tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33080989879674861922024-03-12T23:06:22.885-04:00Java With JillEncouraging you daily.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.comBlogger1194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-21767104803401369912018-06-23T09:57:00.000-04:002018-06-23T09:57:13.453-04:00Jesus Grief & Anxiety<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWp9qkJ3J76VCjWgGIxCzAzdXC59rYK90s63ibvOjJPUq4mk1xU287oYdcfarrHhuRxJVDIJ59lJTXprNMo0BRFrUU2LnVl4sFq3EU-BGvznIst40YsBPjFW9fL7gpQji1OhNrrSr0riGC/s1600/grief+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWp9qkJ3J76VCjWgGIxCzAzdXC59rYK90s63ibvOjJPUq4mk1xU287oYdcfarrHhuRxJVDIJ59lJTXprNMo0BRFrUU2LnVl4sFq3EU-BGvznIst40YsBPjFW9fL7gpQji1OhNrrSr0riGC/s320/grief+%25281%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<header class="css-1y60q53 e10vl5dg1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="css-1pomevn e10vl5dg2">Grief is defined as:</span></header><header class="css-1y60q53 e10vl5dg1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="css-1pomevn e10vl5dg2">noun</span></header><ol class="css-zw8qdz e10vl5dg3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="css-2oywg7 e10vl5dg5" style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" value="1"><span class="css-9sn2pa e10vl5dg6">keen mental suffering or distress over affliction or loss; sharp sorrow; painful regret.</span></li>
<li class="css-2oywg7 e10vl5dg5" style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" value="2"><span class="css-9sn2pa e10vl5dg6">a cause or occasion of keen distress or sorrow.</span></li>
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Anxiety is defined as: <span class="css-1pomevn e10vl5dg2">noun,</span><span class="css-1peo33s e10vl5dg8"> <span class="luna-grammatical-category bold">plural</span> <span class="luna-inflected-form bold">anx·i·e·ties.</span></span></div>
<ol class="css-zw8qdz e10vl5dg3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="css-2oywg7 e10vl5dg5" style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" value="1"><span class="css-9sn2pa e10vl5dg6">distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune:<em style="border: none;"><span class="luna-example italic">He felt anxiety about the possible loss of his job.</span></em></span></li>
<li class="css-2oywg7 e10vl5dg5" style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" value="2"><span class="css-9sn2pa e10vl5dg6">earnest but tense desire; eagerness:<em style="border: none;"><span class="luna-example italic">He had a keen anxiety to succeed in his work.</span></em></span></li>
<li class="css-2oywg7 e10vl5dg5" style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" value="3"><span class="css-9sn2pa e10vl5dg6"><span class="luna-labset"><span class="luna-label italic">Psychiatry</span></span>. </span><span class="css-9sn2pa e10vl5dg6">a state of apprehension and psychic tension occurring in some forms of mental disorder.</span></li>
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In Matthew Chapter 26 starting in verse 36, we see Jesus going to the olive garden in Gethsemane to pray.</div>
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Have you ever noticed what He said in verse 38?</div>
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He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”</h4>
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After all of these years of reading or hearing this Scripture read, I never noticed Jesus saying this.</div>
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Just to be fair, I am posting the King James Version too: <em style="border: none;">“<span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">38 </span>Then saith He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me.”</em></div>
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When we deal with anxiety, it is usually because we know something has happened, or we are afraid something will happen.</div>
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In this particular Scripture, Jesus knew that He was going to be beaten and die for our sins.</div>
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He was literally struggling with that fact. This was a huge feeling for Him, because He describes it as “grief to the point of death”.</div>
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I’m guessing He meant, “I’m so stressed out over this, I just wish I could die so I wouldn’t have to deal with it anymore.”</div>
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I don’t know about you… but this REALLY makes me feel good. No, not that Jesus was feeling this way.</div>
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BUT… because He was feeling that way, He understands when we do!!!</div>
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How huge is that?</div>
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Jesus understands anxiety. He understands grief. (Because if you remember, when He went to see His friends Mary and Martha, their brother Lazarus had died, and Jesus cried. He loved Lazarus.)</div>
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For years, I have heard people in church tell me that Jesus understands everything I’ve been through because He took it on the cross.</div>
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Guess what? He understands everything because He actually DEALT with it Himself!</div>
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That’s such a revelation for me!</div>
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When someone has experienced something, they are able to help others who struggle with the same thing. There is Scripture about that too. 2 Corinthians 1: 4 & 6 talks about us helping others and comforting them because of the troubles we’ve experienced.</div>
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Your Savior, the Creator of the Universe, Jesus KNOWS what anxiety and grief feels like.</div>
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GO TO HIM with your’s! He understands and He will help you through it.</div>
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When you struggle, get Scripture out and say it out loud.</div>
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Here are the first two that came to my mind:</div>
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2 Timothy 1:7 says,<em style="border: none;"> “<span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7 </span>For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”</em></div>
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Philippians 4:6 says,<em style="border: none;"> “<span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6 </span>Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” </em>Some translations say, “Be anxious for nothing.”</div>
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We fight off the negative with God’s Word. Use it like this… over any situation. And be sure to pray! Jesus is there and He KNOWS how you feel.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-32978095508734521202018-06-22T11:55:00.003-04:002018-06-22T11:55:30.647-04:00We've Been Rescued!<h4 style="background-color: white; border: 0px rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
Colossians 1: 13 & 14 NLT “For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave us our sins.”</h4>
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This past week on social media, we’ve seen many arguments over immigration issues and the children and parents being split up.</div>
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We also had the pleasure of seeing actor Chris Pratt’s acceptance speech at the MTV movie awards. Here is his speech: <a href="https://youtu.be/EihqXHqxri0" style="border-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; outline: none;">Chris Pratt’s Speech</a></div>
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Number 9, he says, <em style="border: none;">‘If you are willing to accept that, you will have grace. And grace is a gift. and like the freedom we enjoy in this country, that grace was paid for with somebody else’s blood. Do not forget it.”</em></div>
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The above Scripture was in my writing plan for today…and it really hit home with me.</div>
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We were rescued!</div>
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Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection rescued us from the kingdom of darkness. How amazing is that?</div>
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It then transferred us to God’s Kingdom!</div>
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I don’t know about you, but I am so thankful to be rescued. I love God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit!</div>
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I am thankful to be the daughter of a King and to walk in His ways. God is the best!</div>
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If you don’t know God like this, I pray that you will talk to someone about it. Realize that God loves you so much that He sent Jesus to rescue you!</div>
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If you have questions or need prayer, please feel free to contact me!</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-84502412865460480402018-06-08T10:46:00.004-04:002018-06-08T10:46:53.175-04:00Roller Coaster of Emotions<h4 style="background-color: white; border: 0px rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
Psalm 138:8a “The LORD will work out plans for my life- for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.”</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKh6Pb0gazygQU8nub-3dE-_yX0gFhzCO89oQIISfObBndyoBZOBFrDQxE7wxtOPnOLrXCSe1XJJSxqftpJ2ugDxFR0OYODGtvDV-CL6NQCesHsGUtXX-pyvFvFurx7D7CpHBH4Mu7bRiP/s1600/Roller+Coaster+of+Emotions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKh6Pb0gazygQU8nub-3dE-_yX0gFhzCO89oQIISfObBndyoBZOBFrDQxE7wxtOPnOLrXCSe1XJJSxqftpJ2ugDxFR0OYODGtvDV-CL6NQCesHsGUtXX-pyvFvFurx7D7CpHBH4Mu7bRiP/s320/Roller+Coaster+of+Emotions.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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After tomorrow, I will have attended 2 funerals and 1 wedding within 1 weeks time. Talk about a ball of emotions.</div>
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Will you please join me in prayer for the people who lost loved ones? These two men that passed went WAY too soon. They had a lot of life left, and there are many people who are grieving this loss.</div>
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I know God gave us emotions for a reason, but sometimes, they are hard to control.</div>
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I’m up one minute feeling confident and good, then down the next and my stomach is in knots.</div>
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Life is hard. Living for God does not promise us an issue free life. As a matter of fact, Jesus told us we’d have trouble in this world.</div>
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Without Him, I would be a basket case. Literally. I have had more heartache in the past 5 years than I care to remember.</div>
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I am usually pretty strong with forgiving, moving forward, & looking for the positives.</div>
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However….</div>
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On occasion, I get bogged down.</div>
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On occasion, this huge heart that God gave me breaks in pieces and doesn’t understand why bad things happen to good people.</div>
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On occasion, I wonder about God’s plan for my life and where He is taking me, if anywhere.</div>
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It is what it is. My prayers are heard. I know that. It’s just a matter of trusting God now.</div>
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I choose to practice my free will and do my best to follow after God with it INSTEAD of living my own way. I KNOW that His plan for me is not to harm me. He wants to give me a good future.</div>
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I choose to trust, even when it’s hard. I know He is my Provider and He will see me through this month’s bills.</div>
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I choose to not beat myself up because my thoughts are all over the place. God knows my heart.</div>
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I will stand strong for the people in my life who are struggling with more than I am. I love them like family and I will never leave their side. No. Matter. What.</div>
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God is my Refuge, Strength, Strong Tower, Rock, Redeemer, and Friend. He WILL see us all through these emotional times. He promised to never leave or forsake us. And He always keeps His promises.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-40523032984228012892018-05-03T09:43:00.000-04:002018-05-03T09:43:39.914-04:00Handling Disappointment<h4 style="background-color: white; border: 0px rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 NLT</h4>
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If you’ve been alive for any amount of time, you have felt disappointment. Disappointment can hit on a small scale, like wishing the weather was something different; to a large scale like being betrayed by someone you love. No one is immune.</div>
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My Pastor taught an amazing message Sunday and I wanted to share my notes with you. I am currently dealing with a huge disappointment in my life, so this message was timely.</div>
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A lot of times in life, our reality doesn’t line up with our expectations. When things happen, we tend to abandon our relationship with God, instead of turning to Him for comfort.</div>
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There are 2 people paths to take when something disappoints us:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Blame God.</strong> Many people do this, and part of the reason we do is because we have one mind set that is not really accurate. God is amazing, He is every where, all the time. He is in CHARGE. But He is not always in CONTROL.</li>
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Let me explain: Say you are a teacher in a classroom with 25 kids. You are in charge, right? You are the adult. But each one of those 25 kids has free will and can make choices to misbehave or not. So, 10 of them get rowdy and start acting up. Are you in control? No. They are doing their own thing. You are, however, still in charge.</div>
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It’s the same with us. God gave us FREE WILL. But He is a gentleman. He will not over ride that freedom.</div>
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Some of our disappointments come from choices we make that had nothing to do with God. Maybe we were doing things our way, and not His. He is NOT to blame for every disappointment we face.</div>
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2. <strong>Embrace the goodness of God.</strong> Psalm 119:38 Some people take disappointments, and see the good in it. They don’t blame God because they understand the truth behind who He is. My Pastor has coined a phrase for our church, “If it’s not good, it’s not God.” God is LOVE and Goodness. It’s not what He does, it’s WHO HE IS. Bad things happen to us, yes. But God is always good and nothing can stop Him from it.</div>
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So, I can hear you now, “Well, if God is so good, why do bad things happen to good people?” I’m glad you asked.</div>
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The Bible says that we live in a fallen, sinful world. There is a “ruler’ of this world, and he is always planning things against us. God will allow us to make decisions with our free will, then we have to face the consequences. He’s a good Father. He can’t always get us out of our mess. Sometimes we have to walk through things to learn lessons and grow.</div>
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3 more things we need to embrace are: Mystery, our purpose, and worship.</div>
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In our “Google It” society, we want to know the answers to everything. We are not comfortable with mystery, but sometimes, that is how God works. He does not tell us everything we will face. He does not give us a laid out plan for our future. He wants us to trust Him, even when we don’t know what’s going to happen.</div>
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God has given us all a purpose. You are not here just to pay bills until you die. God has something He has gifted you with that He wants you to use for His glory.</div>
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We have to worship Him, even in the hard times. It sucks. Believe me, I know…but man, when we worship Him in the storm anyway, what a huge difference it makes. Your burdens lift, and you feel light. We need to worship our way through disappointment.</div>
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Listen, this is a season. It will not always be this way. Ok? I promise.</div>
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And by all means, remember the verse I posted above. God is a promise maker, and promise keeper. If He says He will turn it around for your good, He will.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-58553786400072578742018-03-28T07:06:00.001-04:002018-03-28T07:06:47.602-04:0015 Ways To Live By The Holy Spirit<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
We are made up of 3 parts, body, soul, and spirit. Our body is self explanatory, our soul is your emotions and will, your spirit is what will live forever.</div>
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When we give our life to Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. But first, let’s see what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit.<em style="border: none;"> “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.” (John 14:26)</em></div>
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So, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to teach us everything and make us remember what He has told us.</div>
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Because we have free will, we are still going to sin. However, like I have talked about before, that doesn’t make you a sinNER anymore. It also does not give you free reign to think you can go around sinning the rest of your life and still get into Heaven.</div>
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The thing about it is, if you surrender your life AND your will to Christ, you will not want to sin anymore. You will want to be different. Living by the Spirit is what helps us.</div>
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I made this list from Colossians 3. I was reading it the other day and decided to study it, meditate on it, and make a list of how to live by the Holy Spirit.</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Keep your sights on Heaven. verse 1</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Think of Heavenly things-not earthly things. verse 2</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Real life is in Christ, you’ve died to your old life. verse3</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When Christ is revealed, you share in His GLORY. verse 4</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Put to death sinful things – sexual immorality, impurity, lust & evil desires – don’t be greedy either! verse 5</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, & dirty language verse 8</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">DO NOT LIE! verse 9 (Sorry, big pet peeve of mine. LOL)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Use your new nature to be renewed as you learn to know your Creator & become like Him. verse 10</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Race/ skin color doesn’t matter- all that matters is that Christ is in you. He lives in us. verse 11</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Clothe yourself in tender hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, & patience. verse 12</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Forgive people’s faults & always forgive. verse 13</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Clothe yourself in love too! verse 14</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let Christ’s peace rule your heart, and always be thankful. verse 15</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let Christ’s rich message fill your life. Teach & counsel each other in wisdom. Sing worship songs with thankful hearts. verse 16</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">WHATEVER you do, realize that you REPRESENT Jesus! verse 17</li>
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Please know that I am not trying to guilt anyone here. Nor am I trying to make it seem like you have to be perfect to get to Heaven.</div>
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I believe that God wants us to live like this because it is good for us. He already knows we aren’t perfect. He knows we will sin and make mistakes daily, but He wants us to yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to transform our lives.</div>
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Part of why I decided to write this is because in our day and age, with social media, we are NOT representing Jesus like we should. Having access, literally, to the entire world should be a positive thing. We should be using it to tell people about Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.</div>
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We don’t. We fight with people. We argue over stupid stuff. And we judge people.</div>
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Do you read in these 15 things anywhere that we are to judge or fight with others?</div>
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I pray that you will take this list and meditate on it yourself. You don’t have to be perfect. But if you try and live like this, you will change and the people around you will notice.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-18437176054189776522018-03-15T07:40:00.000-04:002018-03-15T07:40:35.118-04:00Do You Know Who God Is?<h4 style="background-color: white; border: 0px rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="text John-5-19" id="en-NLT-26195">So Jesus explained, <span class="woj">“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.</span></span> <span class="text John-5-20" id="en-NLT-26196"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20 </span><span class="woj">For the Father loves the Son and shows Him everything He is doing. In fact, the Father will show Him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished.” John 5:19-20</span></span></h4>
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I started reading a new book by Bill Johnson. I have been wanting to learn and grow in God’s Word and His gifts.</div>
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The Christian life is about a relationship. It’s not about getting saved just to get your “Get out of Hell FREE” card.</div>
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Last Sunday, my Pastor started a message series called “I AM”. It’s about Jesus telling who He is in His own words.</div>
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This first message was from John Chapter 15 where Jesus says He is the vine and we are the branches.</div>
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Josh said that we CAN NOT possibly do and be like Jesus on our own. We MUST abide in Him. To abide means “to continue to be present, to be connected.”</div>
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He gave an example we can all relate to. Think of a baby growing in it’s mother’s womb.</div>
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That baby can not survive without it’s mom. They are connected by the umbilical cord. The baby gets everything it needs through that cord from the mom.</div>
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It’s the same way with Jesus. We get what we need through Him.</div>
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You have a testimony. And it is NOT just how you came to Christ. Your testimony is what God is doing right now in your life too.</div>
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In Revelation 12:11 we read, “<span class="text Rev-12-11" id="en-NLT-30864">And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb</span><br /><span class="indent-1">and by their testimony. </span><span class="text Rev-12-11">And they did not love their lives so much </span><span class="indent-1">that they were afraid to die.”</span></div>
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The context of this Scripture is in a battle with the enemy. We defeat the enemy with the Blood of the Lamb, which is Jesus’s sacrifice, and the WORD of our testimony.</div>
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When we tell people what God is doing in our lives, it gives them hope that He will do the same thing or something else in their lives. It’s the word of our testimony.</div>
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Now, let me show you this paragraph that just totally hit me from this book this morning:</div>
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<em style="border: none;"><strong>“The testimonies of God are the key to walking in power because, in unveiling who God IS, they teach believers to pursue a relationship with Him MORE than gifts or answers to prayer. God is longing for His people to love Him along with His gifts. He is longing for them to encounter His incredible love so they will be motivated by passion more than duty. Then He can trust them with His power in unprecedented measure.”</strong></em></div>
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So, getting to know God, helps us with what Jesus said here in John 14:12, <em style="border: none;">““I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I AM going to be with the Father.”</em></div>
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Do you know God? I don’t mean “are you saved”! I mean, are you reading His Word and listening? Are you getting to know His character and how He does things?</div>
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Because that is the only way to get through life and receive all that He has for you.</div>
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Is life perfect? NOPE. Never will be.</div>
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But man! I wouldn’t want to live ANY other way!</div>
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Feel free to post comments. I would love to discuss this further.</div>
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God bless you today and always.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-80362025852839342022018-03-08T06:57:00.002-05:002018-03-08T06:57:59.468-05:00How To Silence The Voices<h4 style="background-color: white; border: 0px rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
“<span class="text Isa-54-17" id="en-NLT-18717">But in that coming day</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-54-17">no weapon turned against you will succeed.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-54-17">You will silence every voice</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-54-17">raised up to accuse you.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-54-17">These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-54-17">their vindication will come from me.</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-54-17">I, the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>, have spoken!” Isaiah 54:17 NLT</span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXDlUgw1CihuOcOy7Q3K-uRzIJpT866vBL1uIaqxq5Kzbd9iXH4ALgRpIg11NHDNHQDqiYejAfAHcXzy80WtfZxjCQT8cfsjguTGsRNDMKZlTtTjF77QHnbggqm7_iQbxZK4cN4THmBla/s1600/Silence%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXDlUgw1CihuOcOy7Q3K-uRzIJpT866vBL1uIaqxq5Kzbd9iXH4ALgRpIg11NHDNHQDqiYejAfAHcXzy80WtfZxjCQT8cfsjguTGsRNDMKZlTtTjF77QHnbggqm7_iQbxZK4cN4THmBla/s320/Silence%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-54-17"><br /></span></span></div>
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We are known for quoting only part of this Scripture. It’s become a saying in the Christian world. “No weapon formed against me will prosper.”</div>
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That is true, but check out the next line.</div>
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<strong>“You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you.”</strong></div>
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At the risk of sounding crazy, I will admit to those other voices taunting me.</div>
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“You are too fat. You are too ugly. You are not smart enough. No one will ever love you. You are not disciplined enough.” The statements go on and on. It makes me feel like I’m too much of this, and not enough of that. It’s time for it to stop!</div>
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I can silence those voices by telling them who I am in Christ and letting GOD be my vindicator.</div>
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You can too!</div>
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Being a Christian does not mean you have to live this poverty, beat down, feeling bad about yourself life.</div>
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Heck, Jesus even said He came to give us life to the FULL!</div>
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Let me show you that one verse in different versions: John 10:10</div>
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NLT, “<span class="woj">The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”</span></div>
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KJV, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”</div>
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AMP, “<span class="woj">The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have <i style="border: none;">and</i> enjoy life, and have it in abundance</span> [to the full, till it overflows].”</div>
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NIV, “<span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”</div>
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Satisfying life, have life more abundantly, in abundance, to the full…. it’s all GOOD.</div>
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And JESUS Himself said this, that was His purpose in coming. He’s the opposite of the enemy.</div>
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The enemy is the one who tells us those lies about ourselves. He and sometimes our own thoughts, cause us to think the wrong things.</div>
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Who are you in Christ? You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are God’s masterpiece created for GOOD works. And that’s just a small example of who you are.</div>
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Replace those voices, silence them with who GOD says you are! Renew your mind, because you are what you listen to! Quote Scripture out loud.</div>
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Let’s say you have a thought of, “You are ugly.” Out loud say, “Nope. God says I”m His masterpiece.” That’s how you will silence those voices and renew your mind with the truth. Romans 12:1-2 is where God tells us to renew our mind and don’t conform to the world.</div>
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The world says you have to be skin and bones thin to be accepted. God doesn’t!</div>
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This song just came to mind, <a href="https://youtu.be/ZuJWQzjfU3o" style="border-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; outline: none;">Hello My Name Is</a>, check it out if you need a reminder of who God says you are.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-11311683693328172942018-03-06T07:42:00.001-05:002018-03-06T07:42:24.128-05:00How To Shake Off The Attacks<h4 style="background-color: white; border: 0px rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="text Acts-28-3" id="en-NLT-27865">As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand.</span> <span class="text Acts-28-4" id="en-NLT-27866"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4 </span>The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, “A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live.”</span> <span class="text Acts-28-5" id="en-NLT-27867"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed.</span> Acts 28: 3 & 4</h4>
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We were blessed with a guest speaker on Sunday at church named Tim Bittle. He is a Pastor who just planted a church in San Francisco! He has spoken at church and our youth camps before. We really like him.</div>
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This Sunday’s message was so ON POINT for things that me and my friends have been dealing with in life.</div>
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Tim talked about shaking off the attack of the enemy. In the Scripture I posted above, we see a snake attack Paul, but he just shook it off. This was just after the ship he was in shipwrecked into this island after 2 weeks of nothing but storms.</div>
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During the storms, God told him that he was going to Rome to preach. So, Paul had confidence that he would not die in that storm.</div>
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That same confidence caused him to shake off the snake when it bit him.</div>
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Tim’s 3 points for how to shake off a storm/ attack are:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Stay hot</strong>. You see the snake didn’t come out of the fire until it was too hot. As lukewarm Christians, the enemy isn’t concerned with us. If we are hot, he will attack, but being hot is the best way to fight. It means we are on fire for God and willing to fight!</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Remember Rome</strong>. Paul knew in his heart that God told him he would preach in Rome, Since that had not happened yet, he wasn’t worried about anything taking him out. He KNEW God’s plans, he believed it, and kept moving forward.n God has a plan for you too. So focused on it, and know that the end result is worth going through the storm for.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world.</strong> The enemy can not be every where all the time. He recycles his schemes. He can not create and he can not do anything new. Therefore, remember the authority and power in you. You have the Holy Spirit in you! You can command and declare things to leave in Jesus name.</li>
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I’m just here to tell you, going through storms SUCKS! It is not fun by any stretch of the imagination….</div>
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BUT GOD!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-Rjz5MiZMfL_AUNwYCN1ERAjUz-7sc4oTm6YtnBMnTLJEB9p-rzgjMx_KL7YrcjREYEagqtlTxMovUa0vLEJii_hfTyRxvaCL6JIUA37WUt9ooNXADwcgkl1ESrbRl1PwaFbHCluiJPL/s1600/katerina-radvanska-373287-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-Rjz5MiZMfL_AUNwYCN1ERAjUz-7sc4oTm6YtnBMnTLJEB9p-rzgjMx_KL7YrcjREYEagqtlTxMovUa0vLEJii_hfTyRxvaCL6JIUA37WUt9ooNXADwcgkl1ESrbRl1PwaFbHCluiJPL/s320/katerina-radvanska-373287-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We serve an amazing, loving, honest Father who has plans for us. He does not cause the attacks and He is always there as we go through them.</div>
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I know my storms have caused me to be a stronger person. Sometimes, even Spiritual gifts are activated during storms.</div>
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God promises in Romans 8:28 to turn all the bad around for our good for those who love Him. He keeps His promises!</div>
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Shake off whatever storm or attack you are currently experiencing. Keep moving forward.</div>
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God’s got you!</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-87792334138513076462018-03-03T08:31:00.000-05:002018-03-03T08:31:34.332-05:00Does God Chase Us Down?<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">There is a new worship song out that I like. It’s called Reckless Love by Bethel Worship, Corey Ashbury. Here is a video if you’d like to hear it :</span><a href="https://youtu.be/Sc6SSHuZvQE" style="border-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; outline: none;">https://youtu.be/Sc6SSHuZvQE</a><br />
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In the lyrics, he says that God’s love chases me down, fights til I’m found, leaves the 99.</div>
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Recently, I’ve heard someone say that God doesn’t chase us down.</div>
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I decided to research this. Because, I have also had someone tell me, “He chased me down, even in a bar.”</div>
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I have said it before, I believe God is a gentleman. He will NOT force Himself on you, but I kind of think He will chase us down. He loves us so much.</div>
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In Luke 19, we see Jesus going to Zacchaeus house for dinner. Just being around Jesus changed Zaccaeus heart. In verse 8 it says, <em style="border: none;">“<span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8 </span>Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”</em></div>
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Jesus response in verses 9 and 10 were amazing,<em style="border: none;"> “<span class="text Luke-19-9" id="en-NLT-25708">Jesus responded, <span class="woj">“Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-19-10" id="en-NLT-25709"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span><strong><span class="woj">For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”</span></strong></span></em></div>
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If Jesus says He came to seek and save those who are lost, then I guess God does chase us down, in a way.</div>
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Now, I am reminded of the prodigal son story Jesus told. The dad DID NOT chase his son and try to keep him home.</div>
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BUT… he did RUN to him when he saw him from afar, because he was looking for him.</div>
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Jesus also told the story of the shepherd who will leave the 99 sheep to go after the 1, which of course is referenced in this worship song. That was His way of telling people that God will go after them too.</div>
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So, I think, in certain circumstances, God will chase us down. He wants a relationship with us. He wants us to be saved and live for Him for the rest of our lives. He will not MAKE a person chose Him, but He chooses us daily.</div>
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What are your thoughts? I would love to hear them.</div>
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God bless you today and always.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-59978830537644405672018-03-01T07:03:00.001-05:002018-03-01T07:03:32.442-05:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Yet even now" - says The LORD- "Turn back to Me with all your hearts, and with fasting, weeping, and lamenting." Rend your hearts rather than your garments. And turn back to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in kindness, and renouncing punishment." Joel 2: 12-13 Jewish Bible</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was my Scripture writing for today. When I was writing it, I felt like God was saying, "Your heart is your will."<br />The whole reason God wants us to surrender our heart to Him, is because it's our will as well. It's a combo! Two for one! LOL<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, it dawned on me that we need to surrender our will to God when we surrender our life. I know that might sound weird, so keep reading if you will.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many people surrender their lives to God daily. They surrender by believing that Jesus died on the cross for their sins, that He was buried and rose again on the 3rd day defeating death. This is sometimes presented as the way to heaven, and they want to go there, so they surrender their lives.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They keep doing a lot of the stuff they did before they surrendered their lives.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, I think, we are to surrender our WILL to God as well.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, that's what started this fallen sinful stuff, Adam and Eve using their free will that God gave them.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know, I know... you are wondering, "Why did God do that? If He wanted a perfect world with no sin, why give free will?"<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because, like this Scripture says, He is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in kindness.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He did not want little robots to just do what He said. He wanted us to choose to love Him.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He wants EVERYONE to choose to love Him... but alas, some do not.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not easy to surrender to WILL to someone. Especially to someone you can't SEE!<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's when other Christians need to step in and tell you all that God has done in their lives.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I were to type up all of the negative things that happened to me over the past 5 years, you'd think, "That poor girl." These are not small little things either. They are big LIFE CHANGING things.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, as Elton sings, "I'm still standing, better than I've ever been. Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid."<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am God's daughter. I am His masterpiece created for GOOD works. He has a purpose and a plan for my life, and I will not turn away from that for anything.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This reminds me of Joseph in the Bible. He wasn't really doing anything wrong either, except after a dream, he got a little mouthy. (I understand that, I am currently on a journey learning how to keep my mouth shut. LOL)<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joseph had WAY worse things happen to him than I have. After all, I think being sold into slavery by your brothers tops anything I've been through. Then, they told his dad he was dead. Joseph also spent years in jail for things he did not do.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT GOD!!!<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since Joseph had surrendered his life and will to God, he ended up second in command in Egypt! Who does that?<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GOD my friends! GOD!<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you decide to live for God, SELL OUT! Give Him your life, your heart, and your will.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will not regret it!<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God bless you today and always!</span><br />
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x</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-15659958873185930622018-02-23T07:02:00.002-05:002018-02-23T07:02:46.017-05:00Seek Justice or Do Justice?<h4 class="passage-display">
<span class="passage-display-bcv">Micah 6:8</span><span class="passage-display-version"> (NIV)</span></h4>
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<span class="text Mic-6-8" id="en-NIV-22657"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-8">And what does the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> require of you?</span></span><br /><span class="text Mic-6-8">To act justly and to love mercy</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-8">and to walk humbly<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-22657a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-22657a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah+6%3A8&version=NIV#fen-NIV-22657a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> with your God.</span></span></h4>
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My Scripture writing for today was this, Micah 6:8. Since it's in the Old Testament, I grabbed my Jewish Bible.<br />
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Guys! This is translated directly from the Hebrew. To me, it means something different from all of the English versions I've read.<br />
<br />
Casting Crowns and Steven Curtis Chapman have songs with this Scripture in it.<br />
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I have always heard, "SEEK justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God."<br />
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You see in the NIV I posted above, it says to ACT justly.<br />
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Here is the Jewish Bible:<br />
<h5>
<em>"He has told you, O man, what is good, And what the LORD requires of you:</em></h5>
<h5>
<em>Only to do justice, And to love goodness, And to walk modestly with your God."</em></h5>
Honestly, the King James is the closest: <span class="passage-display-bcv">Micah 6:8</span> <span class="passage-display-version">(KJV)</span><br />
<h5>
<span class="text Mic-6-8" id="en-KJV-22657"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the <span class="small-caps">Lord </span>require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?</span></h5>
To <strong>SEEK</strong> means:<br />
<header class="luna-data-header"><span class="dbox-pg"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">verb</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">(used</span> <span class="oneClick-link">with</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">object)</span></span>, <span class="dbox-bold"><span class="oneClick-link">sought,</span> </span><span class="dbox-bold" data-syllable="seek·ing.">seeking.</span></header><div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number">1.</span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">go</span> <span class="oneClick-link">in</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">search</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">quest</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of:</span><div class="def-content">
<div class="def-block def-inline-example">
<span class="dbox-example"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">seek</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">truth.</span></span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number">2.</span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">try</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">find</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">discover</span> <span class="oneClick-link">by</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">searching</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">questioning:</span><div class="def-content">
<div class="def-block def-inline-example">
<span class="dbox-example"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">seek</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link">solution</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link">problem.</span></span></div>
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<span class="def-number">3.</span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">try</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">obtain:</span><div class="def-content">
<div class="def-block def-inline-example">
<span class="dbox-example"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">seek</span> <span class="oneClick-link">fame.</span></span></div>
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</div>
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<div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number">4.</span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">try</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">attempt</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">(usually</span> <span class="oneClick-link">followed</span> <span class="oneClick-link">by</span> <span class="oneClick-link">an</span> <span class="oneClick-link">infinitive):</span><div class="def-content">
<div class="def-block def-inline-example">
<span class="dbox-example"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">seek</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">convince</span> <span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link">person.</span></span></div>
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________________________</div>
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To <b>DO</b> means:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
verb</div>
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<div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number">1.</span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">perform</span> <span class="oneClick-link">(an</span> <span class="oneClick-link">act,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">duty,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">role,</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">etc.):</span><div class="def-content">
<div class="def-block def-inline-example">
<span class="dbox-example"><span class="oneClick-link">Do</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">nothing</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">until</span> <span class="oneClick-link">you</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">hear</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link">bell.</span></span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number">2.</span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">execute</span> <span class="oneClick-link">(a</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">piece</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">amount</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">work):</span><div class="def-content">
<div class="def-block def-inline-example">
<span class="dbox-example"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">do</span> <span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link">hauling</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">job.</span></span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number">3.</span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">accomplish;</span> <span class="oneClick-link">finish;</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">complete:</span><div class="def-content">
<div class="def-block def-inline-example">
<span class="dbox-example"><span class="oneClick-link">He</span> <span class="oneClick-link">has</span> <span class="oneClick-link">already</span> <span class="oneClick-link">done</span> <span class="oneClick-link">his</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">homework.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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___________________________</div>
<div>
To <strong>ACT</strong> means:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<header class="luna-data-header"><span class="dbox-pg">noun</span></header><div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number">1.</span><span class="oneClick-link">anything</span> <span class="oneClick-link">done,</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">being</span> <span class="oneClick-link">done,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">be</span> <span class="oneClick-link">done;</span> <span class="oneClick-link">deed;</span> <span class="oneClick-link">performance:</span><div class="def-content">
<div class="def-block def-inline-example">
<span class="dbox-example"><span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link">heroic</span> <span class="oneClick-link">act.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number">2.</span><span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link">process</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">doing:</span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="def-set">
<div class="def-block def-inline-example">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
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Honestly, I can't even find a version that uses the word SEEK. So, I'm not sure where that came from. I know I have heard it more than just that song. Seek and do are verbs, act is a noun.<br />
<br />
What I want us to see here is that we need to really pay attention to God's Word.<br />
<br />
It is our road map for life.<br />
<br />
We can really mess so folks up telling them to SEEK justice. That sounds like they have to do something to earn their salvation.<br />
<br />
We can not do anything to earn our salvation. Jesus died on the cross for us, and that will never change.<br />
<br />
I believe the Golden Rule always applies to everything in life... treat people the way you want to be treated.<br />
<br />
If you don't want people telling you that you are doing everything wrong, then don't tell them they are. Pray for people. Do justice. Love Goodness. Walk modestly with your God.<br />
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God bless you today and always!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-59955473701162551822018-01-18T09:46:00.001-05:002018-01-18T09:46:22.931-05:002 Reasons We Should Be Obedient<h4 style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
"Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." Deuteronomy 5:33</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9Ap-jSNNpQ18wn9UsJ7nOpwildkZh6ikLXnuuq0BdUsJCjFDOcKvmPqXcj8wUC3Lt0GtwhRAXUgy8_scYlHWlagvKh1gU0yIf-ds68LWQWPDGO-EyAT0jP6s_Gb7lc6SfeUUSnBxFOWT/s1600/2+Reasons+We+Should+Be+Obedient.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9Ap-jSNNpQ18wn9UsJ7nOpwildkZh6ikLXnuuq0BdUsJCjFDOcKvmPqXcj8wUC3Lt0GtwhRAXUgy8_scYlHWlagvKh1gU0yIf-ds68LWQWPDGO-EyAT0jP6s_Gb7lc6SfeUUSnBxFOWT/s320/2+Reasons+We+Should+Be+Obedient.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dictionary.com defines Obey like this:</div>
<section class="def-pbk ce-spot" data-collapse-expand="{"target": ".def-set", "type": "def"}" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div class="def-set">
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="def-number"><span class="oneClick-link">1.</span></span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">comply</span> <span class="oneClick-link">with</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">follow</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link">commands,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">restrictions,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">wishes,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">o r</span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">instructions</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of:</span></em></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="dbox-example"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">obey</span> <span class="oneClick-link">one's</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">parents.</span></span></em></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="def-number"><span class="oneClick-link">2.</span></span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">comply</span> <span class="oneClick-link">with</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">follow</span> <span class="oneClick-link">(a</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">command,</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">restriction,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">wish,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">instruction,</span><span class="oneClick-link">etc.).</span></em></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="def-number"><span class="oneClick-link">3.</span></span><span class="oneClick-link">(of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">things)</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">respond</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">conformably</span> <span class="oneClick-link">in</span> <span class="oneClick-link">action</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to:</span></em></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="dbox-example"><span class="oneClick-link">The</span> <span class="oneClick-link">car</span> <span class="oneClick-link">obeyed</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link">slightest</span> <span class="oneClick-link">touch</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link">steering</span> <span class="oneClick-link">wheel.</span></span></em></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="def-number"><span class="oneClick-link">4.</span></span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">submit</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">conform</span> <span class="oneClick-link">in</span> <span class="oneClick-link">action</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">(some</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">guiding</span> <span class="oneClick-link">principle,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">impulse,</span><span class="oneClick-link">one's</span> <span class="oneClick-link">conscience,</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">etc.).</span></em></div>
</section><section class="def-pbk ce-spot" data-collapse-expand="{"target": ".def-set", "type": "def"}" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><header class="luna-data-header"><em style="border: none;"><span class="dbox-pg"><span class="oneClick-link">verb</span> <span class="oneClick-link">(used</span> <span class="oneClick-link">without</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">object)</span></span></em></header><div class="def-set">
<em style="border: none;"> </em></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">be </span><a class="dbox-xref dbox-roman" data-mce-href="http://www.dictionary.com/browse/obedient" href="http://www.dictionary.com/browse/obedient" style="color: #444444;">obedient</a> :<span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">agree</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">obey.</span></em></div>
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I have had a couple of conversations recently about how some people feel certain things are sin for them, while others do not consider them as sins.</div>
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Take drinking alcohol for an example:</div>
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Some people say a drink here and there is ok. Others think it's a sin to drink ANY alcohol.</div>
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James 4:17 NIV says,<em style="border: none;"> "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." </em></div>
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I read a devotional today and this one sentence grabbed me:</div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Obedience inspired by faith will lead you where knowledge and intelligence would never dare to go.</strong></div>
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What this all boils down to, is if you are obedient to what you feel is right.... AND if you are obedient to the things in the Bible that are CLEARLY sin these things can happen:</div>
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1. Your life will change!</div>
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2. You will be blessed!</div>
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In Luke 11:28 Jesus said: <span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">28 </span>He replied, <em style="border: none;">“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”</em></div>
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These are just 2 reasons why we should be obedient in my opinion. Do you have any reasons to add to it? I'd love to hear them.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-65493439311327793142018-01-10T10:39:00.000-05:002018-01-10T10:39:01.609-05:00Birthright or Beans: A New Way to Make Decisions<h5 style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="text Gen-25-29" id="en-NLT-688"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">29 </span>One day when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau arrived home from the wilderness exhausted and hungry.</span> <span class="text Gen-25-30" id="en-NLT-689"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">30 </span>Esau said to Jacob, “I’m starved! Give me some of that red stew!” (This is how Esau got his other name, Edom, which means “red.”)</span></h5>
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<span class="text Gen-25-31" id="en-NLT-690"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">31 </span>“All right,” Jacob replied, “but trade me your rights as the firstborn son.”</span></h5>
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<span class="text Gen-25-32" id="en-NLT-691"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">32 </span>“Look, I’m dying of starvation!” said Esau. “What good is my birthright to me now?”</span></h5>
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<span class="text Gen-25-33" id="en-NLT-692"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">33 </span>But Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob.</span></h5>
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<span class="text Gen-25-34" id="en-NLT-693"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">34 </span>Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left. He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn. Genesis 25: 29-34 NLT</span></h5>
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<span class="text Gen-25-34"><br /></span></div>
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Shane Willard's 2nd message on Saturday night was just as good as his first.</div>
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This one is about how to make decisions.</div>
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First of all, Shane said to stop looking at decisions as if it's right or wrong.</div>
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What we should do, is think of, "Is this WISE to do?"</div>
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For example, is it wrong to eat 3 pieces of cake in one sitting? Nope.</div>
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Is it wise? Nope. I think this is a great way to look at life decisions.</div>
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In the Scripture I posted above, we see Esau selling is birthright to Jacob for what he thought was hardy beef stew. When Jacob gave it to him, after, he'd agreed, it was only beans.</div>
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Esau did something profane in the eyes of the Jews. Your birthright was one of the most special things about you. The writer of Hebrews even calls him "godless" Chapter 12, verses 16-17, <em style="border: none;">"<span class="text Heb-12-16" id="en-NLT-30189"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16 </span>Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal.</span> <span class="text Heb-12-17" id="en-NLT-30190"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">17 </span>You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears."</span></em></div>
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Esau was treating his birthright as though it was a common thing.... when in reality it was not.</div>
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Birthright for them meant:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Carrying on the family name for survival.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Image for everything your family stands for.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Entitled a person to an inheritance.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Essentially, a summary statement of your destiny. </li>
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Esau traded everything he could be for a momentary urge.</div>
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Shane asked these questions:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Do we live as though there is no higher purpose which profanes our destiny? This pattern leads us to simply go from urge to urge. What seems so great (the red stuff) ends up being a cup of beans.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Is the story of your life going to be a pursuit of the birthright or a summation of living from urge to urge?</li>
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<strong style="color: black;">Luke 9: 23 <span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">23 </span>Then He (Jesus)said to the crowd, <span class="woj">“If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow Me."</span></strong></div>
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Live for your birthright with everyday decisions to destroy the bowl. Don't choose beans over your birthright!</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-86144622991921062612018-01-09T07:41:00.000-05:002018-01-09T07:41:16.303-05:00This Is For Your Delieverance<h4 style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9 </span>For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me,<strong style="color: black;"> this will lead to my deliverance</strong>. Paul, in Philippians 1:19</h4>
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Shane Willard was at my church over the weekend. This was his 7th year joining us. I absolutely LOVE his teachings. He learned under someone with Rabbi training. So, he knows a lot about the Jewish culture, history, and Hebrew. </div>
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Saturday night we had 2 sessions. This post is about the first one.</div>
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Paul, who used to be Saul, was in prison during most of the letters we read in the Bible. When someone was in prison back then, if people who loved them did not bring them food, they died.</div>
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The church at Philippi decided to care for Paul while he was in prison.</div>
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Spoiler alert! Paul dies. So, when he wrote here in Philippians 1:19 about his deliverance, he was referencing Old Testament Scriptures. Job was one of them. <span style="background-color: white;">King David the other. The truth here is that God will deliver you through whatever you are struggling with. </span></div>
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Job 3: 15-16 says, "<span class="text Job-13-15" id="en-NIV-13169"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15 </span>Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-13-15">I will surely<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-13169a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-13169a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px;" style="bottom: 1ex; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; height: 0px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a data-mce-href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+13&version=NIV#fen-NIV-13169a" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+13&version=NIV#fen-NIV-13169a" style="color: #444444;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> defend my ways to his face.</span></span><br /><span class="text Job-13-16" id="en-NIV-13170"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16 </span>Indeed,<strong style="color: black;"> this will turn out for my deliverance,</strong></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-13-16">for no godless person would dare come before him!</span></span></div>
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These two men are going through a loss, but how they respond is inspirational!</div>
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In Psalm 34, David had just pretended to be insane to protect himself from someone. In verse 8 he says,<em style="border: none;"> "<span class="text Ps-34-8" id="en-NIV-14397"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8 </span>Taste and see that the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is good;</span></em><br /><em style="border: none;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-8">blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."</span></span></em></div>
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We can take these examples and say this...</div>
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When life is hard, and there will be hard times, say,<strong style="color: black;"> "This will be for my deliverance."</strong></div>
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Shane said, <em style="border: none;">"Struggle doesn't mean your faith is weak. In the middle of whatever is happening, no matter how it turns out, always have clean hands, pure hearts, and taste that's good." </em></div>
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Life your life in a way that others see clean hands, a pure heart, and taste that's good.</div>
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No matter how big the stress gets, stay focused on God and keep saying, "This will be for my deliverance." </div>
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No matter what, praise God.</div>
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No matter how it turns out, keep your ways clean before God.</div>
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When you struggle, if you share your life with clean hands, pure hearts, and tastes that's good, you will be an inspiration to many!</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-34426921462854077452018-01-06T15:41:00.000-05:002018-01-06T15:41:42.707-05:00NLT vs Jewish Bible Scriptures<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
I can't explain enough about my excitement over this Jewish Bible!</div>
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I keep coming across Scriptures that we all know and love, and seeing how it's actually written in the Jewish Bible.</div>
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Today, I thought I would share a few with you all.</div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Jeremiah 29: 11-14 NLT </strong></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NLT-19623"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11 </span>For I know the plans I have for you,” says the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.</span> <span class="text Jer-29-12" id="en-NLT-19624"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12 </span>In those days when you pray, I will listen.</span> <span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NLT-19625"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13 </span>If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.</span></em></div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Jeremiah 29:11-14 Jewish Bible</strong></div>
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<em style="border: none;">11 For I am mindful of the plans I have made concerning you - declares the LORD - plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you give you a hopeful future. </em></div>
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<em style="border: none;">12 When you call Me, and come and pray to Me, I will give heed to you.</em></div>
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<em style="border: none;">13 You will search for Me and find Me, if only you seek Me wholeheartedly.</em></div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT</strong></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>Trust in the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> with all your heart;</em><br /><em style="border: none;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-3-5">do not depend on your own understanding.</span></span></em><br /><em style="border: none;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6 </span>Seek his will in all you do,</em><br /><em style="border: none;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-3-6">and he will show you which path to take.</span></span></em></div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Proverbs 3:5-6 Jewish Bible</strong></div>
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5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.</div>
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6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths smooth.</div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Proverbs 13:12 NLT </strong></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12 </span>Hope deferred makes the heart sick,</em><br /><em style="border: none;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-13-12">but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.</span></span></em></div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Proverbs 13:12 Jewish Bible</strong></div>
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Hope deferred sickens the heart, But desire realized is a tree of life.</div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Genesis 1:1-2 NLT</strong></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="text Gen-1-1"><span class="chapternum">1 </span>In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-1a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-1a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px;" style="bottom: 1ex; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; height: 0px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a data-mce-href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1&version=NLT#fen-NLT-1a" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1&version=NLT#fen-NLT-1a" style="color: #444444;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span></span> <span class="text Gen-1-2" id="en-NLT-2"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2 </span>The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.</span></em></div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Genesis 1:1-2 Jewish Bible</strong></div>
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<em style="border: none;">1 When God began to create heaven and earth- the earth being unformed and voice, with darkness over the surface of the deep and a wind from God sweeping over the water -</em></div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Isaiah 41:10 NLT </strong></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.</em><br /><em style="border: none;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-10">Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.</span></span></em><br /><em style="border: none;">I will strengthen you and help you.</em><br /><em style="border: none;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-10">I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.</span></span></em></div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Isaiah 41:10 Jewish Bible</strong></div>
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<em style="border: none;">Fear not, for I am with you, be not frightened, for I am your God; I strengthen you and I help you, I uphold you with My victorious right hand.</em></div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Ecclesiastes 7:1 NLT</strong></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="chapternum">7 </span>A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume.</em><br /><em style="border: none;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-7-1">And the day you die is better than the day you are born.</span></span></em></div>
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<strong style="color: black;">Ecclesiastes 7:1 Jewish Bible</strong></div>
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A good name is better than fragrant oil, and the day of death than the day of birth.</div>
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These are just a few of the ones I thought of. It's cool to see how they are some times so much alike, and other times so much different.</div>
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Is there one you'd like me to look up? Get in touch with me and I would be happy to type up the Jewish one for you.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-19627623692728894182018-01-02T07:02:00.001-05:002018-01-02T07:02:36.879-05:00Glory - my word for 2018<h4 style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
"So all of us who have had the veil removed can see and reflect the GLORY of the LORD. And the LORD-who is the Spirit- makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image." 2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT</h4>
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It's the time of year again, when I ask God for a word for the year. Last year was diligent, and that turned out to be significant in my life.</div>
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This year, I felt GLORY. At first, I thought maybe that was just me, because Glory is not one of your typical yearly words. Some people have "brave", "write", or "trust". These words are usually about God or something He wants us to concentrate on this new year.</div>
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Glory didn't fit to me, at first at least.</div>
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Then, I looked up the definition: "adoring praise", "resplendent beauty", "a state of great splendor", "magnificence" or "prosperity", "a state of absolute happiness, gratification, contentment."</div>
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Giving God my glory, my adoring praise on a daily basis, is something I strive to do.</div>
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Some of the other definitions, I believe, are things He wants to do for me. He wants me to prosper this year. He wants me to live in a state of absolute happiness, by being gratified and content. That can only happen with me staying connected to Him.</div>
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In my devotional reading, I came across Philippians 4:19, which says, <em style="border: none;">"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His GLORIOUS riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."</em></div>
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Glory and glorious are written throughout the Bible. I am going to enjoy finding them and studying this word this year.</div>
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I am also going to be watchful and mindful of how God uses this word and it's meaning in my life over 2018.</div>
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I'm excited about this year! I believe something amazing is going to happen.</div>
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Do you have a word? I would love to hear it!</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-76349862229148261912017-12-15T07:11:00.002-05:002017-12-15T07:11:43.620-05:00Psalm 23<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
Let me just tell you guys, I LOVE this Jewish Bible. I think it's probably closer to the original, since it is translated from Hebrew. It's so cool to me.</div>
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Most Christians know Psalm 23. We tend to use it in times of distress, in order to encourage ourselves. We see where King David was having a tough time, and we can relate.</div>
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I do not want to start a debate here, but I want to point something out. A lot of people will only read the King James Version, because they have been told it is closest to the original Hebrew. The problem is, we can't read Hebrew OR Greek and we are just taking someone else's word for it.</div>
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I don't care for the KJV because of the "thee's" and "thous". It's not easy to read. It is how they talked in the time period they translated the Bible. Therefore, I don't understand how it can be the best version.</div>
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Here is Psalm 23 in the KJV:</div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="chapternum">23 </span>The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is my shepherd; I shall not want.</em></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2 </span>He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.</em></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span>He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.</em></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4 </span>Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.</em></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.</em></div>
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<em style="border: none;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6 </span>Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> for ever.</em></div>
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NOW... Here is is in the Jewish Bible:</div>
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The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing.</div>
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2. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads to to water in places of repose;</div>
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3. He guides me in right paths as befits His name.</div>
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4. Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness, I fear no harm, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff - they comfort me.</div>
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5. You spread a table for me in full view of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my drink is abundant;</div>
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6. Only goodness and steadfast love shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for many long years.</div>
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My favorite part of this is <strong style="color: black;">"Only goodness and steadfast love shall PURSUE me all the days of my life."</strong></div>
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God pursues us. He wants a relationship with us. He has put people in our paths to point us to Him. </div>
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Pursue just means something different to me than "follow". What do you think?</div>
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Anyway, I think this is pretty awesome, and I am so excited to have the chance to share what I'm learning.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-76637127011386211152017-12-14T07:36:00.000-05:002017-12-14T07:36:23.358-05:00Who's Load Are You Carrying?<h4 style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="text Gal-6-2" id="en-NLT-29151"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">"2 </span>Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.</span> <span class="text Gal-6-3" id="en-NLT-29152"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span>If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important." Galatians 6:2-3 NLT</span></h4>
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My Pastor did a two part message in Drama. It was so good! Here is a link if you'd like to listen to the podcast! <a data-mce-href="https://subsplash.com/providence/media" href="https://subsplash.com/providence/media" style="color: #444444;">https://subsplash.com/providence/media</a></div>
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As Christians, we have read Scriptures like the one I posted above and thought that we are called to help everyone, that it's wrong if we decide not to help someone... we even feel guilty at times for not helping people.</div>
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Let me tell you, if you continue to help people who aren't helping themselves you are being a fool.</div>
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"A fool is someone who continually behaves in a way that hurts others and themselves." That's the definition Josh gave us for a fool. I believe it is true for both sides, the people who are not doing right, and some of the people who think they are.</div>
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We are called to carry each others burdens... BUT we are responsible for carrying our own load. There is a difference.</div>
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"The most loving thing you can do for someone is let them experience the consequences of their pain." </div>
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THAT is hard to do. Especially when you love someone. We only want the best for our loved ones. However, if we continue to bail them out, we aren't helping them at all.</div>
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"The greatest motivator for change is pain."</div>
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OUCH! That's hard to hear too. I look back on my life though, and it's correct. I have changed and grown through the different painful experiences. </div>
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Boundaries are a good thing. It is ok to have boundaries up to protect yourself from people who need to start helping themselves.</div>
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Here are 3 ways to see if it's time to give assistance:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Is this something they can provide for themselves? Are they unable to or unwilling?</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Am I feeling cheerful? God loves a cheerful giver. Check yourself.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What is the outcome of my giving? Am I hoping to change someone else?</li>
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Stop carrying other people's loads. That's their job. You can pray for them, and carry their burdens, but not their load.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-78226818130393866212017-12-12T06:53:00.001-05:002017-12-12T06:53:13.621-05:00Psalm 91 vs Psalm 91<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
Friday was an adventure! We were headed to Atlanta for our high school state championship football game, we were almost there, when we found out the game had been cancelled. It snowed in Atlanta. Like for real legit snowed several inches. Georgia is not equipped for that, so the town pretty much shut down, and we couldn't risk being stuck up there.</div>
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SO... we headed home and made some stops along the way.<br />
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One of those stops was a used book store. We got there 10 minutes before they closed. I found the Bible section right away. There is a Bible I have been wanting for over a year, and I was hoping to find it, even used, it would have been cool. They didn't have it.</div>
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What I did find is pretty awesome.</div>
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It is a Jewish Bible. It's translated according to the traditional Hebrew text.</div>
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Of course, being the Jewish Bible, it's only the Old Testament. But, that's totally fine with me.</div>
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One of my favorite Scriptures, and one I read every day out loud is Psalm 91. I want to share the difference in the NLT and The Jewish Bible today.</div>
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NLT</div>
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<span class="text Ps-91-1"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </span>Those who live in the shelter of the Most High</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1">will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-2" id="en-NLT-15374"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2 </span>This I declare about the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>:</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-2">He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-2">he is my God, and I trust him.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-3" id="en-NLT-15375"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span>For he will rescue you from every trap</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-3">and protect you from deadly disease.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-4" id="en-NLT-15376"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4 </span>He will cover you with his feathers.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-4">He will shelter you with his wings.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-4">His faithful promises are your armor and protection.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-5" id="en-NLT-15377"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-5">nor the arrow that flies in the day.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-6" id="en-NLT-15378"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6 </span>Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-6">nor the disaster that strikes at midday.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-7" id="en-NLT-15379"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7 </span>Though a thousand fall at your side,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-7">though ten thousand are dying around you,</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-7">these evils will not touch you.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-8" id="en-NLT-15380"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8 </span>Just open your eyes,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-8">and see how the wicked are punished.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-91-9" id="en-NLT-15381"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9 </span>If you make the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> your refuge,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-9">if you make the Most High your shelter,</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-10" id="en-NLT-15382"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>no evil will conquer you;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-10">no plague will come near your home.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-11" id="en-NLT-15383"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11 </span>For he will order his angels</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-11">to protect you wherever you go.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-12" id="en-NLT-15384"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12 </span>They will hold you up with their hands</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-12">so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-13" id="en-NLT-15385"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13 </span>You will trample upon lions and cobras;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-13">you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-91-14" id="en-NLT-15386"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14 </span>The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> says, “I will rescue those who love me.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-14">I will protect those who trust in my name.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-15" id="en-NLT-15387"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15 </span>When they call on me, I will answer;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-15">I will be with them in trouble.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-15">I will rescue and honor them.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-16" id="en-NLT-15388"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16 </span>I will reward them with a long life</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-16">and give them my salvation.”</span></span></div>
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NOW.. here is the Jewish Bible:</div>
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1 O you who dwell in the shelter of the Most High and abide in the protection of Shaddai -</div>
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2 I say of the LORD, my refuge and stronghold, my God in whom I trust,</div>
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3 that He will save you from the fowler's trap, from the destructive plague.</div>
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4 He will cover you with His pinions; you will find refuge under His wings; His fidelity is an encircling shield.</div>
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5 You need not fear the terror by night, or the arrow that flies by day,</div>
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6 the plague that stalks in the darkness, or the scourge that ravages at noon.</div>
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7 A thousand may fall at your left side, ten thousand at your right, but it shall not reach you.</div>
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8 You will see it with your eyes, you will witness the punishment of the wicked.</div>
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9 Because you took the LORD - my refuge, the Most High- as your haven,</div>
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10 no harm will befall you, no disease touch your tent.</div>
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11 For He will order His angels to guard you wherever you go.</div>
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12 They will carry you in their hands lest you hurt your foot on a stone.</div>
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13 You will tread on cubs and vipers; you will trample lions and asps.</div>
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14 Because he is devoted to Me I will deliver him, I will keep him safe, for he knows My name,</div>
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15 When he calls on Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in distress; I will rescue him and make him honored;</div>
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16 I will let him live to a ripe old age; and show him My salvation.</div>
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How cool is this??? I love it!</div>
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Psalm 23 is different too. I might share it next.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-20387901815916847462017-12-08T09:43:00.000-05:002017-12-08T09:43:10.454-05:00What Peace Feels Like<h5 style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
Matthew 6:33, "Seek the Kingdom of God, above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."</h5>
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Well, I have not been writing. Shame on me. I totally feel inspired this morning and wanted to share.</div>
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I have been processing all that has gone on in the last few weeks. Rejection has been a big one for me.</div>
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One of my best friends made a great point that sometimes God closes doors because we won't. I get that. It didn't help at the time. LOL</div>
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BUT GOD!</div>
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I have had confirmation from Him on one thing I have been doing wrong. Consulting others before I consult Him.</div>
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That stops now. I am the type of person who learns her lessons. I see what I'm doing wrong and make changes.</div>
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Yesterday, I felt a shift.Today, I have peace.</div>
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Today I KNOW without a doubt that God has me in the palm of His hand. I KNOW that He has a plan for me and He will work it all out for my good. <span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I KNOW that He will provide. This Scripture was confirmation of that this morning after everything else. </span></div>
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I'm not worried. I'm not stressing. I am just letting Him do His thing.</div>
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That's peace.</div>
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Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. It's always in us, but we snuff it out sometimes. We focus on the circumstances and not the ONE who holds us in His hand.</div>
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If you are in need of peace, just ask the Holy Spirit to bubble it up in you. He will do it.</div>
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As always, if you need prayer, contact me. I'd love to pray for you.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-8363684936251544432017-11-30T07:43:00.000-05:002017-11-30T07:43:24.500-05:00Is God's Love Really Unfailing?<h5 style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="text Ps-59-16" id="en-NLT-14783"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16 </span>But as for me, I will sing about your power.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-59-16">Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-59-16">For you have been my refuge,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-59-16">a place of safety when I am in distress.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-59-17" id="en-NLT-14784"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">17 </span>O my Strength, to you I sing praises,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-59-17">for you, O God, are my refuge,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-59-17">the God who shows me unfailing love. Psalm 59-:16-17</span></span></h5>
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Love is a word we through around a lot. We love people, food, and animals. </div>
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God's love is different. It's AGAPE love. It's unconditional. I think His love for us is so far beyond our reach that we won't even grasp it until we are in Heaven with Him.</div>
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I looked it up to see how many times "unfailing love" was written in the Bible. I found 40 Scriptures. </div>
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In the Scripture I posted above, we see King David rejoicing because God has helped him through something. He's singing with joy about God's unfailing love. He realizes that God has been his refuge during distress.</div>
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Now, if you know King David's story, King Saul was trying to kill him. Hopefully, in our life time, we will never be literally running for our lives, but we can experience many different types of distress.</div>
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I am doing my best to keep it together while searching for a job. I am focusing on God, listening for His direction, and not allowing the big fat wall of fear block me. (But it's not for the lack of it trying.)</div>
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THANKFULLY, I know that God is with me. Thankfully, His Word is reminding me daily. Thankfully, I have friends who keep speaking life into me. Without them and God, I would be a total basket case. For real.</div>
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One thing I love about God, is that He's consistent. He's love is unfailing. It's never ending. It goes on and on all of our lives. He loved us from the moment He thought of us, and He will love us in eternity. That's forever, people. Forever.</div>
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Human love can be conditional. Human love can fade. Human love can disappear.</div>
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BUT GOD!</div>
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His NEVER will. His love really is unfailing. </div>
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Cling to that if you are struggling today. KNOW that you know that you know that you ARE loved. God has a purpose and a plan for your life. He's right there, walking with you. Just like He's walking with me.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-7626419870852403292017-11-21T08:06:00.000-05:002017-11-21T08:06:01.196-05:00Life's Merry-Go-Round<h4 style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5</h4>
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Are you currently riding on life's merry-go-round? You know, where everything just seems to be spinning around you... you are constantly doing the same things over and over. Your joy really isn't there. You are just going in circles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMWRDw3aZZi99OpZgVBJoDuKTcgATA-Nf92yMZLTEePQsp9gpWUApuvhqX_cHnm8uJFX0Sy28_yuis0DzsSm_40-uiBQwHSQqK3dduwRmyZKGWHqcnGw-qBIjM1ipVOsFRvOmnO835RGG/s1600/Life%2527s+merry+go+round.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMWRDw3aZZi99OpZgVBJoDuKTcgATA-Nf92yMZLTEePQsp9gpWUApuvhqX_cHnm8uJFX0Sy28_yuis0DzsSm_40-uiBQwHSQqK3dduwRmyZKGWHqcnGw-qBIjM1ipVOsFRvOmnO835RGG/s320/Life%2527s+merry+go+round.png" width="320" /></a>How about we get off that merry-go-round today?</div>
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Let me share a secret with you.</div>
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While, at the very beginning, I was super scared about not having a job in a few short weeks, God has been doing a major work in my heart.</div>
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I LOVE how He speaks through His Word and devotionals RIGHT when I need it.</div>
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Only God could know that today, on November 21st, I would need to read a devotional about "God is in control even when your plans stall"! Only God knew I would be writing Proverbs 3:5-8 this morning in my Scripture writing.</div>
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Let me let you in on a secret... you ready?</div>
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Trusting God through EVERYTHING is the key. Trusting Him through the good, bad, and the ugly gets us OFF the merry-go-round and sets us up for victory.</div>
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You see... Proverbs 3:6 says, <em style="border: none;">"Seek His will in all you do, and He <b>WILL</b> show you which path to take."</em></div>
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This is a promise from God. If we seek His will, He will show us what to do. So, why are we not doing that?</div>
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There is a faith and believing element here that we must grasp. It even involves our healing.</div>
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Proverbs 3:7-8 say this,<em style="border: none;"> "Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones."</em></div>
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Us, doing life OUR way, only gets us a stomach ache from spinning around and around on life's merry-go-round.</div>
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I refuse to allow this in my life anymore!</div>
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The path is straight. It's not in a circle. I just need to trust God, not be puffed up with my own wisdom, turn away from evil, and watch Him place me in His perfect will.</div>
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If you need prayer to get off this spinning sickening merry-go-round, please contact me. I'd love to pray for you.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-10614948104411865282017-11-16T07:21:00.000-05:002017-11-16T07:21:01.796-05:00Where Does Your Strength Come From?<h1 class="passage-display" style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-size: 28px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 40px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv">Isaiah 41:10</span><span class="passage-display-version"> (NLT)</span></h1>
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<span class="text Isa-41-10" id="en-NLT-18438"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-10">Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-41-10">I will strengthen you and help you.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-10">I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bridges are strong structures. Only part of them is actually attached to the earth. The rest of it is suspended to the pillars that are built. God is the pillars, and we are the attached to Him for strength.</div>
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If you will remember, I have been writing Scripture all year from this one lady's blog posts. These Scriptures have the tendency to really minister to me.</div>
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This month happens to be about strength. I do not believe in consequences. I believe that God ordained this month's Scripture writing, KNOWING what I would be facing this month.</div>
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Isn't it just amazing to love and serve a God like that? One who knows what you need before you even know it?</div>
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I mean, I don't know this lady who is posting this Scriptures, so she certainly doesn't know me. </div>
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These verses are really helping me through this tough time. I am battling with all types of emotions. I love my job, but it's coming to an end. I am staying as long as I can because I need the income. But it's not easy. I'm just going to be honest.</div>
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I NEED God's strength to deal with everything I'm feeling and thinking. I NEED God's strength to fight off the enemy and his lies. I NEED God's strength in the words of my family and friends who are encouraging me through this.</div>
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How on earth do people live this life without a relationship with God? I seriously do not understand how they can.</div>
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I wanted to share some of these Scriptures today but maybe someone who reads this needs some strength. One of my favorites is posted above. </div>
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<strong><span class="passage-display-bcv">Isaiah 40:28-31</span><span class="passage-display-version">(NLT)</span></strong></div>
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<span class="text Isa-40-28" id="en-NLT-18425"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">28 </span>Have you never heard?</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-28">Have you never understood?</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-28">The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is the everlasting God,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-28">the Creator of all the earth.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-28">He never grows weak or weary.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-28">No one can measure the depths of his understanding.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-29" id="en-NLT-18426"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">29 </span>He gives power to the weak</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-29">and strength to the powerless.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-30" id="en-NLT-18427"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">30 </span>Even youths will become weak and tired,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-30">and young men will fall in exhaustion.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-31" id="en-NLT-18428"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">31 </span><strong>But those who trust in the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> will find new strength.</strong></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31">They will soar high on wings like eagles.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-31">They will run and not grow weary.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31">They will walk and not faint.</span></span></div>
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<strong> <span class="passage-display-bcv">2 Timothy 1:7</span><span class="passage-display-version">(NLT)</span></strong></div>
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<span class="text 2Tim-1-7" id="en-NLT-29777"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7 </span>For <strong>God has not given us a spirit of fear</strong> and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.</span></div>
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<strong><span class="passage-display-bcv">Isaiah 43:1-5</span><span class="passage-display-version">(NLT)</span></strong></div>
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43 But now, O Jacob, listen to the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> who created you.O Israel, the one who formed you says,“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-1">I have called you by name; you are mine.</span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-43-2" id="en-NLT-18484"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2 </span>When you go through deep waters,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2">I will be with you.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-43-2">When you go through rivers of difficulty,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2">you will not drown.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-43-2">When you walk through the fire of oppression,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2">you will not be burned up;</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2">the flames will not consume you.</span></span></div>
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<strong><span class="passage-display-bcv">1 Chronicles 16:11</span><span class="passage-display-version"> (NLT)</span></strong></div>
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<span class="text 1Chr-16-11" id="en-NLT-10808"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11 </span>Search for the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> and for his strength;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text 1Chr-16-11">continually seek him.</span></span></div>
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I think we all know pretty much how to have a relationship with a human being. We have to communicate with that person. You most talk, then you must listen.</div>
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God wants that with us too. He wants us to draw strength from Him. But we've got to talk to Him, and we've got to listen for what He wants to say.</div>
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When we read God's Word, He can speak through it and give us strength. (And many many other things.)</div>
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If you need strength for something you are going through, I beg you to take the time to pray and read the Bible. If you need prayer to help you through, just ask. I'd love to pray for you.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-34770371747279565882017-11-14T07:14:00.000-05:002017-11-14T07:14:16.337-05:00Please pray for me<h4 style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken." <span class="passage-display-bcv">Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV</span></h4>
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I really wanted to lighten the mood and post a gif of Will Smith singing the Fresh Prince of Bel Air song. LOL Because, "this is a story all about how my life got flipped, turned upside down."</div>
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My work church is making changes. I am one of those. They have eliminated my job.</div>
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This puts me in 3 different emotional states: depressed, fearful, and rejected.</div>
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I am FIGHTING. But I need you to come along side of me and pray with me.</div>
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I have already applied for some really good jobs. So, I am applying and praying. Which honestly is all I can do at this point.</div>
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I know in my heart that God is my Provider. He will give me the perfect job for me.</div>
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BUT... my mind is thinking ahead to what if I don't find a job in time? (My last day is December 31st.)</div>
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I would appreciate any job leads and all the prayers you can pray. I figure the more people talking to God about little ole me, the better He will hear us. LOL</div>
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Thank you in advance. I am thankful that I have friends and family on this journey with me.</div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3308098987967486192.post-78762958120123704192017-11-11T11:56:00.000-05:002017-11-11T11:56:04.701-05:00If you are saved... are you still a sinner?<h4 style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 25px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
"But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8 NLT</h4>
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Last night, we finished up our Book study of my Pastor's book Graceology. I highly recommend it! You can buy it here: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Graceology-Unfold-Grace-Joshua-Copron-ebook/dp/B01HYH15IM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510417524&sr=8-1&keywords=Josh+copron" style="color: #444444;">Graceology on Amazon</a></div>
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Chapter 15 is called "No Longer A Sinner".</div>
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This sparked some great conversation in our group. We had already been digging into the Bible on another topic, so this just took us back in to research. I've been studying on it this morning too.</div>
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I said after we are saved, we are no longer sinners. One of my best friends said we all still sin, so we are still sinners.</div>
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We agree that we are righteous, through Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. That's the ONLY way we are righteous. We can not do anything to make ourselves righteous.</div>
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However, we still sin. I believe that God's Word explains that we are not still "sinners". </div>
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Romans 5:9 NLT says,<em style="border: none;"> "And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God's condemnation." </em></div>
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Romans 5:18-19 NLT says,<em style="border: none;"> "Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one person obeyed God, many will be made righteous."</em></div>
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I think we can all agree that Jesus makes us righteous. So when God looks at us, He sees Jesus. Therefore, we are not seen as "sinners".</div>
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Do we still sin? Yes. But being a "sinner" means you are not saved.</div>
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In Luke, we see another example of this, if we were still sinners, I don't think Jesus would have worded this this way: Chapter 6:32-34 NLT JESUS said this:</div>
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<em style="border: none;">32 "If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even "sinners" love those who love them!</em></div>
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<em style="border: none;">33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get any credit? Even "sinners" do that much.</em></div>
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<em style="border: none;">34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get any credit? Even "sinners" will lend to other "sinners" for a full return."</em></div>
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I do not believe that Jesus would use this wording if it wasn't for the fact that believers are not classified as "sinners" anymore.</div>
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Yes, we sin. Yes, grace covers those sins. NO, that doesn't give us a license to sin.</div>
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As a believer, when we sin, we know when we are doing wrong. We don't ENJOY our sins anymore, for the lack of a better term. </div>
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I just don't think we should call ourselves "sinners" if we are believers fully living for God and striving to be like Jesus everyday.</div>
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What's your take on all of this? I would love some discussion on this topic. </div>
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God bless you today and always!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048755196997285765noreply@blogger.com0