For the Weary – Day 18 – Encouragement

On January 6, 2009January 13, 2009 By KateIn Devotionals2 Comments

When I am weary of well doing, I need to remind myself of just who God is. He is not mere man. Man can let us down but God will never let us down.

Fellowship Restored

God created us in His image with a desire to fellowship with Him. Without salvation, we cannot fellowship with God. Prior to salvation, man feels empty within. Man feels as though there is something missing in his life. That is why he is always in pursuit of happiness and joy. He does not find this joy until the fellowship with God is restored.

~Psalm 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

This Psalm is one of my favorites. It reveals to me man’s attempt to seek after God and God’s reward for doing so.

The Psalmist knew that his God could help him with anything. This verse reminded me of when we were fighting as children saying, “My Dad is bigger than your Dad!” David says His God is the Creator of the universe and will surely help him!

No Doubt

~Psalm 121:2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

It is one thing to believe in God but quite another to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God will help you.

How does God help us? As I meditated on this Psalm, I realized that the Father helps us in every aspect of our lives:

~Psalm 121:3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Since God never sleeps, we can be assured that God will assist us in our spiritual walk if we allow Him. That is the most important thing for a believer. When we are walking with the Lord, all things are “right” in life. Even the hurdles are easy because He is guiding.

~Psalm 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

It’s as if the Psalmist wanted to emphasize this point. God is not human that He tires and needs to take a nap. He is always standing watch over us. What comfort! Not only is God watching over us, but He is the same God that has cared for Israel all these thousands of years! It almost seems like a resume to me!

~Psalm 121:5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

Not only is this the God who cares for Israel, but He is our keeper! When things get “hot” in life with struggles and cares, our God will provide us with the same kind of care as He promised in Psalm 23 as our Shepherd! What a blessing this is to me!

~Psalm 121:6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

Our Heavenly Father, the Creator of the sun and moon, will not allow us to be defeated – both day and night! We are His children – born into His family through the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ! We have a promise that our Heavenly Father is faithfully watching over us!

~Psalm 121:7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

~Psalm 121:8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

The best thing ever is to know that our Heavenly Father has our salvation preserved for all time. The born again believer does not need to worry about his salvation because it is not in the hands of a mere man. Our salvation is in the hands of the God who never sleeps, my friend! Who can take it away from God?

No matter where we go in life, we can rest assured that the Father is right there with us preserving every step. The steps we take (as in verse 3) are watched over by God. He monitors our lives and is way ahead of us. He knows where we are going and He knows what lies ahead. We do not need to worry because He will guide us. When we are in sweet fellowship with God and we stay in tune with Him through His Word, we are going to be protected.

Fellowship Preserved

I am not saying that we will never go through trials. It is through trials that we are shaped into the vessel that God can use. What I am saying is that God will protect us and surround us with His love as we go through the trial. What blessing is that? The weary Christian can rest assured that the Creator of the Universe, the God of Israel, is the same God that will walk along side of him. This same God is the One who loves you and will care for you in those difficult times!

The picture above was taken by Carol Meyers and used here with her permission. She has traveled to some of the most beautiful places in the world and has captured so many pictures which depict peace and tranquility. Thank you, Carol, for allowing me this opportunity to use your work!

For the Weary – Day 17 – God Hears

On January 5, 2009January 13, 2009 By KateIn Devotionals3 Comments

Weariness … when does it begin? How do we get ourselves in this state? It is when I am thoroughly absorbed with myself that I fail to remember what the Lord has taught me in His Word. I use to think back on my difficult circumstances and only recall the negative details. I would not try to recall the good that came out of that trial. I find that I am not alone in this. Why is that?

I truly believe it is because I did not praise God enough for bringing me through my difficulties. The Word says to be thankful in all things – that includes hardships as well as blessings.

The phrase, giving thanks appears five times in God’s Word. The number five reflects God’s grace. I find that interesting – we reap God’s grace when we give thanks to Him for all things in our lives – whether good or bad. It’s all in our attitude. I once heard a message called “The attitude of gratitude.” It surely does apply in today’s devotional.

~Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

~Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

~Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

~Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

~Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Once I learned to thank God for everything that was happening to me, I became less absorbed with the details. I was able to rest in the Lord knowing that He was in control.

I remembered that God brought me through my previous difficulties and He would do it again. I would think of Him first as soon as I grew weary again. David is truly my mentor when it comes to growing weary as a Christian. David wasn’t exempt from weariness – in fact, he openly admitted it and wrote about it. As a writer, I find myself better able to cope with my weariness when I am able to put my thoughts on paper. It is as if the Lord speaks to me and walks me down the path.

~Psalm 6:6-9 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. (6) Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. (7) Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. ( 8 ) The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. (9)

Weariness for a time

David’s bed was covered with tears – not just a few, but covered. I’ve been there, haven’t you? There doesn’t seem to be an answer to my problem. In fact, I know for a fact there isn’t an earthly solution. However, I know that God has the solution. It may not be the answer I want but it will be the solution I need. God’s solution may not even take away my problem. However, as I meditate in His Word, I come to realize that my Heavenly Father will give me the ability and energy to deal with my situation.

Our weariness has an end to it my friend if we allow the Lord to do the healing.

~Psalm 30:5b … weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

You’re Not Alone

The first thing I tend to do when I grow weary is to withdraw from the world. I tell myself that no one wants to be around sadness so I keep to myself. David felt this way, also, but he did the exact opposite.

~Psalm 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Encouragement

When you are weary, dear friend, do not withdraw. That is exactly what the devil would have you to do. When you do, he can keep you in his grip. He can keep you down in the Slough of Despond, as Christian in Pilgrim’s Progress. The devil does not play fair. He knows how to create an ineffective Christian and that is to keep that Christian preoccupied with trials and tribulations. But the Lord has made us spiritually whole – He has given us eternal life. The Lord has given us victory over this, as long as we trust in Him and allow Him to be in control. We cannot sit idly by and wallow in self pity. We must arise as Aeneas did in the Book of Acts and make our bed.

~Acts 9:34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

Just as Jesus Christ made Aeneas whole, so does Christ make us whole spiritually. Just as Aeneas arose immediately and put action to his healing, so must we. We must put action to our spiritual walk. You cannot walk and be still… you must move forward. Move forward, dear Christian. When you are weary, thank the Lord for the circumstances in your life. Know that He will bring you through and give you just the right amount of grace you need to carry on. Keep going – Press forward!

For the Weary – Day 16 – Building Blocks

On January 1, 2009January 13, 2009 By KateIn DevotionalsLeave a comment

Weariness does not occur overnight. It is a compilation of day-to-day hardships and stresses that grow from a little to overpowering.

Direction from the Word

~Jude 20-23 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (20) Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (21) And of some have compassion, making a difference: (22)

Building Blocks

Build Your Faith

Jude encourages us to build ourselves in our faith praying in the Holy Spirit. Many times we think we know God’s will and we do not pray seeking His will. Jude points out that our faith will be built as we pray to the Spirit seeking the will of the Father.

Love and Mercy

God’s love came to us with great mercy. We do not deserve His love but He gives it freely. As much as we are sinners, God loves us despite of this and offered His Son. Could you do that for someone you did not even know? More importantly, could you do that for someone you did not like? Mercy is love in action and, therefore, if we have mercy on the unlovable, we keep ourselves in the center of God’s love.

Compassion with a Difference

It is one thing to have compassion for someone, but when that compassion has feet attached to it, it becomes compassion that makes a difference. You can see someone who needs help and feel compassion. However, Jude says to have compassion which makes a difference – which means when you see someone in need of help, you are the one that helps.

Beautiful Remedy

As a result of working with these building blocks, the believer is concentrating on someone else. The weary believer now has his eyes on another and not on himself. What a wonderful balm to place on a weary heart!

For the Weary – Day 15 – Alone

On December 30, 2008January 13, 2009 By KateIn Devotionals4 Comments

As Christians, we should have the joy of our salvation ever present in our lives. However, I find myself weary of well doing – weary of fighting the battle – weary because of ill health. When I rest in this long enough, I go down the path of feeling of alone. People are all around me, yet I feel alone.

God Never Changes

I am not the type of person who stays discouraged long. I praise the Lord, God Almighty for pulling me out of “myself” early. Yes, “myself” – because it is not the Lord who changes – I am the one who changes. How I view my circumstances totally depends on my walk with the Lord.

This alone-ness

Feeling alone is not wrong. In fact, it is at these times that we turn to God and He has our undivided attention. It is then that I am still and in listening mode. Although I have people around me, I have felt all alone. But I am not the only person who has ever been in this position. David poured his heart out in Psalm 102 with these same feelings.

The Lord, Himself, was alone at times. I think of when His closest friends deserted Him and ran.

~Matthew 26:56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

As if this wasn’t bad enough, the Heavenly Father forsook Christ when He hung on the cross and all of mankinds’ sin was laid on Him.

~Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

God’s solution

Our Saviour died alone on that cross. Have my feelings of being alone been as overwhelming as my Saviour’s? Mine don’t even compare to what Christ went through. The Lord understands my feelings – He knows what I am going through because He has been through them as well.

~Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

I love the word “succour” – Noah Webster defines it as:

Literally, to run to, or run to support; hence, to help or relieve when in difficulty, want or distress; to assist and deliver from suffering; as, to succor a besieged city; to succor prisoners.

Do you feel alone today? Jesus Christ, your Saviour desires to run to you to support you, help you and relieve you during your time of distress. Just as you would run to a friend and cry for help, turn to the Lord and ask Him. Who can help us better than the Lord?

For the Weary – Day 14 – Resting in Hope

On December 17, 2008January 13, 2009 By KateIn Devotionals2 Comments

~Psalm 16:8-9 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. ( 8 ) Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. (9)

My Eyes

It has been my experience that weariness can be the result of what my eyes rest upon. As I was in Psalms this morning, I noticed that God was David’s priority (vs. 8 ). This verse says that he placed God always before him.

As well, David continued to say that God was at his right hand. The right hand was and is still considered the stronger hand for most people. As I see it, if I keep God in the proper position in my life, God will be on my strong side. God will keep me from falling.

Assurance
The end result of this assurance and security produces a glad heart within – my spirit is glad and I can rejoice because of this assurance and security. Therefore, my heart/my spirit is glad and I am able to physically rest. We all know how stress harms us physically. It affects our heart, our blood pressure, etc. However, if I keep God always before me – I have assurance and security – He is my strength – I keep that stress from affecting me physically.

The Cure
I found a cure in these two verses today – I must set my priorities! God must be first – God must be the center of my life – God must be my focus.

For the Weary – Day 12 – God hears you

On December 5, 2008January 13, 2009 By KateIn Devotionals6 Comments

~Psalm 120:1 A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.

This verse encourages the believer that despite our weariness, we can know that when we cry out to the Lord, He will hear us!

The Christian is not alone, even in the darkest of situations.

~Psalm 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

No matter how discouraged or weary we get, the Lord is always there – He knows what we are going through – He promises to hear our cries and provide us with exactly what we need to make it through our trial. He will lift us up in times when we are overwhelmed by life. At times He even carries us through.

Some of you are battling cancer; some are battling chronic illnesses; and others are battling broken homes. You are not alone! Do not be weary. Know that your Heavenly Father will never leave you.

~Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

I am always encouraged when I know that I am not alone and that there is someone to share my burden with. The Lord desires to carry our burdens for us – He desires that we turn to Him when we are at the end of our rope.

~Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Our Lord and Saviour promises us rest from our burdens and cares. Christian, turn to the only One who can truly help you when you are weary. Don’t give in to Satan’s attempts to drag you down. Don’t give in to his lies that God does not hear you.

~Psalm 121:1 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

For the Weary – Day 11 – Is Your Hut Burning?

On December 3, 2008January 13, 2009 By KateIn Devotionals4 Comments

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted,he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened. Everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.

“God, how could you do this to me!” he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man of his rescuers.

“We saw your smoke signal,” they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn’t lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it.

You say: It’s impossible
God says: All thing are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: I’m too tired
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-20)

You say: Nobody really loves me
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: I can’t go on
God says: My grace is sufficient (IICor.12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: I can’t figure things out
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: I can’t do it
God says: You can do all things (Phil 4:13)

You say: I’m not able
God says: I am able (IICor.9:8 )

You say : It’s not worth it
God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28 )

You say: I can’t forgive myself
God says: I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: I can’t manage
God says: I will supply all your needs (Phil 4:19)

You say: I’m afraid
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Tim. 1:7)

You say: I’m always worried and frustrated
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: I don’t have enough faith
God says: I’ve given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

You say: I’m not smart enough
God says: I give you wisdom (I Cor 1:30)

You say: I feel all alone
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Heb.13:5)

~Author Unknown~

For the Weary – Day 10 – Who did hinder you?

On November 28, 2008January 13, 2009 By KateIn Devotionals, Inspirational Reading, Scriptures1 Comment

This picture shows an easy way across these mountains. One could get across without the bridge, however, it would be a hard trip. Paul was a Christian that did not take the easy road. His life was a depiction of a difficult path. However, he never swayed. There is no account in history that I have read that shows Paul swayed from the truth. Peter swayed at the beginning but not Paul.

~Galatians 5:7-9 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? (7) This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. (8 ) A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (9)

Are you weary my friend? Are you tired of the constant spiritual battle that you are fighting? I’m sure if anyone could be weary of the battle it was the Apostle Paul. However, not once do we read about him complaining or slipping. His letter to the Galatians shows him exhorting the brethren for having started out as strong Christians but were not continuing in the faith. Why? Because they stopped obeying the truth. They were listening to false teachings and it was beginning to corrupt them. He emphasized that these teachings did not come from the Holy Spirit (verse 8 ).

Have you ever noticed how bread is made? There is a great object lesson in the process. Without yeast, the dough will not rise. Paul said that a little yeast causes the whole lump of bread to rise, not just a portion of it. He wanted the Galatians to know that when false teaching sets into one believer’s life, he not only corrupts himself but he corrupts the church of which he is a member. False doctrine sets in and then the church body will eventually follow. Dough does not rise immediately once yeast is added. If you notice, it rises slowly. It also needs to be in the right environment – warm temperature and covered. Satan is the father of lies. He is a master deceiver. He will cause compromise to creep into a church using those who are not faithful in the Word or those who are tired of fighting.

Be careful, dear Christian. If you are weary of this battle, do not let your guard down. This is the perfect environment for compromise. There are other believers out there that need you to stand firm in the faith. Be like Paul – do not let Satan have the victory. Instead, run the race to the finish – staying strong in the Word – strong in the faith!

If someone were to write a book about your spiritual walk on this earth after you die, would it be similar to the legacy that Paul left behind? Don’t be weary, my friend. Three times we are told in the New Testament to be strong:

~1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

~Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

~2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Paul told us to be strong in the faith, strong in the Lord and strong in the grace that is in Christ. This is what sustained Paul. Let it sustain you, dear Christian!

For the Weary – Day 9 – What is there to fear?

On November 11, 2008January 13, 2009 By KateIn DevotionalsLeave a comment

As you read this verse, notice there are certain words that pop out:

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. ~Isaiah 12:2

The Blessed Gift

The born-again Christian has received the most blessed gift – eternal life in Heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ. The penalty that we deserved was taken upon the Lord Himself and we are no longer under the bondage of sin! That alone should be enough to cause the Christian to rejoice.

However, the Lord tells us that we also can trust in Him to be with us during those difficult times. God never sleeps so He is always watchful of what happens to us.

~Psalm 121:3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Divine Protection

We have no need to be afraid of anything in our lives because the God who loves us and never sleeps is watching … waiting … diligently protecting us. Therefore, we can rest in His care! We can be assured that the problems of the day will be handled by the Master and we can enjoy peaceful rest. In fact, this verse says our sleep will be sweet.

~Proverbs 3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Immeasurable Strength

God’s strength cannot be measured – after all, He is not a man! What better arms to rest in than those of the Lord’s?

~Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Serving the Lord and resting in His care will put a song in your heart!

~Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

For the Weary – Day 8 – The Train

On November 4, 2008January 13, 2009 By KateIn DevotionalsLeave a comment

The Christian has the wonderful privilege of always being able to see the blessed “light at the end of the tunnel” because we know the One who sees everything. However, a weary Christian becomes entangled with the cares of this world and his vision becomes cloudy.

A Bird’s Eye View

Imagine having a bird’s eye view of a 100-car train. The bird can see the engine and the bird can also look further down to see the caboose. From this vantage point, the bird can see any trouble up ahead.
Now if you were riding in one of the cars and you were looking out the window, would you be able to see several cars forward? Would you be able to see what is happening several cars behind you? No, you could only see what is closest to you.

I believe our lives are quite similar to a train. We tend to remember what has happened to us recently but fail to remember how the Lord has helped us a few years ago when things were pretty rough. We also cannot see what lies ahead because no man knows the future, of course. However, my friend, our Creator can see the entire 100-car train just as He sees your entire life. He not only sees the engine or the caboose, but He sees every single car in between. Each car carries its own treasure – each car carries its own burden – each car carries its own set of problems. The Lord sees them all!

Beginning to the End

Furthermore, the fact that our Shepherd sees each car and what it has in store for us, He knows exactly what we need along the way. No matter how fast or slow our train is moving, the Lord is there along the way, ready to give us the right measure of grace we need to make it through. There is nothing in those cars so frightful that He is not aware of it. There is nothing in those cars so burdensome that He will not sustain you. There is nothing so tempting in those cars that He will not provide a way of escape.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ~1 Corinthians 10:13

Therefore, don’t be weary in well doing. Don’t worry about whether or not your work for the Lord will amount to your expectations or not. There is no need because He knows what is in store for you around the bend. The Lord sees the big picture (the whole train) and knows the outcome. He stands ready to provide you with exactly what you need at the time you need it.

~Luke 12:29-31 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. (29) For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. (30) But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (31)

Continue!

Christ wants us to continue with our spiritual walk – reading, praying, seeking after His will, doing His work, being a blessing to others – and leave the conducting to Him. He is our Great Train Conductor and He never sleeps :-)

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. ~Psalm 121:3

Maranatha – Awaiting Christ's Return

Tag: For the Weary

For the Weary – Day 18 – Encouragement

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For the Weary – Day 17 – God Hears

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For the Weary – Day 16 – Building Blocks

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For the Weary – Day 15 – Alone

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For the Weary – Day 14 – Resting in Hope

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For the Weary – Day 12 – God hears you

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For the Weary – Day 11 – Is Your Hut Burning?

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For the Weary – Day 10 – Who did hinder you?

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For the Weary – Day 9 – What is there to fear?

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For the Weary – Day 8 – The Train

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