c. 1997 Religion News Service UNDATED _”My Utmost for His Highest,”an updated version of the collected writings of Scottish preacher Oswald Chambers, edited by James Reimann (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995) From July 28 “God’s Purpose or Mine?” Bible verse:”He made His disciples get in the boat and go before Him to the other sideâÂ?¦”(Mark 6:45)”What is my vision of God’s purpose for me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish _ His purpose is the process itself … It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God.”_____
“The African-American Devotional Bible,”King James Version, edited by the Rev. Alicia D. Byrd and Gary L. Knapp (Zondervan Publishing House, 1997)
From a Friday devotional reading “Walking in God’s Truth” Bible passage: 3 John Devotion by the Rev. Suzan Johnson Cook, senior pastor, Bronx Christian Fellowship Church in New York City”Today, fear no evil, for God is with us _ in boardrooms and court rooms and kitchens and bedrooms _ even if we should have to `walk through the valley of the shadow of death’ (Psalm 23:4). Go forward, my brothers and sisters! Walk in truth, just as Nelson Mandela walked to his freedom, as Harriet Tubman walked to her freedom. Do not look back into the darkness, but look forward to the light at the end of the dark tunnel.”_____ “The Golfer’s Tee Time Devotional,”by James R. Bolley (Honor Books, 1997) Chapter 10:”Managing Your Game” Scripture:”Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”(Proverbs 16:3) Reflections:”Just as golf must be played one stroke at a time, so life must be lived one day at a time. The key to happiness and success is trusting God to provide the focus and self-discipline you need to face each moment with the assurance and confidence that He is in control.”_____ “God’s Little Devotional Book for Women”(Honor Books, 1996) Opening thought:”A house is made of walls and beams; a home is made of love and dreams.” Bible verse:”Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.”(Proverbs 15:17)”A homey atmosphere is not a matter of the right decorations; it emanates from the thoughts and feelings of the people who live there. Feelings of warmth and welcome can be created only by people who are kind, generous, and even-tempered. Why not determine to `warm-up’ the atmosphere where you live today?” MJP END RNS
