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TODAY’S WORD…

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God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.

Afterward they will receive the crown of life

that God has promised to those who love Him.

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– James 1:12 (NLT)

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REFLECTION…

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We Christians should not be depressed or cowed

by the difficulties and temptations which God permits us to experience;

on the contrary, we should see them as a series of tests

which, with God’s help, we should surmount in order to receive the reward of Heaven.

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Jesus Himself told us that

“everyone who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mat 10:12) .

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QUOTE…

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"The Lord does not allow His followers to experience these trials and temptations

unless it be for their greater good. […]

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He arranged things in this way:

endurance in adversity and struggle against temptation prove who His friends are.

For the mark of a true friend is not that he keeps you company when times are good,

but that he stands by you in times of trial […].

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Companions in adversity and later in the Kingdom,

you should strive to fight manfully when you meet opposition that would separate you from God,

for He is your help here on earth and your reward in Heaven."

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– St. John of Avila

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord, fill me with hope and joy and self-control,

and help me endure testing and temptation.

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