file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940826.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                         Friday, August 26, 1994
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READ:  2 Corinthians 12:7-10

                       "ALWAYS AVAILABLE"

           "I can do all things through Christ who
                         strengthens me."

                        Philippians 4:13

Swedish hymnist Lina Sandell Berg served with her father in an 
evangelistic ministry.  As they were traveling by ship, he 
accidentally fell overboard and drowned.  In need of the comfort 
that only God can supply, she wrote the following words that are 
still sung by Christians around the world:
 
      "Day by day and with each passing moment
       Strength I find to meet my trials here;
       Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
       I've no cause for worry or for fear."

Secular counselors advise us to draw strength from our own inner 
resources.  But that's hopelessly unrealistic.  The simple fact is 
that in and of ourselves we don't have what it takes to deal with 
all of life's pressures and problems. Even the strongest among us 
have weaknesses.  We're susceptible to vacillating moods, sinful 
temptations, and enslaving habits.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the apostle Paul referred to a weakness 
he called a "thorn in the flesh."  But he didn't tough it out on 
his own.  He prayed for deliverance, but instead he was 
strengthened by the Lord so that he could endure his overwhelming 
difficulties.

In times of conflict and defeat, we are forced to confess that we 
need a source of strength beyond ourselves.  And we can rejoice 
that there's an always-available source on which we can draw -- 
the inexhaustible grace of God.

     - Vernon C. Grounds

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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When God gives a burden, He always gives the grace to bear it.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  1 Chronicles 14-16

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Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of
Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA.
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