tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35404672899593147652024-02-19T17:48:35.175-05:00Learning to walk GraceFully Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-41486290680642783232015-09-01T12:28:00.001-04:002015-09-04T21:28:43.975-04:00Last Post - New Website: the ART of AGING - GRACEFULLYIf you found this blog, please take a look at my new online home. The Art of Aging - Gracefully found at patsycostner.com<br />
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We can talk about learning to walk gracefully but when it comes down to it, there is an art to walking. Just when we think we have things figured out. We are in a new chapter of life. So... I decided to name the home place, "the ART of AGING - GRACEFULLY."<br />
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Welcome to the ART of AGING GraceFully, my online home.</div>
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When I think of graceful I automatically envision figure skaters, ballerinas, or the fluttering of a butterfly. A skater, a ballerina, and a butterfly each have something in common. Each of these have the full knowledge of the form but more than that, they have the inner strength and control to perform their moves.</div>
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I have never considered myself graceful by any definition. A while back I began a Pilate’s class. I was doing all that I could do to imitate the graceful ballerina princess moves made by my instructor. It took every ounce of strength in my body just to attempt the moves. Sprawled out on the floor, I felt like the tin man from the Wizard of Oz. Every muscle in my body was screaming in exhaustion. In fact, I was almost dizzy. Leaving the gym, I made a conscious decision to tackle this challenge. I did not want to just learn these moves and complete them in robotic motions; I wanted these moves to be comfortable and natural – graceful as a ballerina, a figure skater, or a butterfly.</div>
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As I drove home, the Holy Spirit impressed in my mind that this is the way many Christians live their lives. Lives swayed to and fro by the circumstances and situations in their lives. Instead of finding their identity in Jesus they find their identity in their past sin, guilt, shame, fear, pride, possessions, and/or performance.</div>
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But we are not a people without hope. Jesus gave his life that we could put our past behind and live in the joy of the present. We do not have to let our past define who we are. Aging gracefully is a life-long, intentional pursuit of God, a daily surrender to God, and daily resisting temptation and sin. However, God does not reprogram our bodies and minds to operate as a robot; we must take an active part. We must submit to God resist Satan (James 4:7), and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).</div>
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Just as we need encouragement and assistance to maintain fitness and good health, we also need someone to walk with us and encourage us along the Christian journey. Aging Gracefully is devoted to teaching the things I have learned in my Christian journey concerning God, His Word, and the freedom I have found through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.</div>
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I do not claim to have arrived with all the answers, however, I am convinced that as we intentionally study, pray, and seek God together, our Christian walk will become more graceful. Our lives, our families, our ministries will be changed. We will bear fruit. We will touch other’s lives, and God will be glorified.</div>
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“Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I seek to live life worthy of our calling, as I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”</div>
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In the meantime… may God bless you as you seek to identify with him.</div>
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<a href="http://www.patsycostner.com/contact/" style="border: 0px; color: #428bca; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Contact me</a> if you have questions. I hope you will subscribe to me for email updates, and/or add me to your Google contacts (On the right two boxes below my picture and info.).</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Sure hope to see you as a new subscriber. And if you know someone who might like what I am doing. Share the link with them or on FaceBook. If we are not FB friends I am found at https://www.facebook.com/patsy.costner<br />
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And may God bless you in your Christian journey.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-65214482278071517532014-01-04T19:08:00.000-05:002014-01-04T19:08:51.690-05:00Unfinished by Steven K ScottJesus came to this earth to fulfill the work His Father sent him to do. When Jesus left his Followers he gave them an assignment. Steven K Scott challenges us in Unfinished to the four callings from Jesus that empowers and completes our purpose here on earth.<br />
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I blog for free books for Waterbrook Multnomah. This past time I choose <i>Unfinished </i>by Steven K Scott. Interestingly, over the past weeks prior to receiving the book I had been experiencing a down time in my life. My life was filled with jealously, anger and hurt over some situations, and a shadow of depression had come over me. I was in route to the hospital and knew I would be in the waiting room awhile so I grabbed this book, to get it read. I began reading and could not lay it down. The Holy Spirit began to convict me that for me to fulfill the calling that I so desired that there was something that I had not done that Christ was calling me to do, "take up your cross and loose your life for his name sake" (21). Steeped in self pity I read Scotts words, "When you realize you have no rights and you loose your expectations. Self-directed expectations and entitlement mentality are the enemies of happiness (22). He went on to say, "by dying to yourself and your rights you enter into an intimacy with our Savior that provides joy that is not dependent on people or circumstances" (22). Then he reminds us of Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." This was so freeing to me.<br />
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He sets out to tell us 1) the calling, 2) how to fulfill the calling.<br />
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The first calling is to become more intimate with God (8) by obeying the teaching of his word (9). As we focus on this assignment we will fear God (11), seek Him first (13), follow Jesus (18), accept his yoke (23), ask the Lord to send labors (24), and be on alert to serve (25).<br />
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The second gift is to accelerate your Christian growth (27). Our success with ministering to others is determined by our spiritual growth (29). Jesus calls us to set ourself apart for God's possession (29), pursue righteousness (33), come to Him (35), learn from Him (35), live in the present (47), and overcome to the end (49).<br />
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The third gift is to empower other believers (53). Jesus call us to feed his sheep (55), strengthen your brothers and sisters (59), teach others to obey everything Christ commanded (60).<br />
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The fourth gift is to impact the lives of nonbelievers (63). Jesus calls us to reach out now (65), open your eyes to the white fields (66), get involved in sowing and reaping (67), bear fruit (69), be his witness (70), preach the gospel (72), preach repentance and forgiveness of sin (73), speak in daylight what God told you at night (75), be the salt of the earth (77) and, be the light of the world (78).<br />
Scott, explains that there are many deadly detours, roadblocks, and traps to following Christ (82). He list pride (83), self-righteousness (85), religious activity and tradition (90), wealth (93), misplaced values (96), and procrastination (100) as the six greatest obstacles to following Christ. However as we fact these obstacles Christ has promised us he will provide a foundation that will withstand all storms life can throw at us (106). However, he reminds us that most of Christ's promises are conditional to a person obeying particular commands (106).<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-84869020876275056812013-12-14T12:53:00.003-05:002013-12-16T22:40:06.568-05:00Wait! Don't Respond too Quickly<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVaW3XngCQp_XzU5uDfqYUVtX0YOqKMzee4dQeqbRApDxlaAFjWh8kFgMtaW8b2Ma4tlEBH8pSuQMpKf_vY45y4ov8dYYwqnfbKCwqg5Se-J3azxnLj3WM1CcQ2YsKpY88QKdtWXyYvY/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVaW3XngCQp_XzU5uDfqYUVtX0YOqKMzee4dQeqbRApDxlaAFjWh8kFgMtaW8b2Ma4tlEBH8pSuQMpKf_vY45y4ov8dYYwqnfbKCwqg5Se-J3azxnLj3WM1CcQ2YsKpY88QKdtWXyYvY/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Struggle:</b> What happened to the fast-acting miracles? Christians are told to "ask and it shall be given," aren't we? So… if we are asking for "good things" then why does God not immediately gratify our desires? Is it lack of faith, a problem with our prayers, or a "No" from God?<br />
<br />
<b>Truth:</b> <i>"<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">But </span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23316A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">seek first </span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23316B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">the kingdom of God and his righteousness, </span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23316C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">and all these things will be added to you.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">" </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Matthew 6:33</span> </span></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<b>Truth Encounter:</b> I remember going to the doctor years ago and getting an injection of something I called the miracle drug. By the time I picked up the other prescriptions at the "drug store" I would be feeling better. Now they say, give it a week and you will be better. Not so long ago, I made an appointment at my medical center. I saw Nancy, the PA on call, told her my problems, picked up my prescription and a week later I called and asked to see my doctor, hoping he would give me some fast-action potion. The PA saw me in the hall, and asked, "Patsy, How are you doing?" I told her, the medication she gave me wasn't working. She answered, "Go home and do what I told you, and give it time." Well that's just like, Nancy. She is good at what she does, she knows it, and if you give her time she will deliver."<br />
<br />
I admit that if I do not get immediate results, I too quickly take things into our own hands to try and make "it" happen. This is true in everyone's life. The world system programs us to expect immediate response. We also follow the same pursuit in our spiritual life. We are told that we can ask anything and it will be given. We have read story after story where God responded immediately to an individuals needs. So why shouldn't we expect those miracles in our lives. <br />
<br />
I believe the reason we do not always receive immediate responses from God is that we do not truly seek his will for our lives, we only seek help in time of our desperate needs. We are told to "<i>seek God first." </i>He is our counselor, our great physician, and the provider of all good things. God promised the children of Israel that if they would follow Him he would provide for them. However, we know that as they moved toward the Promise Land, they soon forgot how he had provided for them. In their unthankfulness and impatience they began murmuring and whining about their provisions, and ultimately, many were kept from seeing the promised land. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We want the "right"spouse, job, house, etc., so we pray or ask others to pray for us in hope that God will answer our prayer for that need. But if God does not give immediate gratification as soon as the amen rolls across our lips, we take things into our own hands.<br />
<br />
I believe the biggest hinderance in our lives is not in our seeking God, but, in our waiting on him to answer. We must allow him time to work it out in our lives. God still performs miracles and I have experienced some specific ones in my life. While God answers prayer he is more concerned in teaching us to trust him. He love us and wants us to have "good things." Matthew 8:28 tells us that God works everything to the good of those who love God. Instead of trusting God for his best, we see his answer as a "No" so we decide to take matters into our own hands. </div>
<div>
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Right now there are some opportunities that are out there for my family as well as in my personal life. It is not easy to wait. In fact, I daily fight the urge to to run ahead of God. I am learning to exercise James 5:7 in my spiritual walk. <i>Submit to God</i> and <i>Resisting Satan's</i> temptation to run ahead of God is the best way to exercise our trust in God to deal with and provide our needs.<br />
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What is your greatest need? Have you truly sought God? Are you fighting the temptation to run ahead of God to supply your on desires or need? Don't respond too quickly… give God time to work it out. Share your thoughts on waiting on God.<br />
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On the other hand, many times God has given us answers and we do not act based on his answer. How do you know that you have received God's answer? My future posts will come from comments that I receive from my readers.<br />
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<b>Prayer</b>: <i>"Father, I know you have a plan for my family and for me. May your Holy Spirit continually draw us to you, and that we keep our focus on you. Help us to exercise patience in our life, to give you time to give us those "good things" that you have in store for us. In Jesus name, Amen."</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-12220174725016365242013-12-10T21:09:00.000-05:002014-01-04T19:09:37.606-05:00I Am a Church Member by Thom S. Rainer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKoVwAl8a2SkYfWD1reYYbblQIdsQBFzeq_6zPfNrCJUGy5weGev90vc5k70zPxsFHPfAnsdhXRFnsT8AIjfzQkqLeFp-fObTZY_FqKtta6t83ogyhClm4sIi70cMKfcQRwMYmlNF00E/s1600/51H1dL68C5L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKoVwAl8a2SkYfWD1reYYbblQIdsQBFzeq_6zPfNrCJUGy5weGev90vc5k70zPxsFHPfAnsdhXRFnsT8AIjfzQkqLeFp-fObTZY_FqKtta6t83ogyhClm4sIi70cMKfcQRwMYmlNF00E/s1600/51H1dL68C5L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a>Are you a church member? How involved are you? What define your membership. I have served churches for many years now. It is interesting that church membership often triples the attendance (17). It seems like there is more lack of interest in church attendance than ever before. Church statistics reveal that churches are declining. Members in their attempt to coerse others to get back on track have joined the "blame game," blaming the decline on culture, politics, hypocritical members or uncaring pastors (5). Thom S. Rainer, pastor, researcher, proposes that church members are more concerned about paying the minimal dues in order to receive the privileges and perks. They are more focused on being served, feed, and cared for instead of focusing on the biblical understanding of what it means to be a part of the body of Christ" (5). Rainer contends that if members will cease to complain about the state of the church and the adverse situations and circumstances within the church setting the church will become healthier. In turn, they will have a positive impact on the community in which they reside (7).<br />
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Rainer wrote, <i>I Am a Church Member: Discovering an Attitude That Makes a Difference, </i>to<i> </i>challenge church members to "discover or rediscover the privilege and joy of church membership" (6). He does this by defining the biblical principles of church membership and then leads the reader to pledge to being a committed member.<br />
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1) Each member is a functioning member (12). Every member has a role or function that is necessary for the good of the whole (13). Every member should love each other. Love is defined by the principles of 1 Corinthians; patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not conceited, not acting improperly, is not selfish, not provoked and does not keep record of wrong (14). Members are not content to paying dues alone. They are focused on being a functioning member which includes giving of tithes and offering, serving from our spiritual gifts and abilities (16).<br />
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2) Each member is a unifying member (21). Keeping love at the forefront, members are to; seek unity among the brethren even at the sacrifice of personal preferences (24), avoid and rebuke gossip (26), and grant forgiveness and pray for others (27).<br />
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3) Each member places others preferences before their own (33). We should have a servant heart (35) looking out for the preferences and need of others rather than themselves. We are to do what it takes to keep unity in the church (39).<br />
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4) Each member prays for the pastor and other church leaders for wisdom, insight, and words to preach (46). Pray for their families and their protection from the devil's trap (49) and for their health and safety (50).<br />
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5) Each member should lead their family to be healthy church members by (55) praying for the church, being faithful to the church (59), worshipping together as a family (60), and loving each other unconditionally (62).<br />
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6) Each member treasures church membership as a gift (67). In appreciation for what Jesus has done for us it is a natural response to want to serve others (73).<br />
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I have been a "functioning" church member for some 50 years, however, Raines reinforced a point that I have heard all my life, "Satan does not have to use the outside to destroy the church, he will destroy it from within." Unless we take our role seriously to make a positive difference church members will actually destroy the church from within. I truly believe that gossip and negativity is what kills the church's influence. I have been too critical of the church, justifying my behavior, as a messenger of truth. The Holy Spirit convicted me of my critical attitude and idle talk. I have committed myself to functioning as Christ called us to serve.<br />
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This small book is a quick read, yet packed with the fundamental truths that define a church member. Too many times we assume that all churches have the same expectations of their members. They do not. For this reason, <i>I Am a Church Member</i> would be a great gift to give to new church members to help them understand their attitude and role that is expected of them. It is concise enough to be used as a devotional for Wednesday or Sunday evening services. Order your copy of I Am a Church Member today. Read it and pass it on to someone else, and then ask them to do the same. One by one we can make a difference. Let me know how this book touched you? Were you convicted of changes you need to make?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-57186405581373986662013-10-28T19:04:00.000-04:002014-01-04T19:13:49.099-05:00If He Can Change Me... He Can Change You<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Struggle: </b>If God can heal the sick, raise the dead, calm the sea, then why is he not making a difference in me?</span><br />
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<b>Scripture Truth: </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"I</span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">f we walk by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh.</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">" Galatians 5:16</span><br />
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<b>Truth Encounter:</b> I had accepted Christ as Savior of my life as a young girl but I had not been very successful when it came to the things in life that tempted me most. I had tried living the Christian life but it had been more about me doing "what Jesus would do," instead of "being like Jesus.</span><br />
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As Paul would say, I had done most of the things a good "Christian" or "church worker" would do. In fact, most professing Christians are not really Christian at all but are individuals who are living in the flesh and are domesticated to look and act like Christians. In other words, I was able to act in, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,(Galatians 5: 22-23), when it was beneficial to me. Even though I could produce something that appeared to be these things, they were not my character. In fact, as I examined my heart, I realized that much of my actions were works of the flesh such as idolatry, impurity, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, envy, and the like, Galatians 5:19-24. Instead of finding my joy, power, and strength in God, I found joy in things of the world, and I operated out of my power and strength rather than in God's.</span><br />
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This was not what I wanted. I wanted His majesty, power, and strength working in my life, empowering me to live the life he had called me to live. Scripture tells us that "<i>Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires,</i>"(Gal. 5:24), and, "<i>if we walk by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh</i>" (Gal.5:16). We cannot make this transformation on our own. 1 John 4:4 tells us that God's children can overcome temptations because <b>"</b><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>greater is he that is in us than he who is in the world</i><i style="font-size: 14px;">."</i><i> </i>In other words <i>"we abide in Christ and he abides in us" </i>(John 15:1-8). This means that we cannot passively sit back and watch it happen; we must be intentional about being a follower of Jesus. </span></span><br />
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How do we do this? We must make <a href="http://patsycostner.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-key-to-exercising-authority.html">James 4:7</a> our focus for each day, "<i>Submit to God, and resist the Devil</i>." Each time I am tempted to sin, I have the choice to <i>"take my thoughts captive in obedience to Christ</i>," (2 Cor. 10:5), or obey Satan. I am learning to act and react to God's Word, His truths, and His promises. </span><br />
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I am not perfect, and there are times that I fall desperately short of what God desires of me, but I praise God that I am not the woman I used to be. Daily, I resubmit my life to God and asks Him to change me, to mold me, to complete the work He began in me. As I have chosen to abide in Christ, he is transforming my mind. Instead of producing works in the flesh, the Holy Spirit is actually producing fruit of the Spirit in me and through me. I am seeing his transforming power, splendor, and majesty at work inside me, changing the way I think. The things that once affected me, causing me to act and react in unChristian ways, do not have the same effect on me. </span><br />
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It was truly like experiencing a miracle, not before my eyes, but in my mind and heart. And, for the first time, I knew that God was transforming me, because never before had I been able to deal the negative reactions that were triggered by my feelings. To God I give the glory.</span><br />
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I have been transparent concerning how my life was filled with works of the flesh. My prayer is that you will allow the Holy Spirit to begin a work in you. Will you take a moment to read <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205:16-24&version=ESV">Galatians 5:16-24</a>. Ask God to reveal the things in your life that is not of him. Ask God to change your heart to become like his. If He can change my heart, He can change yours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />I came across a song that a pastor used to lead a group of worshippers in Barbados as they prayed for God to change them. I had never heard it before but it touched my heart. The words of this song was the words of my prayer as I cried out to God, seeking transformation in my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ao3eCVXYn9o?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How has God changed your life? Share how great our God is and how Jesus has made a difference in your life.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-80135440568654522212013-10-16T22:49:00.002-04:002014-01-04T18:56:54.379-05:00The Key to Exercising Authority over Satan<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Struggle</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">: Every day we </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14pt;">accept and exercise authority in most area's of our lives. In fact, most new reports are filled with people exercising their authority or their rights. So... Why is it so hard to exercise our right when it comes to living the Christian life? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 19px;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Scripture Truth:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #050d13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">“Submit to Christ, resist
the Devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Truth Encounter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="font-size: 19px;">The crowds witnessed as Jesus exercised his authority throughout his ministry, healing the sick, raising the dead, calming storms, walking on water, and casting out demons. It must have been confusing as the crowds watched </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Jesus take a beating that should have
killed him. It must have been confusing as they watched his followers walk away. It seemed that Jesus had given up all authority as he spoke his last words,
“It is finished,” and took his last breath.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">It appeared Jesus was defeated, as Jesus was taken from the cross and buried. But we know the rest of the story. Jesus' work <b><i>on</i></b> the cross was
finished. But what seemed to be the end was only the beginning. For the work of the cross was still yet to be seen. However, three days later Jesus raised himself from the grave and completed the work that he came to do. </span><br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;">Jesus came to give us eternal life. No where does the scripture say, "Believe on Jesus so you can go to heaven." Some say, "All you have to do to be saved is to believe that Jesus died, was buried, and was raised from the dead," and you will be saved. This is true but acknowledging this truth does not result in a transformed life. Satan also believed this and he is still filled with lies and deceit. So what are we to believe? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 19px;">The Son of God had defeated Satan (1 John 1:8). </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;">Christ died to destroy the
power of sin in the lives of God’s people. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;">Because Adam and Eve sinned, we were born with Adam's sin nature. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 19px;">We cannot live the fullest if we are captive to sin in our lives. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;">But Jesus came to defeat the power of sin in our lives. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;"> Jesus came to defeat sins said that He must go so that he could send the Holy Spirit which would live in the lives of believers.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">How do we stand in victory? How are we
able to exercise the authority given to us? James 4:7 tells us, “Submit to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Did you get that? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span>
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;">Submit to God. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;">Before we can </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 19px;">exercise spiritual authority we must be under the authority of God, submitting to His Lordship in our lives.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;">We must receive the truth, believe the truth, and act upon our authority in Christ. As long as you allow Satan to deceive you into giving up, or moving out from under your authority of God through temptation, accusation, or deception, you will NOT be able to resist him. How do we act upon our authority?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;">Resist the Devil. We must exercise our authority in Jesus Christ over Satan. If we know God's Word then we know we must obey God. If you are being disobedient to God you are inadvertently submitting to Satan.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 19px;">And he will Flee from You. Spiritual warfare is not a power encounter, it is a truth encounter. A man cannot serve two masters. When we resist Satan's temptations by submitting to God in obedience to His Word. As we deny Satan's authority over our lives, and choose to live for Christ, Satan will flee. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14pt;">Have you tried to resist the devil but were unsuccessful? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;">What are you struggling with: pride,
rebellion, bitterness, jealously, anger, un-forgiveness? Each time you are tempted, say "yes" to God, and "no" to Satan's authority over your life, and be obedient to His Word and Satan will flee. Keep in mind this is not a one time event. We will always be confronted with sin and as we deny Satan he will up the auntie. But as we practice obedience to God it becomes easier to detect Satan's attempts to trick or deceive us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">How have you exercised authority in your life to remain obedient to Christ? My next post will be a personal story. I hope you will share one of your personal stories.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Prayer:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Dear Father, thank you for the gift of
eternal life. Help me to exercise my faith by receiving and believing your
truth, by submitting to you, and by acting upon the authority of Christ within me to resist the devil. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-18277376990016896952013-10-11T19:34:00.001-04:002014-01-04T18:58:12.669-05:00Keeping Up Appearances<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Struggle</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">: What do you see when you look at
this picture? What caught your attention?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Scripture Truth</span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">: “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the
height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as
man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the
heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Truth Encounter:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;"> What did you see when you looked at
this picture? Did you see the sunset, church, flags, prayer bench, power lines,
or any of this? Actually, this unaltered/unedited photo was shared on my Facebook. Different comments were made, but
it was not the image alone the caught my attention. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">As I
viewed this picture I was reminded of how we often view churches. I have often
passed a church or saw a photo and said, “What a beautiful church!” But is it? Our
statements are usually based on whether it is the largest structure in the
area, or if the location is right, meaning, on the right side of the tracks,
where no one or anything would distract from it’s (the building’s) beauty. We
identify it by its carpet, padded pews, lighting. Sometimes we identify it with how spotless it is, as though no one “lives” there. Other times the church is identified
by the style of music, it the choir is big, or the worship team is loud, how the members dress, or how the pastor delivers the
message. I call all these outward appearances, power lines. Do these power
lines indicate the true heartbeat of the church?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">A
building may be structurally beautiful, or there may be some things that are
not so aesthetic but, just as with the Christian's life, their true identity is based on the
condition of the heart and not the way things appear to be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt;">How do you determine
the heart condition of a church? Scripture tells us, “By their fruit you shall
know them.” Because the Church is the ‘body of Christ,” she too should be
producing fruit. The answers to these questions will help you know if in
reality, a church is beautiful in God’s eyes.</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Is the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">churches</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> vision based on
Matthew 28:19-20; sharing the gospel with the lost, baptizing them,
and teaching them to be obedient to God Word?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Are they reaching the lost, saving
them, and discipling them?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Are the members interested in
conforming their mind, to that of Jesus Christ, which is our daily
commitment? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Has this body of believers set
themselves apart from the world so that they are NOT engaging in the sinful
activities the world promotes, and accepting the corrupt mind the outside world
has so embraced?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do the members as well as community
have good things to say about the unity among its members?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Is the church active in the
community, supporting other churches to meet the ministry and evangelistic, and
spiritual needs of the community instead of being self-serving?</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">If you
were able to respond with yes to these questions, about a given local church,
then, it is a beautiful Church. This does not mean that a body of believers
should neglect the appearance but appearance should not take priority over its vision and mission. A church should be the lighthouse that </span><span style="font-size: 21px;">dispels the</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> spiritual darkness in the community that surrounds her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Churches have
all the potential by the powers given to them by Jesus Christ to be a
lighthouse in the community but are plateaued or dying, because they have
focused to long on the power lines. <span style="color: #232b2c;">Gospel doctrine
makes it clear that we must live in this world to achieve our eternal
destination. When tried and tested we must be found worthy of a greater kingdom.
</span>The Church is called to be the salt of the earth, and the light of the
world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">Let’s go
back to the picture. I did notice the power lines at first but then if you look
closely the bottom one intersects the steeple and flags, reminding us of the
very reason we call this place... "church." Just saying, look beyond
the power lines. If a church is fulfilling her mission she is the temple of
God, and you could say that where she resides is Holy Ground… and she will be
the “light” in the community. How does your church look?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Prayer:</b> <i>Father help me as a member of a local church to look beyond the power lines and focus on the heart of the church. May we have your heart, thus enabling us to be a "light" to our community. In Jesus name, Amen.</i></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-4119790318309252722013-08-31T22:27:00.004-04:002014-01-04T19:06:26.491-05:00Persecution for Your Beliefs<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tPjalvkewn1WiUoqjy7gIhPSOy9I8WYtjgBFBgEYYcF9uv2V9W4TbdzAP07p2My2TIBZYaKD91jpz9JqsuRqdKW6pIVQrmf4F4vf5zZpMwd_APC8oyLsbdaggQX7lqK7pl9zSKYPHEs/s1600/images-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tPjalvkewn1WiUoqjy7gIhPSOy9I8WYtjgBFBgEYYcF9uv2V9W4TbdzAP07p2My2TIBZYaKD91jpz9JqsuRqdKW6pIVQrmf4F4vf5zZpMwd_APC8oyLsbdaggQX7lqK7pl9zSKYPHEs/s1600/images-3.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Struggle</b>: “Have you been persecuted for what you believe? Maybe not by death or imprisonment but by unfair harassment, ridicule, or lies? Persecution can undermine one’s sense of security,
cause much heartache and pain, and create a hell on earth.” How should I respond to persecution?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Scripture
Truth:</b><b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #020f18;">Jesus says,<i> “</i>“Blessed
are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven.” Matthew: 5 9-12</span><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Truth
Encounter:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jesus just
finished the Beatitude portion of Sermon on the Mount, by stating that anyone who chooses to follow
Him, setting a moral standard for others, will be persecuted. His early Followers
were literally persecuted unto death. We may not face death, nonetheless,
individuals who choose to follow Jesus should not expect to receive less than
what Jesus experienced. He said, they will, “<span style="color: #020f18;">revile
you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my
account.” Revile means to attack someone verbally, usually using abusive
language. Persecute means to oppress, harass with ill treatment with the
intention to injure, grieve, or afflict another person. Speaking evil of
someone is done by suggesting, passing along, or bringing on false reports or
charges against another person, to focus on their failings, or by depreciating
their character to discredit and disesteem them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #020f18;">The best example of persecution and persecuted is from the story
of Saul the persecutor transformed to Paul the persecuted in Acts 9:1-6. As </span>Saul was still “breathing threats
and murder against the disciples of the Lord” he journeyed near Damascus, and “suddenly
a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a
voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? And he said, “Who
are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If our
lives bear witness to the presence of Christ in us, we will face persecution.
The key here is in understanding not only the act of persecution but being
persecuted. Either way Christ is the object. We may feel the act of persecution is against us
personally but God said that if we persecute his children we are actually acting against God our Creator and Christ our Savior and
Lord. Persecution through harm or harassment in any form is forbidden. However if we
are persecuted for Christ sake it is an honor bestowed upon us that we truly
belong to Christ. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We are not to set out to be a martyr. However, if we live according to the standard that Jesus explained in the previous verses of Matthew 5 the world will hate us. They hated Jesus. Jesus told his followers one something that I think is the hardest thing to do in our Christian walk. He said that if we are persecuted for righteousness sake, then we should "rejoice." We are not to rejoice in persecution but he said, "Rejoice and be glad,
because great is your reward in heaven" (v.12). Our earthly reward will only last for a season but our heavenly reward will be eternal. The apostle Paul must have
been aware of this promise when he wrote, "As it is written: ’No eye has
seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those
who love him"’ (1 Cor. 2:9 NIV).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Father, you have told us we would face persecution and if I suffer may it be because of righteousness. But Father help me that I would not say anything or participate in any activity that would bring harm to another person, and ultimately against you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-66637995304428491362013-08-23T15:45:00.000-04:002014-01-04T19:00:31.161-05:00Experience Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa6fM4hStJIuTFM61ATYX-yFu61ZxhYSHKZUE6n6Vun7NpNcSjb57cls2KObOJKK6wRBF6RIUbamAtdUQzOav9l8nfjBYEdQB96fDuh4OLtK7jYS4UJxlJSVB89goTQEKu_hieML6Thg/s1600/peopl6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa6fM4hStJIuTFM61ATYX-yFu61ZxhYSHKZUE6n6Vun7NpNcSjb57cls2KObOJKK6wRBF6RIUbamAtdUQzOav9l8nfjBYEdQB96fDuh4OLtK7jYS4UJxlJSVB89goTQEKu_hieML6Thg/s320/peopl6.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b>Struggle</b></span>:</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> “Do you struggle to find peace amidst violence, frustrations, and war? If the outside influences are not enough we all have our own conflicts within our mind and soul. Is it possible to experience peace when our lives are
characterized by mistrust, hate, envy, defensiveness, or selfishness?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b>Scripture Truth:</b></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #020f18; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall
be called the children of God.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Matthew 5:9<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Truth
Encounter:</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The crowds of Jewish people that Followed Jesus were very familiar with
revolt. Throughout history the Jews were</span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> conquered by the
Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persians, and, the Romans. Americans cannot begin to understand what it means to live a life surrounded by war. But conflict is not always characterized by outward events - war. And even thought war was a reality Jesus</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> intent was not to teach them how to bring world peace. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jesus was not referring to peace as an absence of war or even being against war, but a state of mind which influences a person’s actions.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We often look at Jesus early Followers and think that they had it all worked out and lived together in harmony. If this were the case it would not have been necessary of the writers of the New Testament to spend so much time teaching the church how to live together in unity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Is peace attainable and if so how? I was sitting alone in a Cardiac ICU, while my husband was undergoing
triple bypass surgery when my cell phone rang.
My son, in route and waiting for his plane in Atlanta, said, “who is
with you?” I answered, “No one.” He assured me he would be in Charlotte soon, and we said our goodbyes. Immediately, the phone
rang and he said, “Mom, I am boarding the plane, just wanted to remind you that you are not alone, the
Prince of Peace is with you.” There has never been a storm in my life that this
basic truth has not comforted me, for truly, peace is not the <o:p></o:p></span>absence of war but the presence of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once we understand that God is our peace we can operate without the stress of circumstances and situations. We realize that <a href="http://patsycostner.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-poor-are-you.html">without him we can be and do nothing</a>. We realize our weaknesses and surrender to God's control in our lives. As we <a href="http://patsycostner.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-satisfy-your-hunger-and-thirst.html">hunger and thirst</a> after his righteousness our hearts will extend mercy to others. As we begin to read, listen, and obey God's word, our <a href="http://patsycostner.blogspot.com/2013/08/do-you-want-to-see-god.html">hearts will be cleansed</a> from all impure motives and we will see others as God sees them. Until couples, families, and the church decides to forgive and treat others with love we will never experience happiness nor will we be the peacemaker we are called to be?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jesus said, “Blessed (happy) are
the peacemakers.” Not only would we be happy but, we would be called “Children
of God.” He was actually sharing with them a new way of life. And with this new life a <a href="http://patsycostner.blogspot.com/2013/06/need-attitude-adjustment.html">new attitude</a>. As Children of
God, we are able to be instruments of peace because we have the Peace that
passes all understanding residing within us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What does this look like for us? What does this mean? We live our lives
to bear witness to Jesus presence in us. This means choosing to be wronged,
reconciling our enemies, doing whatever it takes to promote peace. It means
pursuing the good of others even if it means personal expense. Instead of
seeking justice we are about reconciliation and restoration.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Peacemakers are more interested in others than about being right. However, with that being said, b</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">eing a peacemaker is not about compromising ones values or God's word in order to please everyone. We should never compromise the
Word of God. However, we are to treat others with love and respect. If we are not intentional about how we communicate we may
actually build walls between us and others which will eventually cause
disunity, even war.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Is your soul at peace? Maybe this is a better question. Does your presence bring peace to others or are you a source of conflict? Ask Jesus to come
into your life and fill you with his peace that surpasses all understanding so that you can be an instrument of peace.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Let the Peace of God Reign."</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/dbrNFxiHuYg?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What does “blessed is the peacemaker,” mean to you? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b>Prayer:
</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dear Father, May the Prince of Peace live in my life and reign in my life that others will see you in me. In Jesus name I pray,
Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-48766705646662869182013-08-20T01:02:00.001-04:002014-01-04T19:01:40.336-05:00Do You Want to See God?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcg3cbCNhnKo3JW-lUU6Fj0Whp-ZBCE2KKjTlSVeGG4_QroG_vL6ucJcqVW8hLSnzbbOdRT6WjniO7ncl6hErxPF1hbh4vWN9uegBEtTDr01o_PLEGxOVVCHjiHtFmzXplZ6-jr5gunGQ/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcg3cbCNhnKo3JW-lUU6Fj0Whp-ZBCE2KKjTlSVeGG4_QroG_vL6ucJcqVW8hLSnzbbOdRT6WjniO7ncl6hErxPF1hbh4vWN9uegBEtTDr01o_PLEGxOVVCHjiHtFmzXplZ6-jr5gunGQ/s400/images-1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Struggle:</b> <i>“Have you seen God? What is keeping you from seeing Him?" Many people live their lives, watch anything they want, listen to anything they want, and read anything they want, then wonder why they have never seen God? </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Scripture Truth:</b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #020f18;"> “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall
see God.</span></i><i> Matthew 5:8<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Truth Encounter:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Pharisees thought outward
cleansing and outward purity, keeping of laws, was sufficient ground for
entering the kingdom of God. They, like many professing Christians, outwardly
appear righteous through their good works and yet inwardly their hearts are
impure and unclean. Jeremiah 17:9-10 tells us, “<i>The heart is deceitfully wicked above all things and beyond cure. Who
can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward
a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.” </i> Jeremiah was saying that the heart is the center for the mind, emotions, and will, and each person will be rewarded based on the purity of the heart. Jesus said that if you belong to the Kingdom, then your heart will be
changed. He said, <i>“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God</i>.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What constitutes
a pure heart? Jesus is not saying that a Follower of Christ will not sin, but
he is saying that the Follower of Christ is not a sinner. A believer is a new
person, cleansed by the blood of Jesus and is forgiven. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In other words Jesus was calling us to a lifestyle of purity; a pure heart, a pure purpose, and a pure passion. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Therefore we are set aside for God’s purpose - to honor God. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 Peter 3:14 says "...make every effort to
be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight." </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This means putting God’s word into practice in terms
with how we live our lives. This means we will refuse to live as the world
lives. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We
must do this each day by making choices to obey God’s Word and to honor Him
through our words and actions. Not only are we to make wise choices but 2
Timothy 2:22 tells us to “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue
righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out
of a pure heart. (NIV)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So each of us has a choice
to allow our hearts to be wicked or to seek and possess a pure heart. We are
told that, <span style="color: #020f18;">"</span><span style="color: #020f18; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: #020f18;">No one who abides in him keeps on
sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him."
(1Jo 3:6); nor will they live with him for eternity.</span> However, there is a reward for those who seek and
possess a pure heart, “they will see God.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you want to see God? Many
want to see God, yet they are not interested in guarding their heart?
Psalms 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything
you do.” We could focus on the things we
that cause an impure heart, instead what can we do to guard our hearts? What
scripture verse(s) comes to your mind that challenges us to keep our hearts pure?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer:</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Dear Father, </i><i>Search me, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">. In Jesus
name I pray, Amen.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-90259335658999692082013-08-02T17:01:00.004-04:002014-01-04T19:02:53.506-05:00You Hurt My Feelings... <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNoCOpybOtJZVzTFaAUv8ByCXO3-rJOrqTJcUiqvLqtZKLrCNl23rVQT49rm9YnRkBOGizLNts7SNBpqlFiXBFnIWir6J4cdrukzLh75nNpFmWq2ZePPLzhOtB8cBXt9aOTPDXay9uf0/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNoCOpybOtJZVzTFaAUv8ByCXO3-rJOrqTJcUiqvLqtZKLrCNl23rVQT49rm9YnRkBOGizLNts7SNBpqlFiXBFnIWir6J4cdrukzLh75nNpFmWq2ZePPLzhOtB8cBXt9aOTPDXay9uf0/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Power Struggle: "</b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God gave me feelings. Do I
just ignore my feeling when someone hurts me? What does the Bible teach about
dealing with our feelings?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Scripture:</b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #020f18;"> "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall
receive mercy."</span></i><i> Matthew 5:6<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Truth Encounter:</span></b><b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jesus had just spoken to
his Followers, telling them that a person who has accepted Him embodies His
character. They are poor in Spirit, they mourn, they are meek, and they hunger
and thirst after His righteousness. Then Jesus turned his teaching to their
behavior. If we choose to Follow Him it will influence our behavior. In today’s
scripture Jesus gives us an insight to how we are to deal with our feelings. He
says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
What does feeling have to do with mercy? Feelings often determine how people
relate to each other. Feelings play a large role in determining if mercy or
justice is extended. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mercy is the act of
getting what we do not deserve. We all have experience mercy at some time or
another. Some of you may have experienced the sound of the judge’s gavel as a
verdict is pronounced. If not, you may have experienced the simultaneous flashing
blue light in the rear view mirror and the sound of a patrol car siren, as the
patrol officer tells you that you were exceeding the speed limit. You may not
have experienced either of these but most of us have been guilty of hurting
someone, intentionally or unintentionally, which had the potential of damaging our
relationship with them. We either suffer the consequences of our actions or
receive mercy instead of justice that could be dealt to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our hope is to receive
mercy. However, Jesus is more interested in us extending mercy. Before we can
extend mercy to others we must forgive them. Because our feelings are so
sensitive, many professing Christians wrestle with forgiveness. However, when
we become a child of God the Holy Spirit will produce in us the ability to not
only forgive but to extend mercy to those who have wronged us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If we are not intentional
about Following God we will allow our feelings to control our actions instead
of the will of God. I must confess that this week I was tempted to extend
justice rather than mercy to those who I felt had taken advantage of me. During
my worship, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Jesus words from the cross, “Father
forgive them, for they know not what they do,” Luke 23:34. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then other verses came to
my mind. Jesus also said, “If you do not forgive others you will not be
forgiven,” Matthew 6:15. Paul told us, that God’s grace is sufficient during
our times of need,” 2 Corinthians 12:9. I asked forgiveness for my sin, and
prayed God would extend mercy to those who I felt has wronged me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you struggle with hurt feeling? What scripture truth can you share with us from God's word that helped you deal with your feelings and those who hurt you? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer:</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Father, Thank you for your mercy to me. Create
in me love, kindness, patience, and compassion, and forgiveness, that I might
show mercy to those less fortunate than me and to those who have wronged me.
And… Father, forgive my avengers for they know not what they do. In Jesus name
I pray, Amen.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-85369238977759073682013-07-08T15:31:00.000-04:002014-01-04T19:03:30.318-05:00GOD DISTORTED by John Bishop<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4e2Tnher-xQsvoXol07w0cK_RH58eWo2to9m8t51hKFmkx7KZDxTQJJl-n3Va1ZHm5xwFc6yo_eMHSYeAvhKpGv6zLuJtrHZ_ImSbrimcBOUsy0pov9CrrUSoa9-7t9IGwRvj2yih2Us/s1600/51x+eRC2Q4L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4e2Tnher-xQsvoXol07w0cK_RH58eWo2to9m8t51hKFmkx7KZDxTQJJl-n3Va1ZHm5xwFc6yo_eMHSYeAvhKpGv6zLuJtrHZ_ImSbrimcBOUsy0pov9CrrUSoa9-7t9IGwRvj2yih2Us/s1600/51x+eRC2Q4L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
How do you describe your relationship with God? Do you see God as Creator, King, Judge, or Ruler of the Kingdom or do you see Him as a loving Father? John Bishop, author of <i>God Distorted: How Your Earthly Father Affects Your Perception of God and Why it Matters</i>, so wisely points out that many have a hard time calling God, Father, or even processing the idea. He attributes this to the fact that Satan uses our relationship with our earthly father to distort our understanding of God/Father (8). We will never have the relationship God desires if we believe Satan's distorted image of God (9).<br />
<br />
Whether your dad was the best of the best, the worst example of a dad, or if you did not know your dad you need to understand that God is not a bigger version of what we know as our daddy (8). Satan uses the characteristics of our earthly father to distort our image of God to prohibit the relationship God wants with us. Bishop defines eight, earthly father types; absent (15), passive (21), demanding (27), enabling (31), controlling (35), abusive (40), accusing (46), and good (52) and their effect on our perception of God. For example, a demanding father teaches that God's love is about "what you do." A controlling father teaches that God's love is for "following the rules and making no mistakes". A passive father teaches that God's love is "distant and intangible.” As a result, we, we not only have a distorted view of God, but we also have a distorted view of our self. How we see our self determines how we see and respond to others (64), and how we see and respond to God.<br />
<br />
Bishop pointed out that until we see our self as God sees us we would have an insecure heart. The Holy Spirit convicted me of my own insecurity, from Bishop's list of things that evidence insecurity such as; 1) Always defensive and hate to be evaluated or critiqued, 2) Fear of disapproval, and 3) You talk about yourself, your family, your accomplishments, your goals (90). I had never thought about these traits as signs of insecurity. However, as an adopted Child of God we get our security and approval from God. Bishop reminds us of God's response to Jesus and to us as His adopted children from Matthew 3:17, "This is my dearly beloved Son, who brings me great joy" (92). What greater words of affirmation, for we all need love and acceptance from our daddy, whether earthly or heavenly (85).<br />
<br />
Words of love and acceptance is of little value unless you feel the presence of love and acceptance. Bishop's most profound point for me, was what he says is "central to theological truth," not that God loves me, or that He was for me, but that He is, and will always be, with me (73). He is in full control of our lives (108), and has a plan that is "good,” for us, which, gives us hope for now and in the future (111). Even during the times when Satan sifts us, Jesus prays for our strength (112) and, when we fail him, he calls us back into a relationship with him (115).<br />
<br />
Bishop made a statement that struck a chord with me, saying, "You can set yourself free from guilt by making atonement for your sins, but only your heavenly Father can remove your shame," (136). We can never set our self free, nor can we personally atone for our sin. This was somewhat misleading except that later in the same paragraph he states that Jesus has made atonement and paid the price. Only Christ can atone for our sins and then our Father removes the shame. God transforms us as we go through a process of healing and restoration. Bishop leads us to look into the mirrors of our past that have lied to us, heaped guilt and shame upon us, rejected us, and distorted our image (139-140). We cannot change what we do not see (145). He leads you to identify your hurt, itemize the things taken from you, incinerate it, then initiate your blessing (155-158). While this sounds rather simple we must have a battle plan; otherwise Satan will destroy us. He discusses the three qualities we need to defeat Satan (164-168), and then he challenges us to turn our negative "I cannot," into a positive, "I can."<br />
<br />
Prior to reading this book, I would have told you that I love my earthly daddy. I would have told you that he is a Follower of Jesus and lives his life accordingly. I knew he was/is not perfect but, I did not think that he would have distorted my understanding of God. In fact, the only reason I read this book was because I did not like the other choices on my "reading to Blog" list. Even though my daddy was very dear to me, and a spiritual giant in my life, I saw characteristics of my dad, and mom, in each of the eight father types. The truth be known, I saw my husband and myself in each of these styles. We are not perfect, but God is.<br />
<br />
Regardless of your father type, you need to read this book. Bishop did a great job explaining the different father types. His transparency, in sharing of his personal life, revealed his sincere desire for us to understand the effect a daddy can have on their child's life. He painfully described his dysfunctional relationships with his biological father and stepfather, and how he came to deal with his hurt and anger. He openly discussed his shortcoming as a father and the negative consequence of his parental style on his son.<br />
<br />
I highly suggest this easy read to everyone. Even if you do not know how you feel about God, it will give some insight to how your daddy has affected how you think and respond. This book would be a great read for a men's study, for young men as they begin fatherhood, for women who have negative perceptions of men, or for those whose fathers did not provide a loving and caring environment. This would make a good sermon series for Sunday or Wednesday night services. The greatest treasure found within the pages of this book is God's true character. If we choose to follow Him, He will live within us, walk with us, and guide us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Get your copy of <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/God-Distorted-Earthly-Affects-Perception/dp/160142485X">God Distorted</a></i> today. I would love to hear your take on the book.<br />
<br />
<i>Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive books free from the publisher WaterBrook Multnomah's book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-10051375716084126402013-07-01T13:30:00.000-04:002014-01-04T19:04:59.816-05:00How to Satisfy your Hunger and Thirst<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlr9sNubA_HNKovrn_TIFVEEzoUfhfKq4NRxT0BoVTizXQKlpkOCGaNnSBqHNI8V4UG68KjbvhiYi-KTOAp1KyF3Wk-Nl-AYAITD8rj-CUcrGjWXSugNgREQ75DNh36rfrBt6wOfGjWY/s400/hungryandthirsty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlr9sNubA_HNKovrn_TIFVEEzoUfhfKq4NRxT0BoVTizXQKlpkOCGaNnSBqHNI8V4UG68KjbvhiYi-KTOAp1KyF3Wk-Nl-AYAITD8rj-CUcrGjWXSugNgREQ75DNh36rfrBt6wOfGjWY/s320/hungryandthirsty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Scripture:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness;
for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Truth for Today:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are all familiar with the physical needs of hunger and thirst. Many have felt and heard the rumble of a growling stomach,
but most of us have never experienced true hunger pains. The same is true of thirst. I grew up
on a small farm, so I understand the dryness and thirst that comes from working
in the cornfield all day. Hunger and thirst represent a void or need in the
physical body. However, food and drink are not the only things that fulfill our
hunger and/or thirst. People seek sex and drugs to satisfy addictions, sports
and games for entertainment, and children, and family or friends for affection. We know from experience those things that provide physical satisfaction only last for a season. However, even if these things satisfied the physical for a lifetime, they would not satisfy the spiritual. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus was referring to the
spiritual needs when he said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst
after righteousness.” Jesus called his disciples to himself and began to teach
them saying, out of your emptiness; seek to be filled with something that is
not temporal. In Matthew 6:33 we
are told, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," then
He will take care of our other needs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What does he mean by righteousness? Righteousness is not
about being a religious guru, knowing “all” about God and His Word.
Righteousness is not just about the position we have in Christ. Knowing God and
accepting his plan of salvation for us through Jesus Christ is foundational to
knowing and understanding God, but righteousness is about how we embody the
very life of Christ. Jesus was telling the crowd that if they would come to
him, he would satisfy the void in their lives. The void in our lives will never
be filled except through the righteousness found through living in relationship
with Jesus. Jesus is saying; 1) talk to me, 2) spend time with me in reading
and meditating on my Word, 3) follow me by walking in righteousness. As we
hunger and thirst after righteousness the Holy Spirit fills us with God’s
character and attributes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you been searching a lifetime, but have never found anything that fully satisfies? I sadly admit there are times when I hunger and
thirst for things that are more worldly rather than things of God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do you satisfy your hunger and thirst? Does it closely resemble anything of God or anything that
would draw you or others to Jesus? I challenge you; try Jesus. Jesus righteousness is the only thing that can deliver permanent satisfaction. Not only can He satisfy you, but others will see the difference He has made in you, and they will be drawn to follow Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Prayer:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Father, create in me an addiction for your Holy presence and
your Word. Fill me with your righteousness so that others will want to know more
about you. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen</i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-39250781873360438662013-06-22T00:16:00.001-04:002014-01-04T19:05:43.205-05:00Meekness is Not Surrender!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Scripture:</span></b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Blessed are the
meek for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Truth for
Today:</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<u><span style="color: #0000e9; font-size: 14pt;">Jesus said, </span></u><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> "Come follow me." His
disciples followed, and Jesus sat down and taught them saying, “Blessed are the meek.” What is
meekness? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">As a young girl my dad was in the field working and an an angry man attacked him. In the process the angered man hit my dad on the side of the face tearing his ear half off. The angered man left, and my dad rushed to the hospital where it took 7 stitches to sew up his ear. Interesting enough, my dad was told a man just left who had been there getting his hand wrapped. He had crushed his knuckles on my dad's face.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I was furious. My dad did nothing. At first, I though my dad had demonstrated weakness, cowardice, and even an inability to stand firm on his
convictions. I could not understand why he would not fight back or at least take
out a warrant for the angered man. When I questioned his actions, His answer
was simple; “I have spent my whole life trying to share the gospel of Jesus with this
man. To fight back would have made me no different than he.” </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">For the first time in my life as a young girl I saw the character of Jesus in my dad. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Meekness is not a surrender of our right; meekness is our right to surrender, believing that our God will vindicate us (Romans
12:19). Jesus was a model of meekness. Jesus modeled the character of God. He
did not press his rights nor did he trample the rights of others. Jesus was a true gentleman.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> A believer
surrenders his will to the Holy Spirit enabling him to produce this quality of
meekness in us. Just as a master brings the power of an untamed horse under
control, the Holy Spirit brings the believer under control.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px;">What is there to gain from meekness?</span><span style="font-size: 19px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek for they shall
inherit the earth.” </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As we bend our knees, humble ourselves, and
surrender to God’s authority in our lives we no longer have to struggle within our own strength. We can rest in knowing that we will not only experience the new
earth but we will receive the promise of God to give us love, peace, and joy. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Prayer:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Dear
Father, may I surrender to the Holy Spirit's work in my life as he brings my untamed spirit under control. Produce in me love, peace, and joy. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Scripture:</span></b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Blessed are those
who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Truth for
Today<i>:</i></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<u><span style="color: #0000e9; font-size: 14pt;">Jesus said, </span></u><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> "Come follow me." As His
disciples followed, he taught them saying, “Blessed are those who mourn.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">What causes you greatest sadness? I don’t know
about you, but I have never felt more sadness than that which comes from a broken
relationship with someone I dearly loved. Relationships are broken when we do
something or fail to do something that we know we should have done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is true not only of people relationships but in
our relationship with God. We all have sin in our lives that violate God’s
design for us. This sin severs man’s relationship with God thereby creating
guilt in man’s mind. Guilt signals 1) that something is not right and, 2) a need
to reconcile with the one who was offended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Because we were separated from God, Jesus took the
initiative, through death on the cross, to restore our relationship with God. He
also sent the Holy Spirit to convict us of our need for restoration. So, now we
have a choice. We can nurse our guilt, anger, or resentment over the broken
relationship with God and blame him and others for our misery or we can accept
the responsibility for our unhappiness and ask for forgiveness. Real sorrow
works true repentance. Jesus taught the crowd, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” In other words, Jesus is saying that when we experience
deep sorrow for our sin against God, repent of our wrong against Him, turn back
to Him, and accept His forgiveness, “we will be comforted.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Do you want to be
happy? Choose Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Prayer:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Dear
Father, forgive me for the sorrow that I have caused you. Restore my
relationship with you. Let your joy flow through me so that others will be drawn to you. In Jesus
name I pray, Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-72069241426492300592013-06-11T01:51:00.004-04:002014-01-04T19:14:49.405-05:00How Poor are You? <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Scripture:</span></b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> Blessed are the
poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></i><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Study</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">: Jesus said,<span style="color: #0000e9;"> </span>"Come follow me." Can you
imagine all the behaviors and the language Jesus must have observed of the
crowd that was “following” Him? I taught kindergarten and often took the
children on field trips. You can learn a lot about children and their families
as you listen and observe. Jesus took advantage of this teachable moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Jesus taught, saying, "Blessed are the poor in
Spirit for they shall inherit the kingdom of God.” "Poor! You say? I do
not understand.” I was taught that my civic responsibility was to take care of
myself and to lend a hand to others who were not as fortunate. I have spent my
whole life working from nine to five to provide food, clothes, home,
conveniences, and even luxuries for my family. Is Jesus saying I have to become
financially bankrupt to follow Him? The vision in my mind is a bankrupt person
standing on the side of the road who is not only bankrupt financially but whose
spirit is bankrupt. They have lost all the happiness and joy and are hopeless
except for the mercy shown by others. They cannot help themselves or anyone
else. What could Jesus possibly have meant by telling his followers to become
"poor?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">This is not about being financially bankrupt. It is
about spiritual bankruptcy which is our inability to satisfy the deepest needs
in our life. God created us to be in relationship with him because outside that
relationship we will always search to fill that void. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">King David understood the concept of being poor in
spirit. He said, "<i>THE LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes
me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores
my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me,</i>" Psalm
23:1-4. David understood that happiness was not in wealth but in an attitude of acceptance that God is the giver and provider of all good things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Application:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> How many people do you know that does not experience true joy in their spirit? Do have joy? Many walk, as they though they have no hope.
Without Jesus there is no hope we are spiritually poor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The first step in any recovery plan is to </span><span style="font-size: 21px;">recognize one's need. As we recognize our need we acknowledge our poverty and in that poverty </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">we simply need to open our clinched fist and
accept Christ offer to bless us. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit”
for they have recognized their spiritual bankruptcy and have come with open
hands to be blessed from the Father who wants to fill us with this finest, joy and happiness from within (Psalms 81:16).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Prayer:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Dear
Father help us to realize our spiritual bankruptcy, to humble ourselves so that
you can bless us with the finest you desire for us. In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-33907899876727462122013-06-03T22:57:00.000-04:002014-01-04T19:15:55.603-05:00Need An Attitude Adjustment?<div style="text-align: right;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-5-1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHb8QZnCrOQwd_lNKA_xOGQ3pGwPIwXoFzqpBWvSlUWO3vBDBuAsT7IWigiDj2KQZuH2HsowYnw72j_-xCEbpuixgZoLDjYCHyk5xR3RbtPnIZCnpL8peSbYyS7xuWRTRzrcDwgCCeFUY/s1600/images-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHb8QZnCrOQwd_lNKA_xOGQ3pGwPIwXoFzqpBWvSlUWO3vBDBuAsT7IWigiDj2KQZuH2HsowYnw72j_-xCEbpuixgZoLDjYCHyk5xR3RbtPnIZCnpL8peSbYyS7xuWRTRzrcDwgCCeFUY/s1600/images-4.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-5-1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-5-1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><b>Scripture: <i>"</i></b></span><i><span class="text Matt-5-1" style="background-color: white;">Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Matt-5-2" id="en-NIV-23237" style="background-color: white;">and he began to teach them. He said: Blessed are..." Matthew 5:1-12</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Study: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Old Testament ended with a curse (Malachi 4:6). Righteousness had been reduced to a little more than ceremony and tradition, sacrifice of animals, and man-made temples. Their understanding of the kingdom was nothing more that the hope for a king that would bring political power to the nation of Israel. </span><span class="text Matt-5-2" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But, God is the God of hope. </span></span><span class="text Matt-5-2" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The New Testament </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">begins with a blessing, eternal life. </span><span class="text Matt-5-2" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jesus had travel throughout the surrounding area of Galilee teaching the blessing to all who would receive it, "<a href="http://patsycostner.blogspot.com/2013/05/what-is-our-christian-calling.html">Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.</a>" </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The kingdom of heaven is a new way of life. Because so many misunderstand the coming kingdom of Christ, Jesus sat down and began to teach them what it meant to be kingdom-minded or for Christ to reign in their lives. He was so careful but in reality, he was telling them they needed an attitude adjustment. In other words if you belong to me your attitude will reflect my character. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Application: </b>M</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">any see the gospel light and hear the gospel sound but never experience transformation in their lives because they will not allow the light and sound to sink into the the depths of their mind and heart. Kingdom living, abundant life, is not just for tomorrow but how we live our lives in the present. However, without an attitude change will not be blessed. Jesus was telling the crowd, to inherit the kingdom requires evidence of an attitude change. In other words, "A bad attitude is like a flat tire, you are not going anywhere until you change it." </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As a child of God we are changed or transformed into the likeness of Christ. Our new attitude and character is evidence of the baptism of the Spirit. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Without this new attitude we will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">How blessed are you? Some days I need an attitude adjustment. What kind of attitude adjustment do you need? </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;">Prayer: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Dear Father, reveal to me the attitudes in my life that are not kingdom-minded. Help me to surrender my attitude so that you can produce in me your attitude and character. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-29849508608719106722013-05-29T23:52:00.000-04:002014-01-04T19:17:11.739-05:00The Healer<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;"><b>Scripture: </b></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">"</span><span style="color: #050d13;">and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them." </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Matthew 4:24</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 21px;"><b>Study:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Yesterday we looked at, <a href="http://patsycostner.blogspot.com/2013/05/and-he-healed-them.html">Jesus the Healer</a>. Jesus'</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;"> purpose was to save souls and in the process he healed those with various sicknesses.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Sickness is a hard thing. Some sicknesses directly effect our physical flesh, some effect our emotional and/or mental state, and others effect our spiritual state of being. Regardless the sickness or need, God is the answer to all life's problems and needs.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b>Application:</b> </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"> As my friend, <a href="http://tomraines.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/affirmation-of-god-i-am-poor-and-needy/">Tom</a>, would say, "the first step to recovery, or healing is to admit we are powerless and in need of God's help." Most of the</span><span style="line-height: 21px;"> time, God is our last resort, after we have sought answers from doctors and medicine. We should seek Christ first. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 21px;">There are two songs that come to my mind when I am at my weakest moment. "In the Presence of Jehovah," leads me into God's presence. I can find that just being in God's presence brings healing to my spirit. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b>In The Presence of Jehovah: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ZgQX4lDzpWg?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes we just need to acknowledge and claim God as "The Healer." Knowing that God is faithful to meet our needs brings a sense of peace to my soul. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<b style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Healer by Hillsong: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ZG6I6RnwwLI?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Whatever your need, God is waiting to heal you. Trust him to perform a miracle in you. Allow him to be your healer and then give Him the glory. Do you have songs that comfort you in your times of greatest need?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Prayer:</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">Dear Father, help me to recognize you as the Great Healer and allow you the freedom to complete His work in me. Thank you for strength for today and hope for tomorrow. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-72227074398201863162013-05-27T23:59:00.002-04:002014-01-04T19:50:53.116-05:00And He Healed Them<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLB4GAuRfVLAkzcONh__MvHHGTjSPrqlzy8e5fIGEZnOIGK_ZYO174vQe54Li6wBbK-3dhqfpsBvgpv028DPC1dIpOEqwdwBUOZRWqnyJbVxCTptLOXIL4JBLvoKF0hVL-J2OKDF1YYQ/s1600/images-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLB4GAuRfVLAkzcONh__MvHHGTjSPrqlzy8e5fIGEZnOIGK_ZYO174vQe54Li6wBbK-3dhqfpsBvgpv028DPC1dIpOEqwdwBUOZRWqnyJbVxCTptLOXIL4JBLvoKF0hVL-J2OKDF1YYQ/s1600/images-3.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Scripture: </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #050d13; font-size: 14pt;">And he went
throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel
of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.
So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick,
those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons,
epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them. And great crowds followed him
from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond
the Jordan. Matthew 4:23-25</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #050d13; font-size: 14pt;">Study:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">There was only one temple in
Jerusalem. However, c</span><span style="color: #050d13; font-size: 14pt;">ommunities
that had ten or more men (families) built synagogues for the purpose of worship.
They were also used during the week as schools. The law (Old Testament) was
read, prayers were offered and then any man could expound upon the Scriptures.</span><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Often visiting rabbis, and Jesus,
would be invited to teach.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Jesus developed a ministry that
revealed His purpose for being here. Even though He (Jesus) was the object of our
faith, He always pointed others to God's kingdom, and that God is with us and
cares for us. Jesus...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Preached</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> the good news, the Kingdom <b>Way</b> of life, that was available to everyone who would hear Him
and receive Him. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Taught </span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">the <b>Truth</b>
of<i> </i></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">a new of life that includes freedom, hope, and peace from within and that would bring unity among the
people.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Healed</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> individuals of their
spiritual and physical sicknesses giving them eternal <b>Life</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">As a result of Jesus ministry people came <i>from a
long distance</i> to hear and learn about Him, and experience his
miracles of healing. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Application:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Do we fully grasp the truth that"Jesus Heals"? We know all about him and we believe he healed others but do we have faith that He can heal us of our own sickness and problems? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">The truth is, healing is the underlying theme of God's plan and purpose for sending Jesus into this world, into our lives, to make right all that is wrong. We pray for physical healing but that is only part of us. He wants to restore both our physical and spiritual body. This healing brings life in it's fullness back to us. It restores our relationship to God and with others. To obtain this healing requires us to go the distance to experience him and yet many choose to stay in their state of sickness, brokenness, and hurt. Jesus want to heal us but it requires us to hear Him, to receive His physical and spiritual healing, and be willing to live the life He has called us to live. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">As we accept Jesus' way to a new life we will want to follow Jesus example; minister to the physical and spiritual needs of others, share the
gospel of Jesus with them, and mentor and disciple them in their walk. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Prayer: </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Dear Father, continue to heal me physically and spiritually. As I walk this journey <span style="color: #262626;">lead me to others that I may show them your way. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.</span></span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-68792403741237380262013-05-23T07:54:00.001-04:002014-01-04T19:52:38.858-05:00What is our Christian Calling?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34Z0pzfR0Szqwcj8Wpht43Pjx8pBj9DnOAo9XA0RQVic3ybJMPsNPv7CedCtW4zRI8QWr8PjsAPXtZcCKiSyyXwK76zBOLJfeAtZ3AGAfpIVn3sF_ywlp39zVBBMufeNlKXE4F-NH2fQ/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34Z0pzfR0Szqwcj8Wpht43Pjx8pBj9DnOAo9XA0RQVic3ybJMPsNPv7CedCtW4zRI8QWr8PjsAPXtZcCKiSyyXwK76zBOLJfeAtZ3AGAfpIVn3sF_ywlp39zVBBMufeNlKXE4F-NH2fQ/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Scripture:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Matt-4-12">"<i>Now when Jesus heard that John had been put into prison... He went to "the people who sat in darkness.... And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned. For, Jesus</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> began to preach, <span class="woj">“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23227F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> has come near.” ... And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee saw two brothers,... Then he said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." ...Going from there, He saw two other brothers, and he called them, "and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him." Matthew 4:12-22.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="woj"><br /></span></i></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Study:</b> John the Baptist, the forerunner to Jesus, was put into prison, Jesus took the same message that John the Baptist spoke, "Turn from you sin and turn to God." Then Jesus calls out two believers that John had baptized earlier (John 1:37) and said, "If you follow me I will make you fishers of men." Christ followers;</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Come when they are called. </b>When we hear the call we are to be obedient. Interestingly, God knows all the stuff that is going on in our lives and he expects us to leave those things to fulfill the calling.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>G</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>o wherever he leads them. </b>Sometimes we say we must step out into the dark. Darkness is not of Christ. We step out in faith trusting God to lead the way. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Focus on Him.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> As we walk we turn away from ourself and the world and focus on Christ </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Bring light to darkness.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Jesus is the light in the darkness. The gospel message is always the same, "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Turn from your sin,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">" and "Follow Jesus."</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Application: </b>When we answer the call to follow Jesus, we are called to share that gospel with others. Many people do many things, good things, in the line of ministry. Objects are objects, they are not love. We give things that represent the love we have. These good things are the ways that we share love with others. We are commanded to love our neighbors so that we will lead them from "darkness to light." The only way to do this is by getting to the core of the gospel, "Turn from your sin, and follow Jesus," You may not all be called to be an evangelist, preacher, or foreign missionary, but all followers are called to share the gospel message. Have you been faithful to your calling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<b>Prayer: </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dear Father, Help me to walk worthy of the calling, to be faithful to follow you wherever you lead, and to be bold in sharing your gospel. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-86513662732137529962013-05-15T00:01:00.003-04:002014-01-04T19:54:29.842-05:00Mama Said, "There'd Be Days Like These..."<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJO7lirlbchtvIvWGlhoAD23-rWfcJ2lr5QphU8LavwJjwDtYXzL57Et8WkZvzYV-nqxvpFdHVK9j4iADQKUNDCLZ0R7-bRuNgf3ziI0CMFq8KVEuPKBEKVtqCaFQCcAS3FTpcyTbk2I/s1600/images-19.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJO7lirlbchtvIvWGlhoAD23-rWfcJ2lr5QphU8LavwJjwDtYXzL57Et8WkZvzYV-nqxvpFdHVK9j4iADQKUNDCLZ0R7-bRuNgf3ziI0CMFq8KVEuPKBEKVtqCaFQCcAS3FTpcyTbk2I/s1600/images-19.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Scripture:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then Jesus was led up by the
Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty
days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If
you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he
answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every
word that comes from the mouth of God.’”Then the devil took him to the holy
city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the
Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,“‘He will command his angels
concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike
your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You
shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a
very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their
glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down
and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is
written,“‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”Then
the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
Matthew 4:1-11.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21pt;"><span style="color: #09131f;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21pt;"><span style="color: #09131f;"><b>Study: </b>In the last chapter the Holy Spirit was affirming Christ and now, if you read carefully, you saw</span></span><span style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21pt;"> that the Holy Spirit led Jesus in the wilderness to be tempted. If the Holy Spirit is our comforter then why would he lead us into a seemingly position of failure? However we know that Jesus came to earth to identify with man. Jesus provided us a perfect example of resisting temptation. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #09131f;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #09131f;">By being subjected like as we but without yielding to temptation While we may find this hard to understand, Jesus left heaven to identify with mankind. To identify with him he had to be tempted like we are tempted. Without being tempted just as we are then he could not have overcome temptation</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #09131f;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">. </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The interesting thing is that Satan tempts us with something to entice us but the underlying test is rooted in same three areas that we are tempted, physical desires, possession and power, and pride. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Notice, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He always test us where we are vulnerable.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #09131f;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yet each time Jesus was tempted he overcame the temptation. Each time he said, "It is written..." exercising his power to overcome Satan and the temptation by speaking scripture. Then he denounced him, calling his bluff, and telling him to flee. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #09131f;">Jesus modeled how we should resist him. We are to arm ourselves with the W</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #09131f;">ord of God so we will recognize when we are being deceived by Satan's lies and we can resist by speaking and acting in truth. We are to obey the word of God and the Word of God will set us Free. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #09131f;"><b>Application: </b>When we turn to Jesus we know there'd be days "like these" when we are confronted with temptation<b>. </b>We must remember that a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> person's convictions are only strong if they hold up under pressure</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> The t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">emptation is not sin, but to give in is sin. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If we have not experienced an opportunity to disobey then have we exercised true obedience? How well do you hold up under pressure? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #09131f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Prayer:</b> <i>Father give us a thirst for your word so that we will be equipped to resist Satan and temptation. In Jesus name, Amen.</i></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-68771877017103905742013-05-09T12:16:00.001-04:002014-01-04T19:55:19.404-05:00Identify!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Scripture: </span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“<i>But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” …And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him,<b> </b>and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son<b>,</b> with whom I am well pleased.” <o:p></o:p></i><i>Matthew 3:13-17</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">After Eve and Adam sinned, t<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">here needed to be a perfect sacrifice to justify humanity for his sin. </span><span style="color: #333333;">Jesus, having no sin, willing accepted God's plan to "fulfill all righteousness."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Jesus' first step in fulfilling God's plan was to be water baptized. He did this to identify with his people. As</span> Jesus came from the water, the Holy Spirit descended upon him to affirm his calling, which included the cross, death, and resurrection. Then God/Father<span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;"> said, </span>“I am well pleased.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In the previous post, we discussed that man's first step to salvation is confession and repentance followed by water baptism.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> It is not the water that saves but what the baptism represents. </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Baptism is an outward action to identify us with Christ and the work He accomplished for us to fulfill our righteousness. As we identify with Christ we follow his example of dying to himself. We die to sinful way of life, and choose to submit to the Holy Spirits' direction in our life. In other words, by our identity with Christ, we are made righteous in Him. </span><span class="Apple-style-span">When this happens God/Father will be pleased. And note this, not only will God notice, but others will identify us with Christ. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Application:</b> <span class="Apple-style-span">Jesus identified with us and we will identify with Him. If our lives do not identify us with Jesus, the act was meaningless. Does our walk identify us with Jesus?</span></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-17313933426547638482013-05-07T18:41:00.002-04:002014-01-04T19:55:42.472-05:00Is Your Baptism unto Salvation? <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;"><i>I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Matthew 3: 11-12</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">In the previous passage John the Baptist was teaching and baptizing with water. He explained the value of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">water baptism to represent the believer's confession and repentance of sin. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">This sounds as though John was teaching a two step process of being saved, first, confession and repentance, then later, something else. However, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">"John's baptism" was before Jesus had begun his ministry and before the giving of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">he explained that his baptism was to prepare the way for "the ONE coming after him, who </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire," and that His (Jesus) work was superior to his (John's)," actually, completing God plan of salvation. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">In the previous passage he told the the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"> Pharisees and Sadducees that their baptism was nothing more that being "dunked" in the water. Maybe they had confessed and were sorry for their sins but there was no evidence of turning away from their sin. John told them, (paraphrased), "Unless there is evidence, producing "good" fruit, you are not "saved" and "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">you will </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">burn with the chaff and surely die." However, if you truly repent, you will be given the Holy Spirit and fire. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">Many people go into the water and are "dunked" but come out of the water, living no different from when they went in. Maybe they confess their sins, and for the moment are sorry for having lived a sinful life. They have good intentions to live the Christian life but turning from their old life is another story. Most want to claim the reward of being saved without turning away from the old habits and lifestyle and turning to Jesus' way. In fact, many have no intention of submitting to the Holy Spirit's working in their life to enable them to resist the temptation to sin. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">Unless faith becomes active in our lives we have been deceived and have not been truly "saved." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;"><b>Application:</b> If we want to lead others to Christ our lives must be convincing that Jesus is alive. in our lives. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">Repentance means to "turn around and not go back." If baptism represents the inward change, and the way we live our lives is the outward evidence of the Holy Spirit working in our life, then why aren't we seeing evidence in the lives of those who profess to be Christian? How can we live life WORTHY of our calling? </span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-23796430778741058132013-05-02T17:00:00.000-04:002014-01-04T19:56:46.223-05:00The Jesus Mission by Steven K. Scott<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br />
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My heart and soul cried. I just finished reading, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Jesus Mission</i>, by Steven K. Scott. There have been times, when reading God’s Word, that my soul cried, but I do not recall this ever happening upon reading someone's book. However, the most profound statement in this book, the one that changed my mindset, Scott’s last statement, did just that, as he wrote, “And yet her testimony was so convincing that the Spirit of God opened the men’s hearts and empowered them to believe (278).” </div>
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The statement seemed to echo in my heart, “How convincing is your testimony?” As my soul wept, I tried to answer my question as my heart and mind called out a prayer, “Oh God, that my life’s witness and testimony would be one that would cause another to look up to God.” Is this not the heart of Jesus' ministry? With a resounding, “Yes,” we can say that it is our ministry/mission as well. And this is also Scott’s reason for writing, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Jesus Mission</i>.</div>
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Scott maintains that many live their lives believing “their destiny is secured by their mere mental agreement with theological statements of doctrine rather than by the beliefs of their heart (27).” How we live our lives is our testimony and witness. Our <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">witness for Christ is not a duty or obligation</span> but is a follower's natural outpouring of God's love manifested in us toward mankind (49, 66). If we want to impact the lives of non-believers, they must see a God who is able to make a difference in how a person lives their lives.<br />
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Eternal life is not based on our obedience, our obedience is evidence that we have been born again (51). It is through our obedience that we are motivated to love others and share the gospel of Jesus with them (66). If we are "born again," we will thirst for God's word and a desire to know Jesus more intimately, so that we know the qualities that are to be produced and sustained by this new nature (72). He goes into detail as he talks about the rebirthing process (77), then Scott focuses on the 4 mission's Christ gave to us as believer's (97). 1) Become more intimate with God, 2) Accelerate your personal growth (113), 2) Empower other believer's to better follow Christ, and, 4) Impact the lives of non-believers (145). He does not present an "all easy life." He indicates that following Christ brings much joy, but there can be setbacks. He encourages the follower but warns them of the roadblocks and detours to following Christ (159). Then he reminds us of the promises of Jesus that makes following Him worth while (179). He spends the remainder of the book answering questions that will help the reader know Jesus in a more intimate way and that will change the way they live their life (193).</div>
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Scotts outlines not a new model, but the very ministry that Jesus came to the earth to accomplish. So… why do we need to keep repeating the same message? Because organized church (millions of Christians, only by name not by the life they live) has not grasp it yet. </div>
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What is your mission – as a follower of Christ? If you are interested in fulfilling the mission Christ left for you to accomplish, then you will want a copy of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Jesus Mission</i>. This one might be a good one for a reader’s circle, or small group study. Pick up or order your copy today.</div>
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Come back and share with me,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What God is Saying…” to you through, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Jesus <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive books free from the publisher WaterBrook Multnomah's book review bloggers program, http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/blogger/bloggers/update_info . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03295998789609720556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540467289959314765.post-41616279790131117712013-05-01T16:04:00.003-04:002014-01-04T19:57:19.447-05:00Baptized by Water<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;"><i>"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.... Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him,... and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.... But he said to them...Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.... (for) Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. " Matthew 3: 1-10.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Study:</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">God had been silent since the prophet Malachi, some 330+ years, and now a new man is on the scene, John the Baptist. John not only proclaimed a new gospel, but instituted "baptism" by water, by those who accepted the doctrine of confession and repentance of their sins. He was telling the people to come, confess their sins and be baptized with water. Repent means to turn from, making an about face, turning to something new.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">The Pharisees and Sadducees were coming for baptism, but were not sincere in their faith. In other words they had not truly repented for their conversion had not made any difference in the way they were living their lives. John illustrates this point by saying that a tree bears good fruit and those trees that are not producing the fruit that the tree claims to produce is cut down. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">There are many who have been baptized with water. They say they believe. Even Satan and those possessed by demons believe. Our belief will move us to confession and repentance of our sin. It is healing to confess our sin but confession alone is not enough. If we do not turn from the sin and go in a different direction, we will continue in that sin or some other sin. To repent means that we choose a different way. The Bible contrast defines two ways; one that includes life, light, and good, versus the the other which includes death, dark, and evil. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">If we want a new life absent of death, dark and things associated with evil then we must confess our sin and turn from those things and choose the new life. Confession and repentance is the first step to a new life that includes the giver of life - Jesus. Evidence of true confession and repentance is how we live our life or as John said, we will bear "good fruit." </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">We planted a plum tree but when it produced it's fruit it was not a plum. The fruit was about the size of a pinto with a seed the size of a pea. We cut the tree down carried it to the dump. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;"><b>Application: </b>Has Christ made a difference in the way you live? If you have not allowed Christ to made a difference in your life I would challenge you to repent from those things in your life that do not represent Jesus. If you have never known Christ, confess and repent and live for him. Either way - Turn and choose Jesus today.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;">How do you understand confession and repentance? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><i>Dear God, thank you for providing a way for me to restore my relationship with you through confession and repentance. We all have the human desire to satisfy our own needs but convict me of my wrong doings so that I will turn from sin before I allow sin to take my thoughts captive. </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;"><i>Convict and forgive me for my sin and help me to choose you in every area of my life. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px;"><i>Keep me from the evil one that would lead me into temptation. Holy Spirit come. Holy Spirit come. To you Father in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. </i></span></div>
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