its accuracy should reassure us of the trustworthiness of God’s Word. At this time, the prophesied 70 years of captivity had been fulfilled and Isaiah prepared the people to go back to their land. God promised them,      

    “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” (54:10)

     Isaiah prophesied of a future day when Messiah would set up His kingdom in Jerusalem and all would be made right. In that day, he told them, "All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children's peace." (54:13)

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     Dear Father, I look forward to that coming day when everyone will be taught by the Lord in Your kingdom, but for now Lord, help us to be faithful in teaching our sons and daughters Your Word, and modeling obedience in our own lives.

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    "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds . . . Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up…" Deuteronomy 11:18a,19 NIV

PEACE LIKE A RIVER

I WILL NOT FORGET YOU

Read Isaiah 48–49

     "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17 NIV

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     God, through Isaiah's prophesy of deliverance from Babylon, reminds the captives of His absolute sovereignty in their lives. He would soon raise up Cyrus, king of Persia to overthrow Babylon and help the Israelites return to their land. Of Cyrus He says, “I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission.” (48:15)

     The Lord reminds them that if they had been obedient, they would not have been carried off to Babylon in the first place. He says, "If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. (48:18)

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     Most Holy Father, You are the One in control of our lives. Above all, I want my children to know and obey God; for I know that You love them even more than I do. You have promised through Isaiah, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (49:15)

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     "See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders. Isaiah 49:22 NIV
     I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6b NIV

HEWILL NOT GROW WEARY

HOPE AND STRENGTH

Read Isaiah 40

     The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:28b–29 NIV

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    This highly prophetic chapter was a message of comfort for God's people held captive in Babylon. Isaiah prophesied the return of the Jews to Jerusalem - but far beyond that day - he tells of the coming Messiah:
     "Here is your God! See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power…See, his reward is with him…He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (40:9b–11)
     How amazing that this loving Shepherd is also the everlasting God, the powerful Creator of the earth.

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    Oh Lord, how grateful I am that you stop to gather the lambs in Your arms. I claim the promise that You gently lead those who have young, and carry us close to your heart. I look to You for direction and renewed strength. My prayer is that our children will hope in the Lord and soar on wings like eagles, even as they leave the nest.

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     Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30–31 NIV

MEANINGLESS RULES

Read Isaiah 28:1–16

     "Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there–so that they will go and fall backward… "Isaiah 28:13 NIV

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     Isaiah is reprimanding the priests and prophets of his day for teaching rules, while living a sinful life. They were not representing the rest, trust and personal relationship that God wanted from His people. He says of these leaders, "Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast?" (28:9) 

     The apostle Paul echoes this in Hebrews; "You have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. " (Hebrews 5:12b-13 NKJV) God was looking for righteous lives, not a legalistic memorizing of rules they never kept.

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     Lord, I pray that my life will be an example of following You, not just adhering to the rules that men have made. As we must establish the rules of living in our home, help us to do it in a way that will communicate our love for You and for our children. When we must discipline them, give us the wisdom to be consistent and do it right.

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      All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV

PERFECT PEACE

Read Isaiah 26:1–12

      You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV

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     Throughout history men have searched for peace which always seems to elude them. Isaiah speaks of a future day of peace when Jesus will rule and reign on earth: He says, “Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.” (26:2)
     We are still waiting for a nation that keeps faith, but we do not have to wait to experience His peace – it is a gift given to us when we trust in the Lord. The confidence that God is our Rock, the ultimate in stability, brings peace to the soul.
     Isaiah writes, “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” (26:4) If we are going to accomplish anything of eternal value in our lives, it will be by trusting Him. 

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     Lord, help us to rest patiently in faith as we wait for Your perfect plan for our lives. You have been faithful to us in the past and like Isaiah we can say, "LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us." (26:12)

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      Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.   Isaiah 26:8 NIV

ISAIAH THE PROPHET

GOD WITH US

Read Isaiah 7:10-14, 9:1-7; Matthew 1:18-2:6

     All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:22–23 NIV

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     The book of Isaiah was written about 700 years before Christ was born and is filled with prophesies about the coming Messiah. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Joseph, he quoted Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Jesus would be called, "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6b)

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     Isaiah prophesied that this Holy Child would live "In Galilee of the Gentiles.” saying, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined." (Isaiah 9:1b-2 NKJV)

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     Dear Lord, You truly are my Wonderful Counselor and I am so thankful that the light of the gospel has shined on me. Just as Isaiah foretold the coming of Jesus, help me to tell the good news wherever I go, especially to members of my family. Keep me faithful in reading Your Word so that I will have something fresh to share with my family and friends.

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     For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

"THIS IS THE GIFT OF GOD"

SATISFACTION IN WORK

Read Ecclesiastes 11–12

     Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. Ecclesiastes 11:6 NIV

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     When Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes, he was old and looking back on his selfish life. With his God-given wisdom still intact, he looks at all of his achievements and comes to an interesting conclusion: "I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil-this is the gift of God." (3:12-13)

     He encourages young men to seek God early in life, saying, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come–“(12:1 NKJV) Solomon discovered that wisdom without God's blessing is meaningless. He said, "All things are wearisome, more than one can say… What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again." (1:8-10)

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     Lord, help me to resist this attitude toward my daily responsibilities. Perhaps if I pray for each family member as I fold clothes, the task of laundry won't seem so endless. Thank you for the gift of children and a husband who sits at our table each evening. Help me to serve them with a joyful spirit, remembering that “this is the gift of God.”

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     Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work–this is a gift of God.   Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV

THE BEAUTIFUL HOME

BEAUTIFUL TREASURES

Read Proverbs 24

     By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3–4 NIV

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     Throughout the Proverbs of Solomon, he refers to wisdom as treasure to be eagerly sought out and cultivated. He said, “Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you…” (24:14)

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     There is no better place for wisdom to grow than in our Christian homes. The beautiful home will be furnished with more than lovely possessions. True riches, if nurtured, will dwell in the hearts of our children. First, we must seek wisdom for ourselves as parents, cultivating our love for each other and the Lord; then we will have an abundance of treasure to share with our children. This is a lifelong process, but the time we have to invest in our children is all too short.

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     Lord, help us to cultivate the fields of our own hearts so that we will have a harvest of treasures to bring into our home. Help us to remember that "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life." (Proverbs 22:4 NKJV) Give us love for each other and the wisdom we need to lead our children in the ways of the Lord.

* * *

     Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. Proverbs 24:27 NIV

LESSONS FROM BATHSHEBA

THE NOBLE WOMAN

Read Proverbs 31

      A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her… Proverbs 31:10–11a NIV

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      This chapter contains words of wisdom, probably from Solomon's mother, though she calls him Lemuel, meaning, "Devoted to God." Solomon’s mother was Bathsheba, and she would have instructed him, knowing the painful consequences of promiscuity. She used this Hebrew acrostic poem as a tool to teach him how to choose a godly wife. As a king, he could seek out the most beautiful woman in the land, but Solomon's mother reminds him that "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." (31:30)

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      Lord, help us to be examples of the kind of woman You want our sons to choose. Bathsheba said, “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies . . . She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”(31:10, 26)

     Give us the right words in instructing our daughters to be loving, faithful wives. Protect our children from the temptations of this sexually charged culture, and may they become godly men and women, honoring to You.

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      Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:28-29 NIV

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

WARNINGS TO A SON

Read Proverbs 23

     Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. Proverbs 23:22–23 NIV

* * *

     Proverbs 23 has a lengthy section warning of the consequences of substance abuse. Solomon counsels, “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,” (Proverbs 23:19–20) We live in a day when churches are no longer talking about the dangers of alcohol. As a result, even Christian homes are dealing with this problem. Drugs are illegal, yet easily accessible for many young people. Children are developing alcohol problems at an early age, as there is less and less supervision at home.

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     Oh Father, this is a problem I wish we didn't have to be concerned about, but even as Christians, we do. Help us to be an example of self control in these matters, realizing that “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.” (Romans 14:21) Help us to communicate our own convictions with clarity, so that our sons and daughters will want to live a pure and holy life.

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     The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!   Proverbs 23:24–25 NIV

TRAIN UP A CHILD

Read Proverbs 22      Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.   Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

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      Many Christians today want to explain away this proverb because all too often the children of believers do turn away from what they have been taught. But then, perhaps all or most of the training today comes from unbelieving teachers, television, internet or peers. How many parents actually sit down with their children for extended instruction like Solomon is giving his son in this book?  
       Solomon tells his son that this practical teaching is so that he will learn to trust the Lord. He says, “Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.” (22:17-19)

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      Lord, help us to set aside the time to speak eye to eye with our children about all of the issues of life; and may this teaching be in accord with your perfect Holy Word. Help us to wisely discipline our children as you have said,    "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." (22:15) But most of all give us the wisdom to faithfully teach our children “in the way they should go.”

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     "Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge; that I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you? "    Proverbs 22:20–21 NKJV

LISTENING CAREFULLY

DEEP WATERS

Read Proverbs 20

    The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. Proverbs 20:5 NIV

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    In a warning about the dangers of gossip, Solomon tells his son to "avoid a man who talks too much." (20:19) But he also stresses the value of drawing a quiet man out, because that person may have valuable observations to make. Solomon observes, "Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel." (20:15)

     Sometimes that rare jewel may be on the lips of a child, for God says that even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. (20:11) The Psalmist prophesied, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise” (Psalm 8:2)

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     Lord, help me to stop long enough to draw out a quiet friend or child. Help me to listen closely and then encourage that person to share her heart. God cares about my innermost thoughts, for “the lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.” (20:27) and I should care enough to listen carefully to what someone has to say.

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“Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”   Matthew 18:4–5 NKJV