[Membersandfriends] Tuesday, October 05, 2004

Mon Oct 4 22:01:53 PDT 2004

The Upper Room Daily Devotional -- E-mail Edition
Brought to You by Upper Room Ministries
Tuesday, October 05, 2004

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KEEP  GOING
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Proverbs 3:5-8 (NRSV)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
     and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
     and he will make straight your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
     fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be a healing for your flesh
     and a refreshment for your body.

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The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. 
-- Isaiah 58:11 (NRSV)
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WE were lost.  The directions to the train depot that we had been given were confusing and, apparently, incorrect.  Our murmurs and sighs expressed ournervousness about possibly missing our train.

We stopped to ask for additional directions.  This time we understood more clearly how to reach the depot.  Even so, as we drove along we were still unsure that we were going the correct way.  Then suddenly, we noticed a small sign alongside the road.  "Keep going" was all it said.  We accepted this encouragement, kept going, and reached the depot in time to board the train.

I remember times when I felt confused or uncertain about a decision I had to make.  Quite often God has placed a "keep going" sign somewhere along my path.  Sometimes the sign was a friend who offered advice.  Sometimes circumstances beyond my control affected my decision.  I have learned that if I ask for guidance, God will place some sign along my life's path to direct me.  As I learn to trust, God helps me to go in the right directions, just as the verses in Proverbs promise.

Prayer:  Source of salvation, teach us to rely on your direction for our lives.  You know the way, and we can trust you completely.  Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Where can I look for a sign from God today?

-- Tomi Alger (Montana, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those at a crossroads

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RELATED READING ...

A GUIDE TO PRAYER FOR ALL WHO SEEK GOD will become a treasured favorite for those hungering for God as the Christian year unfolds. Each day offers guidance for an opening affirmation, a petition of prayer, and daily scripture selections.
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/desc.asp?ep_id=30&item_id=134063

PLEASE SHARE THIS MINISTRY with a friend. Invite them to sign up for the free E-Mail Devotional by visiting: http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/email/.

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The scripture quotation is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright (c) 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.