Start Fresh

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January 9
There are days you just know the devil is knocking at your door. It sounded as if someone was outside my bedroom hammering on the house. There was no one on the patio, but when I opened the window I saw a woodpecker pecking away at our cross!

"Be GONE, in the mighty name of Jesus," I shouted!

The two old blue jays in the bare crepe myrtle tree below chuckled at the ole fellow getting caught!


The devil pecks away at our hearts as well. He tries desperately to delay Fresh Starts. He likes to keep us worn down and comfortable in our old ways. Bitterness, jealousy, discontentment and fear are some of his favorite coverings in which he desires to keep us coated.

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does unlock the future!" Richard Exley

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 5:44

Lord, Among the gods there is none like you, no deeds can compare with yours. You are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Have mercy on us when we falter and fail to keep Your commandments. Teach us to walk in Your truth and have undivided hearts. Forgiveness is freeing, may we taste of it today and offer it up to others as well. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit for it is only in that equipping that we can love our enemies and pray for your blessings to abound on those who persecute us.
Show us this day how to love in Your way. In Jesus Name, Amen


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