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<\/a>Fall brings a lot of excitement to my life in many ways, but for certain one of them is the buildup for November and National Novel Writers Month or National Non-Fiction Writers Month. I\u2019ve tried the novel writing and last year I tried the non-fiction challenge. I must admit I love a challenge, but sometimes writing can be difficult.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I found a comical chart entitled \u201cwhy I\u2019m not getting any writing done on my so-called novel.\u201d It went through an array of issues or problems including mind wandering, time wasting, forgetfulness, distractions, and decisions to name a few. I could relate to some of them.<\/p>\n
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Sometimes it seems like whatever we want to do we don\u2019t get around to it. And what we shouldn\u2019t do gets pushed out front on more occasions than we\u2019d like to admit (Romans 7:15). It can be disappointing when over and over again we seem to get nothing done.<\/p>\n
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We can blame this on a lot of things, but it really comes down to the fact that we will do what we want to do. When our minds are made up and we are determined to do it, we do it.<\/p>\n
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This is the determination we must have when it comes to our spiritual lives.<\/p>\n
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You know those mornings when you\u2019re running a bit behind, or when nothing seems to be going as it should, or maybe you didn\u2019t sleep well the night before and your first thought may be to skip prayer and Bible reading. I think you know what I\u2019m going to say.<\/p>\n
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Don\u2019t even think it! Dig a little deeper. Find that extra little something within you to follow through with your dedicated time with God. It will make a difference in your day.<\/p>\n
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So today I offer you words of encouragement to help you find that extra boost to be with God. Don\u2019t give up. Don\u2019t put it aside. Keep going. Keep reading and praying. Do it because you want to. After a while you\u2019ll wonder how you ever thought you could live without it.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 119:11 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.\u201d (Psalm 119:105 – NIV<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.\u201d<\/em> (Matthew 6:33 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cRemain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.\u201d<\/em> (John 14:4 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/em> (Philippians 3:14 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAll Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.\u201d<\/em> (2 Timothy 3:16-17 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.\u201d<\/em> (James 1:22 – NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are so many benefits to spending time with God and knowing what His Word says. I can assure you that as you take the time to read God\u2019s Word, communicate with God through prayer, and ask for guidance through God\u2019s Spirit, you will be encouraged, uplifted, and renewed to face your day. Don\u2019t ever believe it\u2019s not necessary or that you don\u2019t have the time. It will be a big mistake.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donna<\/p>\n <\/p>\n