The Necklace

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  “SHE WAS one of those pretty, charming young ladies, born, as if through an error of destiny, into a family of clerks. She had no dowry, no hopes, no means of becoming known, appreciated, loved, and married by a man either rich or distinguished; and she allowed herself to marry a petty clerk in the office of the Board of Education. . . .  She had neither frocks nor jewels, nothing. And she loved only those things. She felt that she was made for them. She had such a desire to please, to be sought after, to be clever, and courted.” —THE NECKLACE Guy de Maupassant    France, 1884 (pic by Grok) Read this short story here:  https://americanliterature.com/author/guy-de-maupassant/short-story/the-necklace

Stand Firm

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The way in which we need to stand in the face of opposition is aptly described by a word the British use, “steady.” To illustrate this word’s meaning, picture a British commander in the 19th century as he and his regiment were being approached by a horde of Bedouins brandishing swords. As he examines his past experience, his present capability, and meditates on the future sense of accomplishment, being confident of victory, he remains “steady.”

As believers, we need to realize we can rely upon the testimony of God’s past accomplishments, His present work in our lives, and His promise of ultimate victory, and remain steady in the face of opposition.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might . . . Stand firm therefore . . . be on the alert with all perseverance and petition." (Ephesians 6:10, 14, 18)

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