file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940112.TXT
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          OUR DAILY BREAD                     Wednesday, January 12, 1994
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          READ:  Ephesians 3:14-21

                                   INNER STRENGTH

                     [I pray] that He would grant you ... to be
                     strengthened with might through His Spirit
                                  in the inner man.
                                  --Ephesians 3:16

          A  large  company extracts contaminating  substances  from  steel
          drums  by suction.  Powerful pumps draw the materials out of  the
          barrels,  but  the workers must carefully regulate the  force  of
          these  pumps.  If  they  take out too much air,  the  drums  will
          collapse  like paper cups because the outer pressure will  exceed
          the inner pressure.

          Likewise, when adversity and hardship come into our lives, unless
          God  empowers us from within we will be unable to  withstand  the
          pressures  from  without. True, we get solid support  from  loved
          ones  and Christian friends, but it is our spiritual  inner  man,
          "strengthened  with might through His Spirit," that  sustains  us
          and keeps us from crumbling.

          The Spirit works to strengthen us and renew our minds as we  read
          God's  Word and pray.  If we neglect the Scriptures, seldom  talk
          with the Lord, and stop fellowshiping with Him, we will grow weak
          and vulnerable.  Then we will be unable to withstand the pressure
          of temptation or trouble.

          Let's  ask  the Lord to develop our inner strength so  that  when
          life's blows and burdens press upon us we will not cave in.

          Author:  David C. Egner

                         Help us, O Lord, when troubles come
                         To trust Your Word and not succumb,
                            And help us not to turn aside
                        But in Your strength and love abide.
                                        --DJD

          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
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          The  power  of  Christ in You is greater  than  the  pressure  of
          troubles around you.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Genesis 37-39

          
          




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