tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53630619229148991702024-03-15T10:28:15.708-04:00Joy in the MorningMary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-8272229730638944772022-10-24T17:49:00.005-04:002022-10-24T18:03:49.411-04:00For the Love of A Friend<p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Heart, Love, Romance, Valentine, Harmony" class="photo-result-image" height="183" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/03/30/20/33/heart-700141__340.jpg" srcset="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/03/30/20/33/heart-700141__340.jpg 1x, https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/03/30/20/33/heart-700141__480.jpg 2x" width="274" /></span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> Late June of 2022, I received a phone call from a friend I had reconnected with about a year and a half ago. After the friendly greetings </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">were over, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">she said she had something she wanted to ask me that was very important. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I said ‘ok.’ She began with how long it had been since she had had a real vacation without her client and </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">she </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">was sensing </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">a real need </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">to get away</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> That was not new information to me because she had expressed those feelings </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">many times </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">before. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Then she said, “Would you consider coming here and keeping my client for 10 days </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">while I take that much needed vacation?</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">”</span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Honestly, my heart sank and I began to want to back peddled out of th</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">at</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> conversation. I was not expecting that question at all. She explained ever so gently that she would pay me her salary and I could bring Gracie, my dachshund, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">with me </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">because her 3 dogs would be at the boarders. She </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">promised</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">to </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">fill the refrigerator with food </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">for both her client and me </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">so I would not have to </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">be concerned with</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> bring</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">ing</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> food for myself. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Then sh</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">e said, “</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">sn’t there a project you want to do around </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">your</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> house </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">that this extra money would be good for</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">? </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">T</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">hen there was a pause </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">and a silence until I could gather my thoughts.</span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">I </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">have </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">never asked her how much I would make</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">because that was </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">never</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> important </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">to me.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">My concern was primarily for</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> her client. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Could I do or should I do what she was asking </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">of me</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">? </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">I know her client but not well. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s not that I thought I couldn’t do it so much as </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">thinking that </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">10 days is a long time with a ‘non-verbal’ person</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> if you don’t know what you are doing. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">I had done one-on-one work before but this would definitely be out of my comfort zone for sure. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">My mind searched for a reason to say no </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">as I </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">quickly </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">prayed, “</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">H</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">elp me Lord!’ </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">or more like “</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">R</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">escue me </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">here</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Lord!</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">.”</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> but there wasn’t </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">a reason </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">or a rescue</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">to be found.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">S</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">o moments later, I found myself saying ‘yes’ even though I wanted to say ‘no’. I could sense the surprise in her voice when I said yes so quickly. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">I told her “as far as I knew, I could do it.” She thanked me and said she would be in touch </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">with more details as the time grew closer</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">After I got off the phone, I began to pray fast and furiously. Lord, did I </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">give the right answer? Is this </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Y</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">our will?</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> If this is </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Y</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">our will</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">, I will be fine but if it is not, then I need to talk to my friend again quickly. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">I don’t want to go where you have not sent me </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">and cheat the person of the blessing who is, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">but I do know that ministry to others happens in all kinds of ways </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">and I will go if you are sending me</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Within moments, the Lord brought to my memory Memorial Day </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">just the</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> month before, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">when my friend and her client </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">had been</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> over having grilled hamburger</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">s</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">. During the meal, my eye caught an object resting between us. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">When </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">reached down to </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">pick it up, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">realized i</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">t was a penny. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I thought that</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">was unusual</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">and </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">later </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">put it on my desk for safe keeping. The penny </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">on my desk </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">was what the Lord w</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">as b</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">ringing</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> back to my remembrance.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> It was unusual to find a penny right there and it was positioned </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">closer</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> to my friend. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">For years, f</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">inding pennies in </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">unusual </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">places has been a special language </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">between Holy Spirit and I. Naturally speaking </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">a penny</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> means “one cent” but spiritually speaking it means “one sent”. The Lord was saying, “</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">E</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">ven before you said yes, I had already made plans to send you </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">in answer to her need</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">.” Then I knew it was His will and </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">a divine assignment for me.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">E</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">ven </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">though</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> I </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">felt</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> a little </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">unsure of myself</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">then</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I knew </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">He would provide all that </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I would </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">need</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I have learned </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">from experience </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">that obedience </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">to His directions</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> brings about the blessings. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Peace </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">and then excitement </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">filled m</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">y heart</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">.</span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">As I have studied the book of Joshua in the last few weeks at my bible study class, I have learned what happened to Joshua several times when he did not </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">make the</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> time to ask God for wisdom </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">and direction</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">He thought he knew what to do and that God would be with him to bring about the victory no matter what. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">U</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">nfortunately that </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">was</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> not what actually happened. Before attacking </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">A</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">i, Joshua listen to the human wisdom of his men </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">o</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">n how to attack the city and it sounded like a wise plan to Joshua so he </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">told his men to go ahead</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">without consulting God </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">first</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">When</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> all was said and done, thirty-six Israelites </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">had been</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> killed, the rest ran way in fear, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">and there was no victory</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">experiences of the Israelites in the </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Book of Joshua </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">are</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> so realistic and ha</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">ve</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> much wisdom </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">to offer</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">us</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> today. Human nature hasn’t changed much </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">over</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> time.</span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">S</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">ometimes like Joshua, we get in a hurry to make decisions on our own. “I can decide this one Lord!” we think with enthusiasm </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">and confidence</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">but then later find out we should have waited to respond until we pray</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">ed</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> for </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">God’s </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">wisdom </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">and direction</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">. Events didn’t turn out the way we thought they would and we are left hanging our heads. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">In other words, a</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">sking God to b</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">less</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> our plans without first going to Him for His, can lead us into consequences we </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">hadn’t </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">prepared to face.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Assuming what God’s will is, just because it “seem</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">s</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">” wise </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">to us and others</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">, can get us into all kinds of trouble</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">choices </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">we make on an everyday basis </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">matter over time. Learning to do things ‘with God’ instead of ‘for God’ can make all the differenc</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">e</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">There is no substitute for</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">spending time in His Presence </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">seeking </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">for </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">His will</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">.</span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">So in August, I filled out the </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">job </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">application </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">that </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">my friend’s company </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">was requiring</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> and gave them a copy of my old resume (I have been retired for years), college transcripts and social security card so that I could be officially hired for both our protections. I got drug tested and attended all the training classes required. Those experiences were enlightening having been retire</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">d</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> for </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">a number of</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> years. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Seemed like a lot for just 10 days but then again </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I am </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">thank</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">ing</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> God this job will only </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">BE</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> for 10 days!</span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">I am looking forward to ‘</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><u><b>my</b></u></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> new client’ and I know she is </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">too</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> because of how excited </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">she </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">acted</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> last week when I showed up at her day care facility </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">with my friend </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">for </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">a little bit of </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">training. </span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">T</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">his Friday, I will start my new </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">10 day </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">job </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">and</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> this time next week </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">I will be halfway through </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">God’s </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">assignment. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">P</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">lease pray for me</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">. Although I know I have prepared as </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">best</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> as I can, there is still a little nervousness because </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">of</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “my” client </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">being</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> non-verbal. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Y</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">ou can bet that </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Holy Spirit</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> will be on speed dial every step of the way. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">But...</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">no matter what I may encounter </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">over th</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">ose</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> 10 days</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">God makes me aware that His </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">wisdom </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">and faithfulness</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> are always </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">by</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> my side </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">when I seek His counsel</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;">And...I look forward to the blessings that are to come!</span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I want to leave you with this scripture:</span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Trust in the Lord with all your heart,</span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">and lean not on your own understanding;</span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">In all your ways acknowledge Him, </span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And he shall direct your paths. </span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Do not be wise in your own eyes;</span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Fear the Lord and depart from evil. </span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It will be health to our flesh, </span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And strength to your bones.</span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Proverbs 3: 5-8</span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> UPDATE: God helped me through it all...and the tougher spots, He made smoother. My client and I enjoyed each other and even laughed at times. I rejoice in His faithfulness to us both. And my friend...she came back restored too. </span><br /></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-62247085576075250202022-07-12T10:13:00.009-04:002022-07-12T10:17:17.453-04:00Godly Discernment<p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was out in my spearmint patch this morning pulling weeds. I had made one pass and was looking more intently on the second. I found a weed that was so simular to the real plant that I missed it the first time. Then the Lord popped up and said, "If you do not stay in my word and discern with my wisdom (by the revelation of the Holy Spirt), you will think you are following Me but you will actually be following him (the deciever)." I prayed for God's discernment to fill me to the core. Many will be deceived in the days to come. Watch and pray! Matthew 24:4, Mark 13:5, Luke 21:8, 1Peter 5:8, John 10:10</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vrk1zgTd22sRmLOWli4cpoNZ3xP3Ym_TXk4j7JQKR3Ec_ZJowj_Zjt9y0I3J9un3Sb_mIz8o6eshIjOHOG5aUN6d0ahEN6Z6Q4c80ZOYwAZMsEjm1e2vUHGPR3DGprbeAuckWWCV4vqNtjnDk-Nmv5RmbVyRlWuY4ZrAGU08b1ebw2rsfRDoENKe-g/s4032/0708221100.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vrk1zgTd22sRmLOWli4cpoNZ3xP3Ym_TXk4j7JQKR3Ec_ZJowj_Zjt9y0I3J9un3Sb_mIz8o6eshIjOHOG5aUN6d0ahEN6Z6Q4c80ZOYwAZMsEjm1e2vUHGPR3DGprbeAuckWWCV4vqNtjnDk-Nmv5RmbVyRlWuY4ZrAGU08b1ebw2rsfRDoENKe-g/w249-h332/0708221100.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPoU8vCJ2rDmcIcmKLJgg0fiN_IFgZphil4625AwJMdIFMNDSX6uPNgLNyfWYpZGMk_3RR4c3rHb3dm3tE_J1IJQ3KfK3nLD2KXaAtW_yWZ5HW4H7-ff4JOGt25af1ImlRp2NSDDFDvs0azG6MxWNiEFwL1p6NItKjgL03SLLbG3Kq9w1iPZh1yexig/s4032/0708221102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPoU8vCJ2rDmcIcmKLJgg0fiN_IFgZphil4625AwJMdIFMNDSX6uPNgLNyfWYpZGMk_3RR4c3rHb3dm3tE_J1IJQ3KfK3nLD2KXaAtW_yWZ5HW4H7-ff4JOGt25af1ImlRp2NSDDFDvs0azG6MxWNiEFwL1p6NItKjgL03SLLbG3Kq9w1iPZh1yexig/w252-h336/0708221102.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><p></p>Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-54714392545674338222021-03-17T21:19:00.021-04:002021-03-17T21:29:42.564-04:00'All God's Saints' A St Patrick's Day Devotional<p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;">As you know, today is St. Patrick’s Day. It is not about the shamrocks, leprechauns, and wearing green. That’s the world’s version. Today is really about the people of Ireland and others around the world remembering and celebrating the life of a man who brought Christianity to the country of Ireland. Some of you may not be aware of St. Patrick’s life story and how he was called to bring the gospel to this hostile frontier.</span></span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></p><div class="separator"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhel9HwUEpo4Qdjc2AdmbRPaTOPwYGqE40T5JJB40VfoNo9xSYMCquZ7kxcGt5W5nGLnmqpxF6Tr3KU3EeZYzMp8Ye9kEiFMgiUMy2Hf_giJMIpmzEkAwbxZvHTSdyqtU3tR7WB74svfyz6/s240/2411996032_42e3cfbb66_m.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="240" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhel9HwUEpo4Qdjc2AdmbRPaTOPwYGqE40T5JJB40VfoNo9xSYMCquZ7kxcGt5W5nGLnmqpxF6Tr3KU3EeZYzMp8Ye9kEiFMgiUMy2Hf_giJMIpmzEkAwbxZvHTSdyqtU3tR7WB74svfyz6/w231-h157/2411996032_42e3cfbb66_m.jpg" width="231" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>St. Patrick was born in Britain to a Roman Catholic family near the 4</span><sup><span>th</span></sup><span> century. His grandfather was a priest back when priest could marry and his father was a deacon as well as an official in the government. St. Patrick was raised in a wealthy religious family but St Patrick himself didn’t take any interest in God or the church. </span></span><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Suddenly at the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and carried back to Ireland as a slave. The conditions and behavior of the people there were barbaric. </span><span>Patrick</span><span> was thrust into the countryside to be a shepherd </span><span>and threatened if he lost a sheep.</span> Patrick had no idea about sheep or what to do if a wolf attacked. In addition, his captors nearly starved him to death in the process. This experience became eye opening for Patrick when he realized there was no escape. I’m sure he was devastated and questioned everything from why is this happening to him to wishing he had listened and developed his relationship with God when his family tried to train me. Nevertheless, at his greatest time of need, Patrick did cry out to God with an open repentant heart in his time of need and God answered him with mercy, grace, and strength to survive and overcome all the obstacles Patrick faced. In time, even though Patrick was still a slave, he and the Lord had become truly one in thought, word and deed. Blame was gone and peace with God had come.</span></p><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then, just as suddenly, after six years, of servitude, God spoke to Patrick in a dream and told him to get up and go. There would be a boat waiting on him. Although fearful, Patrick got up and obeyed God. He made the two hundred mile journey not knowing if he would be captured again. And when he got to the water, there was a boat waiting on him as God had promised. In time, Patrick made it back home safely. Even though he loved his family and time of rest, Patrick was not the same person as when he left. God was calling him to the priesthood. Once again Patrick trusted and obeyed the call of God. He spent the next 20 or so years being spiritually trained and ended up becoming a bishop.</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo1iVRjoIW5YFvlnwxA2VnNZBlqSzLzngGUQLeAGSFyhv06ClLnDcsk67dvW0BZNf2HbDjNWh3cgnjNESYJyBxrVTJ1XEZgFdgCLk__geq_TTi6Pht8jG3Cf5_xzPHO8nr2SGf4Z8H3kC/s1080/81099537_10158135259266454_8773485740290998272_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1080" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo1iVRjoIW5YFvlnwxA2VnNZBlqSzLzngGUQLeAGSFyhv06ClLnDcsk67dvW0BZNf2HbDjNWh3cgnjNESYJyBxrVTJ1XEZgFdgCLk__geq_TTi6Pht8jG3Cf5_xzPHO8nr2SGf4Z8H3kC/w226-h222/81099537_10158135259266454_8773485740290998272_o.jpg" width="226" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Then another suddenly happened. Now that Patrick had been thoroughly trained in the word of God and spiritual matters, God asked Patrick to go back to Ireland to bring the Gospel to his former captors, the barbarians of Ireland. He was advised not to go but Patrick never forgot his captors. He knew that he had found God in Ireland through the things that he had suffered and wanted desperately for them to know and experience God‘s love and truth too. Patrick knew in his heart that God had trained him for this missionary journey from the beginning of His captivity at 16 until now, and he would choose to be obedient to God’s call. And because of Patrick’s obedience and the obedience of countless others, God’s salvation and miraculous power spread through out all of Ireland.<span> </span></span><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now, St. Patrick’s life story is quite inspiring. However, late Sunday night, God began to reveal His desires for the devotional as well. After all, I had prayed for His input days before.</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As I just said, God’s first inspiration came late Sunday night. I was relaxing before bed watching the latest Brenda Gantt’s video. Yes the biscuit queen herself had made and shared her video of her St Patrick’s Day meal from earlier that morning. In the mist of chopping onions of all things she said:</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“<span>If you are a believer, you are a saint. We are called the saints of God. So St. Patrick wasn’t the only saint. I don’t feel like a saint but that is what scripture says...we are saints of God.”</span></span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Soon after, the second inspiration came when I heard God ask:</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“<span>So then, when did St. Patrick actually become a saint? When man declare him so or when I declare him so?</span></span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So obediently, I went looking for the definition of what a saint is.</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;">In Christianity, the word "saint" refers to any person who is "in Christ", and in whom Christ dwells, whether in Heaven or in earth. It is a person who is set apart or separated unto God for holy service.</span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"> </span></span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;">So in other words, a saint is someone who has received Christ as their Savior and been cleansed of all their sins. Afterwards, a saint seeks to do the will of the Heavenly Father throughout their life. It is not about what we do but whose we have become.</span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"> </span></span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;">So Brenda Gantt was right about all believers being saints. But like Miss Brenda, many may say they are saints but they don’t feel like it because many think the definition of a saint is someone who is a lot closer to perfect then they could ever hope to be. Some believers will not even admit to being a saint at all. In all of this, what we need to remember is that just because we may not ‘feel like a saint’ doesn’t mean we aren’t one. God’s Word is Truth. Being a saint is not based on ‘a feeling’ but on our position in Christ. It is not about how sinful we may or may not ‘feel’ on a daily basis. It is about what Christ has done for us to rid us of all our sin even our daily pesky sins through HIs blood and sacrifice on the cross.</span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"> </span></span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: medium;">The scripture in 2 Corinthians 5:17 says:</span></p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: medium;">“<span face="arial, sans-serif"><span>If any man be in Christ, </span></span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">he is a new creation: old things are passed away; </span></span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">behold, all things are become new.” </span></span></span></span></p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">When God looks at you, he see you as holy and perfect because of the blood of Jesus. He sees that whatever you have done wrong in your life before you were born again has now passed away forever. When God looks at you, He sees you as a saint.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;">And God’s question about when Patrick became a saint?</span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"> </span></span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: medium;">Patrick received his salvation and became a saint somewhere in the pastures of Ireland after he was kidnapped at the age of 16. Because of what he suffered, Patrick’s crusty heart softened and became new with the love and care of Christ. After his conversion, St. Patrick followed Christ with virtue and faithfulness the rest of his life.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5q3LrB5f9dWoSqxLywLjxyys9Rz7pvKDNeDHFZo0hfnrR9dPACsM8P_7BxLGFdIlqqmEXF0aU8TQbDK148iXQA052BIfusAmxCCmQlF4ZerJ1_BSih1rc058Ae8a7KmVYaZZU90PIEnj/s1242/56659959_10156613872124177_925292167813922816_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1242" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5q3LrB5f9dWoSqxLywLjxyys9Rz7pvKDNeDHFZo0hfnrR9dPACsM8P_7BxLGFdIlqqmEXF0aU8TQbDK148iXQA052BIfusAmxCCmQlF4ZerJ1_BSih1rc058Ae8a7KmVYaZZU90PIEnj/w214-h159/56659959_10156613872124177_925292167813922816_o.jpg" width="214" /></span></a></div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: medium;"> </span><p></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: medium;">We all have a calling as the saints of God to be ministers of reconciliation in our own sphere of influence too. When we received Christ and were sealed by the Holy Spirit, we then received the power of the Holy Spirit to do the work of the ministry. We may not suffer as St. Patrick did but we will all see suffering if we proclaim the Gospel of Christ in its fullness as Christ desires.</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: medium;">In closing, I challenge each of you today to remember those saints like St Patrick and others you have known personally who have gone before you to proclaim the faith. Learn from their example and cherish their contribution. Then, my friends...go out into the sphere of influence God has assigned you. As St. Patrick, continue to do your part with virtue and faithfulness too!</span></p>Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-75649937593790964172021-03-04T09:01:00.002-05:002021-03-04T09:01:58.483-05:00Welcome to the Family (Part 2)<p><br /></p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Who Am I ?</span></p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">This is who God made you to be when you became His child but you have to </p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">study, meditate,</p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">and know for yourself that they are true.</p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am God’s child (John 1:12).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have been justified (Romans 5:1).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am chosen before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4, 11).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am adopted as his child (Ephesians 1:5).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am victorious (1Corinthians 15:57).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am born again (1Peter 1:23).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am delivered (Colossians 1:13).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am set free (Romans 8:2; John 8:32).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have been brought near to God through Christ’s blood (Ephesians 2:13).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have peace (Ephesians 2:14).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am a member of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am secure (Ephesians 2:20).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am far from oppression, and fear does not come near me (Isaiah 54:14).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me (1 John 5:18).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am holy and without blame before Him in love (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:16).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippines 4:7).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have the Greater One living in me; greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the world </span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(1 John 4:4).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ </span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(Romans 7:17).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17,18).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues. I have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm me. (Mark 16: 7,18; Luke 10:17,19).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have put off the old man and have put on the new man which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created me (Colossians 3:9, 10).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have given, and it is given to me; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over men give into my bosom (Luke 6:38).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have no lack for my God supplies all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus </span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(Philippines 4:19).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can do all thing through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I show forth the praises of God Who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light </span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(1 Peter 2:9).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am God’s child---for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Words of God, which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am a spirit being---alive to God (Romans 6:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am a believer, and the light of the Gospel shines in my mind (2 Corinthians 4:4).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions (James 1:22, 25).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me (Romans 8:37).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb, the word of my testimony and I do not love my life more or will I renounce my faith even if I am faced with death (Revelations 12:11).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am a partaker of His divine nature (2 Peter1: 3, 4).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (1 Peter 2:9).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am the temple of the Holy Spirit; I am not my own (1 Corinthians 6:19). </span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and long suffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am forgiven all my sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Galatians 3:13).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am called of God to be the voice of His praise (Psalm 66:8; 2 Timothy 1:9).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am healed by the stripes of Jesus (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am greatly love by God (Romans1:7; Ephesians 2:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians1:4).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus </span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(James 4:7).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which god in christ esus is call ing us upward</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(Philippines 3:14).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is not I who lives, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone that believes, first the Jew, then the Gentile (Romans 1:16).</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p>Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-33680205020564145762021-02-28T17:44:00.028-05:002021-03-10T22:12:28.843-05:00WELCOME TO THE FAMILY OF GOD (Part 1)<p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"><br />Enjoy, mark, and remember the day you received Christ as your savior because it is where you and your Savior began a new path together. It will be a path of many ups and downs but the outcome will always draw you closer to Christ if you seek Him above all. I have been a believer since I was 8 years old and now I am 65. I can say with confidence that the Lord has never ever forsaken me but has loved me even when I couldn’t love myself. He has pulled me out of trying times many of which were of my own making and put me back onto solid ground without condemnation. (Ps 37:25) I could never thank Him enough or love and cherish Him more for His faithfulness then I do right now. We all have to find our own way through this Christian life. However, I have prayed that you will remain strong in Him no matter what the cost and that at the end your walk with Him you will stand before His throne a strong and mighty warrior.</span></p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W8B6_N1mVCgbEs4S7-yHM7eCsrJiu9kg2Gj-t31aZAHfbmlIIlSWyWjsOkIXjbsY3vURIXjpD9NPB_4JIr9u1xTDdS7eB5A5drt9q1REyJmIAdULYctwl5T32B6SwvstSPReDgseE-bN/s3264/0207210921_HDR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W8B6_N1mVCgbEs4S7-yHM7eCsrJiu9kg2Gj-t31aZAHfbmlIIlSWyWjsOkIXjbsY3vURIXjpD9NPB_4JIr9u1xTDdS7eB5A5drt9q1REyJmIAdULYctwl5T32B6SwvstSPReDgseE-bN/s320/0207210921_HDR.jpg" /></a></div><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As I prayed about what to say, the more I felt the Lord tell me to give you some practical wisdom from my years of service. This is wisdom I wished I had learned earlier in my walk with Christ. Much of it I had to learn the hard way because I was stubborn. Now with experienced, I am less argumentative and more obedient when the Lord ‘comes a calling’. We never stop growing. Even with the many years of experience, I still feel as though I’ve only just begun to learn how to walk this glorious walk. And...that’s ok. </span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I will list some of these special nuggets here and pray that you will be able to grasp the depth of their meaning. They are in no special order. Please don’t feel overwhelmed by the number or that you have to achieve anyone of them quickly because most may take a while to master. This is just the heart of one sister helping the walk of another succeed and avoid suffering through as much as I did. (Titus 2:3-5)</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Always be honest with God because he already knows anyway. He is Omniscient. A big word that simply means He knows </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>everything</b></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> inside and out. Nothing is hidden from Him no matter how hard we try. He knows you better than you know yourself. That is why He is the best one to help you through life. We may not understand or agree with His choices for us but we will grow to understand He always has our best interest at heart. I have learned after each experience His ways were much better and thank Him for not doing it my way.</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It is important to memorize scripture. I wish I were better at it. However, even when I don’t have an exact verse memorized, I have memorized the principle, it is living in my heart and I can still follow its direction at anytime.</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Give God at least 15 minutes of time each day to be just with God. It doesn’t matter what time of day so much as just being consistent. Read a passage of scripture, a meaningful devotional, affirm who and whose you are, and so on. You can talk to Him and He will talk to you if you calm your mind and take time to listen. I highly recommend you journal what you hear, what you are learning, how you are doing so when the enemy attacks you, you will have something to go back to to affirm your walk and relationship with Him. Your memory of His Presence may fail you when the enemy attacks your mind.</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">To maintain and thrive, let him become ‘a bestie’ that you talk to throughout your day. Nothing is too big or too small to ask or talk to Him about. If it is important to you, it is important to Him. You will be surprised at how helpful He can be as you open up and talk to Him and ask His opinion about all kinds of things. Then ask the Holy Spirit to open up your eyes and ears to His answers when they come. Sometimes God answers quickly, sometimes He says wait a moment, and sometimes He says persevere in faith until the appointed time. Just remember, it takes time and effort to learn to communicate so what may seem silly at first will become your greatest asset. (Hebrews 11:6)</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Let forgiveness always always always be your goal. Forgiveness is a choice we make to free ourselves, heal our heart and move forward. Some things are easy to forgive and others take effort and time. Remember unforgiveness in your heart can steal the place where your faith should be if you allow the offenses to stay. A wise old lady once told me, </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>“Take no offense</b></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> (from others actions) </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>and God will defend you.”</b></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> (make things turn for your good)(Romans 8:28) Believe me that remembering this one statement has kept me from allowing unforgiveness to build a fortress in my heart and mind many times. God has forgive us of all and He asks us to do the same for others. It’s hard but always doable.</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Rarely is God early according to our standards but never is He late according to His. Trust His timing. He is faithful. This is a walk of faith and courage and it is rarely easy. God will push our faith to the limits to help us grow. However, the growth is worth the pressure in the long run if we persist.</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We all make mistakes. Some have more costly consequences then others. In any case...Don’t beat yourself up with guilt and shame after you have sought and received God’s forgiveness. God loves you more then you will ever realize even when you blow it. But...DO </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="en-US">evaluate</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> and learn from each of them. If you don’t, you will face that mountain (problem) again and again. There is something about each mountain God wants you to learn to make your life better and make you more like Him. God never allows storms/problems to surface with the intent to destroy you but to show you how faithful He is. He will give you the wisdom you need to come through as an overcomer. The enemy on the other hand wants you to be destroyed piece by piece. (John 10:10) God wants to bring you abundant life and turn everything around for good if you seek Him and his guidance instead of your own. (Romans 8:28) Doesn’t matter who was at fault originally. God is always willing to turn it for your good. Again, God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) That is one of the characteristics I love most about my Savior.</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When you walk with Christ and seek Him, you walk as a victor not as a victim.</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Always remember ‘the best is yet to come’ and that you are not strong enough to screw up His plans and destiny for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Always remember your salvation is secure in Christ. Satan will try to steal your peace about it anytime he can. This usually happens when you have made one of those big mistakes I talked about earlier. At least, that is when he always tried to do it with me. He goal is to move you away from God and the knowledge of His love in order to isolate you from God. The isolation makes you ‘feel like’ you are not saved anymore. We can’t base what we believe on ‘our feelings’ but only on faith in what the word of God says. (2 Corinthians 5:7) So...don’t let him overcome you with his lies. This is when knowing, memorizing and believing scripture is so important. The Holy Spirit seals you until the day of salvation. (Ephesians 4:30) Studying these scriptures and asking Holy Spirit’s guidance will prove very valuable in the days ahead. Securing and maintaining this assurance of your salvation in the good times is much easier then trying to catch up in the bad.</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God will never ask you to do something He has not already given you the ability to do. However, sometimes you will have to 'step out in faith' and start the job/journey first before you come to realize this. Those times for me were scary and that is </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="en-US">when fear</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> became my greatest hinderance. When you are in fear, you are believing the enemy's lies instead of God's Truth. But God can help you work through </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="en-US">your fears </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">when you turn to trust Him. Just keep searching and believing He can help you and it will happen. My case was bad so if it can turn around for me, it can turn around for you.</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Grace is the power you will need to make the necessary changes. God says He has more than enough grace to see you through each needed change...and without condemnation. (2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 8:1) Oh how I still clung to these two promises.</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Surround yourself with godly people. Ultimately you become like those you hang around. And don’t allow bad influences in because you think you can witness to them. Satan can take your hand and lead you astray quickly before you realize what he is doing. Go for the godly advice from people you have learned to trust and allow those same godly people to speak correction into your life as well. It can save you a lot of heartache. It isn’t easy for them to speak up so give them a break. It isn’t easy for anyone to receive correction either but listen anyway. Remember...Pride comes right before a fall. </span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Renewing your mind/thought life with God’s word/principles is one of the most important things you will ever do as a Christian. (Romans12:2) I cannot stress this enough. It was my downfall for years because it allowed satan to trap my mind with his lies and bring me down. It can mean the difference between defeat and victory with your mental battles in life. You have to know and trust God’s word!!</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">What you tell yourself or think about yourself or ‘self talk’ can either build you up and strengthen you for what God is doing in your life or it can tear everything He is doing down and you may wonder why you can’t ever get ahead. I caution you from criticizing yourself, concentrating on what you can’t do instead of what you can, or rehearsing past failures. Stay positive about yourself! </span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Knowing and believing who you are in Christ is also vital to your walk. If you don’t know who you are in Christ and the authority you carry as a child of God then satan will be able to overcome you quickly. I don’t just read each attribute but I ask the Holy Spirit to impart the wisdom He wants me to see through them. I make notes on them. Over time and meditation about their meaning, they have become apart of who I am. They have gone from my head to my heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. And now...I believe what they say about me is true. It didn’t happen over night so it is not a quick fix but a daily determination to overcome a worldly mindset and become more like Christ with His kingdom values. (My list of who we are in Christ will be posted soon.)</span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><ul><li><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And last but not least is...Develop attitudes of thankfulness, gratitude, and praise in all things. This will not only bring you closer and closer to God Himself, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit but it will also ultimately bring love, peace, joy, and contentment into your life as well. This is another part of renewing your mind to reflect Christ’s character. </span></p></li></ul><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Again these nuggets of wisdom are not here to overwhelm you but to give you a sense of direction as you begin your new life with Christ. I have never regretted my decision to follow Jesus even when it got quite hard. Once you get the hang of it, I know you will not look back either. One last scripture which is one of my favorites. Luke 12:32:</span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">“<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Do not be afraid, little flock, </span></p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”</span></p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p>Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-82001067112049478822020-07-09T18:51:00.000-04:002020-07-09T18:51:00.013-04:00God Used A Sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqzkWI5pkapmlxVaGgj94Xatdru_pNHsOni5AOGEl4yYyGgJuQm-7P1KCQUuObzeZgy2M2nHJHIdl2FWPsjJxMS5rNZpZ5iplgVe6tCyym9CzsUcoVEYO0goGZTdHULdbPvXBPE_Q2eVR/s1600/FB_IMG_1593178871973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="887" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqzkWI5pkapmlxVaGgj94Xatdru_pNHsOni5AOGEl4yYyGgJuQm-7P1KCQUuObzeZgy2M2nHJHIdl2FWPsjJxMS5rNZpZ5iplgVe6tCyym9CzsUcoVEYO0goGZTdHULdbPvXBPE_Q2eVR/s200/FB_IMG_1593178871973.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
Having a daily quiet time is essential for me. I chat with God through out, sing a hymn, read a couple of thought-provoking devotionals, a chapter in Proverbs and a chapter or two in whatever book of the Bible I am studying, and then I spend time earnestly praying. Being in the presence of Jesus in the morning makes my day start out peaceful and purposeful. So much of the time, God seems silent but I know He is there just the same. It is like two old friends sitting on the sofa not having to say a thing. They have a knowing between them while enjoying each other’s company.<br />
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This particular Saturday morning, June 20, I was reading <i>Jesus Calling Morning & Evening by Sarah Young. </i>There were several sentences on the morning and evening parts that caught my eye so I underlined this year in pencil. It amazes mehow different years will inspire different underlinings. When I finished, I wrote out the suggested prayer command I wanted to remember at the end of the devotional page.</div>
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What caught my eye were these sentences:</div>
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<i>Practice looking and listening for Me during quiet intervals. Gradually you will find Me in more and more of your moments.</i></div>
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<i>You will see Me and find Me, when you seek Me above all else. (Jeremiah 29:13)</i></div>
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Above these, I notice a line about glorious sunsets but didn’t underline it even though I thought in the moment how wonderful it would be to see one.</div>
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Later in the day, after meeting up with two other ladies we drove about 45 minutes away for our monthly share group at a member’s home we had not been to before. While riding, I reassured one of the two that I would escort her back at the church so she could make it home before dark as she had requested before agreeing to come. It was an awesome time of food, fellowship and intercessory prayer but as promised, we left in time to fulfill my promise.</div>
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After hugs and good-byes, I left the church to drive the short distance home. As I turned the corner onto Main Street, I was suddenly put directly in front of a gorgeous sunset that filled the whole sky in front of me. It captured my heart with awe and I whispered “Oh Lord, how beautiful!” I quickly pulled over and snapped a picture with my cell phone before the moment was gone. Later, I posted it on Facebook to bless others. Then, I was through or so I thought.</div>
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The next morning, Sunday, at my church’s intercessory prayer meeting, God inspired me to post the picture to my blog. Little did I know there was a reason for revisiting the photo again. That was not all He wanted me to see. </div>
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When I got home from church, God reminded me of yesterday’s devotional so I went to look it up again. First, I saw the sentence about the glorious sunsets and my heart smiled...but then I noticed the sunset portion had been faintly underlined. Only God could have set this up to underline those exact words! There were three pages involved and the underling had to line up perfectly. The sunset sentence was on page one (left side), not underline originally. Page two (right side), I had underlined a sentence. When I underlined a sentence from page three (back side of page two), it transferred the pencil from page two to underline the sunset sentence on page one. God wanted the sunset sentence highlighted. I began to realize yesterday was a total setup by God to communicate His great sovereignty. If I would be willing to develop the eyes to see, He wanted to show me Himself through His beautiful creation. </div>
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The devotion itself, the time of the party and my friend having to be home before dark was all apart of His timing to have me back to see that gorgeous sunset. I felt so special to Him in that moment! He IS always working on our behalf behind the scenes to show us His kingdom. My heart began to thank and praise Him for His wonderful works! </div>
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God communicates with us all the time. But... </div>
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have we developed the eyes and ears to notice? </div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-82785126355972574112020-06-18T20:16:00.000-04:002020-06-18T22:02:18.695-04:00Sometimes God Answers Quickly<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyrlmT7ASXCenyxo8qteLhbgxX6jxIm4Hf44ApMauD8SFTR9c73kfZ_Z8Gdyjb5zVO7OgZFBWmkOm46smmiCOMI8sPgMFBUjWF2x8sa-Tr10JmOeiNQtlaQo7yYSVzk3SZAQzN42qEklK/s1600/0611201756_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyrlmT7ASXCenyxo8qteLhbgxX6jxIm4Hf44ApMauD8SFTR9c73kfZ_Z8Gdyjb5zVO7OgZFBWmkOm46smmiCOMI8sPgMFBUjWF2x8sa-Tr10JmOeiNQtlaQo7yYSVzk3SZAQzN42qEklK/s200/0611201756_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a>An unexpected call lead me on a trip high up into the mountains of NC to visit a friend at her family’s cabin. The cabin has been a vacation home since 1968 and she only travels up from Charleston, SC three times a year for a stay. I have known this friend since childhood and have visited her family cabin several times over the years. Her family had lived across the street from my grandparents years ago and I loved to go visit them when my family came for Christmas or a visit in the summer. Now, we are both on the other side of life and I had not seen her in over 12 years. This was truly a treat.</div>
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Of course, we did the normal catching up on what our relatives in both families had been up to. I didn’t realize that her brother had died last year. I told her of my brother’s death too. I talked about how I loved her parents home as a child, baking poundcake with her mom and how in my mind’s eye I still occasionally ventured from room to room to reminisce. My grandparents home is like that for me too. The vivid memories are much more precious now that I am older. I have dreamed about the places I have lived and the people I have known and that has brought me so much comfort and joy. </div>
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When I left the mountains, I prayed that God would protect my friend and her family. She is battling cancer so I prayed for her health and healing and time for another visit together. Again, it is true. The realities of aging are not always pleasant.</div>
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The following morning, when I had my quiet time with the Lord, I explained how I felt about my grandparents home and that I didn’t want to continue to mourn the pasting of an era. I admitted life must go on and change is apart of that life. However, I would require some help from Him to get me back into the life I now enjoy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPI4IJ_TmpfwJBKAbw2pEmLaXmMS0NEpCCQkiJHcroR9Hr3DVavPHkU1_n118h-jb3UMKiZ93bBgAD49KRRZ5aVgrYUPDuZPftBiXiEAFEWTQ6FCcza7JbwC3A4vtoAF3LpDvj5aAdzms5/s1600/0611201851a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPI4IJ_TmpfwJBKAbw2pEmLaXmMS0NEpCCQkiJHcroR9Hr3DVavPHkU1_n118h-jb3UMKiZ93bBgAD49KRRZ5aVgrYUPDuZPftBiXiEAFEWTQ6FCcza7JbwC3A4vtoAF3LpDvj5aAdzms5/s200/0611201851a.jpg" width="150" /></a>As I finished up my prayer and readings, it happened! First, a friend texted and asked me to have an early lunch with her at her home. She had fixed pigs in a blanket, baked beans, and cantaloupe. Her husband had unexpectedly been invited to go shooting and now she didn’t want to eat all that food alone. Although I didn’t really want to get up and out of my comfortable pajamas at first, I felt a nudge to accept so I did. When God begins to send the answer, I need to be willing to get up and receive it. Then another friend texted. She asked if I would fix supper that night because she had time for a visit. I had asked her to do that whenever she found space in her busy schedule. Perfect! My day was set. Then, it really dawned on me. God WAS answering my request! My heart leaped for joy as I left my room of prayer.</div>
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As my day progressed to the end, I realized those feelings of sadness had departed because I had concentrated on being with those I cherish now. God knew exactly what it would take to lift me up. And in the place of sadness came praise, thanksgiving and joy! So many times it seems we have to wait in faith and patience for an answer to our prayers. But today...today was not one of them.</div>
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Romans 12:2</h1>
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<span class="verse-2" style="background-color: #e0e0e0; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial"; font-size: 19.5px;">Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.</span></div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-40356143774794391392020-06-04T20:00:00.000-04:002020-06-04T20:47:05.595-04:00Pruning Is Hard To Do<div align="left" class="western" style="direction: ltr; font-family: "Liberation Serif", serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOMHyqQ_vy_aOHTn8mD2EQiG573AePSOzmbh26s9h7bIAIOHyFozQrkQTcUnHrt3eyypwgZ4UE4RyGVPSgtiLHbnm-lTgnWtA10rcQM0yKjj0VH8OLLcss2prwxEgFsL9-cXTQBk5MKLG/s1600/67554416_10217272404794744_7754983109887524864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOMHyqQ_vy_aOHTn8mD2EQiG573AePSOzmbh26s9h7bIAIOHyFozQrkQTcUnHrt3eyypwgZ4UE4RyGVPSgtiLHbnm-lTgnWtA10rcQM0yKjj0VH8OLLcss2prwxEgFsL9-cXTQBk5MKLG/s200/67554416_10217272404794744_7754983109887524864_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>I like to plant things in my flowerbeds that require very little maintenance. My plan was to plant a couple of varieties of African daisies to finish out the look in my front beds. Their care consist of watering and pinching off the dead blooms. Not bad. However, as I praised my finished work, God raised my eyes to view the over grown nandina bushes just behind. They looked unruly and overgrown. Nandina bushes are basically maintenance free too except they require major pruning every couple of years. It was like God was reminding me this was the year. </div>
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Reluctantly, I found the pruning shears and started to work. Of course, I wanted to give up after the second bush because my back was hurting from bending over. With each cut, I kept thinking I’ll finish this tomorrow. <span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="en-US">Yet</span></span></span>, God was not ready for me to quit and told me to sit down, relax, and continue on. Just so you know, it was amusing scooting around on my hind parts from bush to bush and the times I had to get up...well that was pretty amusing too.</div>
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I should have known when I heard ‘sit down, relax, and continue on’ that there was more on God’s mind then just my immediate trimming need. The more I pruned the more He talked to me about the process of pruning. Now, I was pruning in the natural but He was explaining pruning in the spiritual. I finally had to get my journal and start writing. Below are the highlights of what I heard.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">If we are God’s child (accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord), then we will be pruned from time to time. Those whom He loves He corrects.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">Even though God prunes out of love and always has our best interest at heart, there will always be those who will question and blame God, refusing to change and thus never receiving the blessing of revelation and restoration that pruning provides.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">Trust God and His progress. Come humble before Him. He will turn everything to our good when we allow Him to finish His work. He is preparing us for the desires of our hearts which usually originate from Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">God desires more fruitfulness. Each trimmed limb often produces a double or more portion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">Sometimes just a small snip gets our attention and realigns us but other times it’s a major undertaking. Major pruning is a step by step process. Each lesson has to be completed before advancement is allowed because each lesson is valuable. Stubbornness, willfulness, and the like will prolong the prune.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">Some of the reasons God prunes us are among the following: pride, ungodly mind-sets, undesirable attitudes and actions, unproductive dead parts, or lack of balance. The focus is to put us back on the right track again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">Pruning does not mean we have lost your position in Him or His love. On the contrary, it is out of His love that He takes the time to refine. Then afterwards, who knows...it could bring an unexpected promotion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">Our pruning is tailored to what is necessary at that time. And...We are not all pruned at the same time. God continually searches our hearts individually and not our deceptive outward appearance for inconsistencies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">Hopefully because of our experiences, when we see the pruning of another, we will be compassionate, encouraging and not a gossip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">We do not want to be 'in need of pruning' because of pride and possible embarrassment but God is not concerns about our reputation or our feelings when it comes to needed course corrections. He will comfort us doing the process but our feelings are not a deterrent. If it gets messy, He can restore anything lost when needed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">God remains near us at all times to instruct and encourage. God always helps us clean up the repentant mess around us by taking away any sin, shame, guilt or regret. God is after the hope of glory He desires in us through expanding our faith and character.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">When God prunes us, He doesn’t look down on us in condemnation at all. He desires to reveal wisdom and solutions on a level we can understand. However, it is our responsibility to actively seek Him for the needed changes when things go south.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">Joy can be achieved throughout this process when we become grateful for/in the journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">When a plant is trimmed on the surface, its initial response is to go underground to develop stronger roots. In spiritual pruning, a stronger root is a teachable heart, a listening ear, time in His presence, prayer, bible study, fellowship, counsel and support from godly people to name a few.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">God’s grace is sufficient to help us find and eliminate any and all sinful roots especially the root of bitterness. Unless we intensionally root out the causes of these ungodly attitudes and actions, they will keep cropping up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;">God’s purpose in pruning is not to harm us but to guide us and give us a future and a hope by reestablishing His promises and commands then reaffirming His faithfulness to fulfill those promises and realign us in His cammands. In the end, we feel lighter and freer and we treasure the wisdom revealed because we have become more Christlikeness.</span></div>
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Afterwards, when I came into the bathroom to get cleaned up, I walked in front of the mirror and my T-shirt caught my eye. Rooted In Christ! That put a smile on my face. What a great ending to a great time with the Lord.</div>
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I don’t know where you are in your life today. You may be living the life of God’s joy, peace and abundance. However, if you find yourself in a season of God’s purposeful pruning, I hope this post will encourage you in your difficult season. It may not seem like it now but this too shall pass in God’s way and timing. Learn all you can and allow Him to love you through it.</div>
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<span style="border: none; display: inline-block; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal;"><span style="color: #39547f;"><span style="font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><b><a href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/John/15/2" style="color: navy;">John 15:2-6</a></b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-NASB-26702"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-NASB-26703"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-NASB-26704"></a><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="border: none; display: inline-block; padding: 0in;">You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.</span> <span style="border: none; display: inline-block; padding: 0in;">Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-NASB-26705"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-NASB-26706"></a><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.</span></span></div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-64023524667274059132018-12-18T16:43:00.002-05:002020-10-20T11:18:00.531-04:00What Will You Do With This Jesus?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPVdYB3w7V5z41p6GBZ8p2QbW9aH4EBxY5X7jsUW7zyK8BaQy3QOkGS4R6uFZlJDbq1B81odKBLPhtq1F6-VFwkMa5jU68HbFcDTudAOePDiD-Mf84ySHtxioDrejBwx2j7bnjt_XYghd/s1600/10868039_1542890072646861_8163398486123946752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="236" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPVdYB3w7V5z41p6GBZ8p2QbW9aH4EBxY5X7jsUW7zyK8BaQy3QOkGS4R6uFZlJDbq1B81odKBLPhtq1F6-VFwkMa5jU68HbFcDTudAOePDiD-Mf84ySHtxioDrejBwx2j7bnjt_XYghd/s200/10868039_1542890072646861_8163398486123946752_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
This is a beautiful Christmas poem the Lord gave me this year. I hope it blesses you as it did me while I wrote it down. Afterward, I felt a real sense of urgency that our time is short.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 20pt;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">What Will You Do With This Jesus?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Mary Jane Downs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">December 15, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sitting here in my den filled with bright light<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thinking about that one blessed long ago night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the entire world was about to be forever changed,<o:p></o:p></div>
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But few even noticed…distracted by more “important” things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The story of Jesus had started months before then<o:p></o:p></div>
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When an angel had visited Mary in her little den.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The prophets had for told that the Savior would come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now Mary was being told the Savior would be her son.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary and Joseph, her betrothed, went through horrible shame<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because people wouldn’t believe what God had proclaimed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The gift that He had promised for so many centuries<o:p></o:p></div>
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Was now coming in a way that seemed to them too mysterious.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Still…on that blessed night, all went according to God’s holy design.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus was born without any thought or plan from mankind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He lay in that out-of-the-way straw-filled manager for all to see.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But only a few shepherds and three wise men felt the need.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Incredulously you may say, well…if the birth happened today,<o:p></o:p></div>
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We, the enlightened, would be much more aware than they!<o:p></o:p></div>
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How could they let such a glorious event pass them by?<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I” would have surely done more when Jesus arrived!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s sad to say that today not much has changed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Man desiring more temporal earthly treasures to gain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus has lived among us through the Holy Spirit for over 2000 years<o:p></o:p></div>
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And most of the world still ignores Him or jeers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So now I look to you and say with love<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What will you do with this Jesus, God’s son?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Is He more significant then your “important” earthly plans?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Will you bow at the manger and hold His divine hand?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Everyone has to make the choice for themselves,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Accept God’s gift or place Him up on your dusty shelf.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You have only this lifetime for that conscience decision.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Choose wisely, my friend, it will be eternally written.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Micah 6:8 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i><b>He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourselves and walk humbly with your God?<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b>Deuteronomy 10:12<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i><b>And now, Israel, what does the Lord you Go require of you but reverently to fear the Lord your God, this is to walk in all His ways and to love Him. And to serve the Lord your God with all your mind and heart and with your entire being. <o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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Poems the Lord gives me usually form a picture when I complete and center them. </div>
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Can you see the picture in this one?</div>
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I had just bought one in preparation for the snowstorm we just had here in Western NC.</div>
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It's a Coleman lantern on a table (or life's foundation).<br />
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Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-22266451107517580112017-07-28T19:20:00.000-04:002017-08-02T13:34:53.844-04:00Jason's Simple Desire<div class="MsoNormal">
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washer. Nothing unusual about that, right? However, as he was loading it onto
his truck, he asked if I would listen to a simple testimony God gave him
recently.</div>
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When Jason helped with Vacation Bible School last month, he
expressed to a gardener friend the desire to have a fresh picked off the vine
tomato so he could immediately make a sandwich and eat it. He had fixed and eaten
so many of those sandwiches as a boy that he had grown tried of them then. Now
years later, he was missing that great taste of home. The friend offered Jason
the opportunity to come by and pick from his plants. The two friends agreed to
get together later. Jason planned on having his bread, mayo with some salt and
pepper in his truck cab before he arrived at his friend’s garden so the
experience would be just like it used to be as a child. But God made different
plans after listening to Jason’s desire.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Several days later, while Jason drove along his driveway, he
noticed a small tomato plant growing at the end. He started thinking how could
this be? He had tried numerous times to grow tomato plants on the back side of his property without
success. And where did the seed come from? When he got out and investigated, he
soon realized the tomato plant was there because God was the gardener. The
ground was so hard that when he tried to stake it up, the thin metal stake kept
breaking off. Then, when Jason tried to water it with added Miracle Grow, the
Lord spoke, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leave it alone, I planted it and I will take care of it.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you mess with it, it will kill
it.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
So Jason has left it
alone.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This knee-high plant already has multiple blooms and small tomatoes.
Jason’s anticipation is mounting as he passes that tomato plant daily. He says
he knows it will be the best tomato ever because it is straight from God
Himself. And that smile on Jason’s face as he tells this simple testimony…well,
it’s a mile wide. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
************<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before telling me this story, Jason expressed shyly that he
doesn’t feel special. I have a feeling that at times Jason may look at his present
circumstances and conclude that because his life doesn’t ‘look successful’ it
is not. He works hard to provide for himself and his family with not much to
show for his efforts. But God knows how special Jason is and right where he
lives. God knows what He wants to accomplish through Jason’s life as well. And
what is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants Jason to
proclaim all the simple testimonies of love and faithfulness He provides throughout
Jason’s life. In return, God has promised Jason His protection and provisions. And
even though others may deem Jason unsuccessful and insufficient because of
outward appearances, God says: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Don’t look at what you see with your natural eyes Jason <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">but look to Me for all you need.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Son, keep on talking, I got
ya covered.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If God is listening to Jason’s simple desires, He will be
listening to yours!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jason’s simple act of faith to tell others will wind up
touching many more lives then he could ever imagine. And
so it will be with us when <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we</b> decide
to step out in faith and tell our simple stories of God’s love and faithfulness too.
I have a story picked out already. What about you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***********<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I wrote this out, I went and looked up the name Jason
and its meaning:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
JASON: Healer, Benevolent<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdx4M-XaEgehDM9e4UmSHXN0pi0tPlXUn0WEBqf7OdoaU56tALnwleXkd-SBuiIuDrQ6ucHO3mn-XhDuI6Rqa15Zpdw-YoE77w11jrCGYd-WY_MsvwzRWcjguXFHjnnMUhNPHs119DJ8sI/s1600/2a1c16e4e6d5ba473817254f19c523f7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdx4M-XaEgehDM9e4UmSHXN0pi0tPlXUn0WEBqf7OdoaU56tALnwleXkd-SBuiIuDrQ6ucHO3mn-XhDuI6Rqa15Zpdw-YoE77w11jrCGYd-WY_MsvwzRWcjguXFHjnnMUhNPHs119DJ8sI/s200/2a1c16e4e6d5ba473817254f19c523f7.jpg" width="200" /></a>Luke 6:45<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good man
out of the good treasures of his heart brings forth good . . . For out of the
abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Name Book <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorothy Astoria</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>(or a desire of the heart!)</o:p></div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-12999674347174416012017-05-04T18:10:00.000-04:002017-05-04T18:10:52.928-04:00What Are We Expecting To Find In God<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Welcome Lisa Griffin today! She has created a thought provoking blog piece that I think you will find interesting.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our community seems to never stop wondering “where do I find God”, “will God help me”, and “how do I get to know God”, and I often come across stories of different people that tell about some difficult situations in life that push them to seek for God’s help. These stories always start the same. Something like: “I faced a difficult situation in my life and I started to scream for help…”and more often, authors of such posts say that they’ve received the assistance they were asking for. But what happens next? After some time, many people simply forget about their appeal to God; why is this happening, what are we expecting to find in God and why do we lose our faith later?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="266" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Ycz7aKXKEeJDV_cVWnZTZXcA-rbMQOuS3wGX9ifOGsnaPFobGHTB4Yj4jMmEKeaqDQJ4r13EN7VHAsxRlPLv1j2nqUH9AFhKZZOFYvEEGvsVaUwW_OI6FrDI64UeWmxmSsnMlSTn7lg2uxZ9nQ" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="400" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What motivates us to start talking to the Almighty?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I said previously, almost every time it starts with some tragedy. Each one of us has to deal with certain difficulties in our lives, regardless of whether he wants it or not, and experiencing such situations we pray, we are speaking to </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the Lord</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and ask him to help us. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moreover, many assume that God has to hear and support us. After all, we have always heard the saying “Ask - and you will be given”, but if it is so, then why then so many prayers stay unanswered? </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I see only one reason that can stand behind this – many modern people may attend church and behave like Christians, but how many of them really KNOW the Lord and really keep their hearts and souls opened for Him?! Unfortunately, not as many as it may first seem. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why don’t we devote enough time to building our relationship with Him and then, during the hard times we get confused and are wondering why He didn’t answer us? This all happens only because we don’t realize what we really need, what we expect to get from Him and then, after not getting what we wanted, we lose our faith.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Speak and you will be heard!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where to find God?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No matter how banal it may sound, the God is always next to us but </span><a href="http://lifehopeandtruth.com/god/prayer-fasting-and-meditation/how-to-pray/how-to-talk-to-god/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">turning to Him</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><a href="http://www1.cbn.com/prayer/seven-keys-to-hearing-god" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">listening to His answer</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> are two quite different things, which we need to realize and accept. By listening to Lord, we open our minds for him and hear His will. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unfortunately, today, many people are a little wary of this because in the modern world our turning to God is called prayer, but His appeal to us I often considered as schizophrenia. Due to the fact that the ideal was lost, our relationship with the Almighty became very difficult and if it is still present, it is often unilaterally, which means that we talk to Him, but often do not even listen to His answer. He speaks to us, and we can't hear. Any communication requires the cooperation of two people, in our case – you and your God: When we pray about something and then He listens and responds, we are supposed to listen, otherwise it would be a monolog.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="266" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/w8ZS4_JUEhYORrLRmn5QrGMIAcz1S_4HW7EWbErwRHurddljLx-EmULAUHS05ju0NyMwTDmy7sSmQmU_DK0nAByoZ5OU-cnqe1X6W7Kg2tWX-Mcns-bkUDL_W-UWv_Ll7w6ybLeppUmQsKVevA" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="400" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why do people lose their faith?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anger and disappointment towards the Lord are something that has always confronted many people – both believers and unbelievers. When something tragic happens in our lives, the first thing that we do is ask Him “Why?”. It is our natural reaction. But what we're really asking is not so much “why” but more “why me, Lord?" and this statement indicates two flaws in our thinking. First, as believers, we often live with the belief that life should be easy, and that God should prevent any tragedy in our lives. When He does not, we are angry at Him. Second, when we do not fully understand the extent of the power of God, we lose faith in His ability to control circumstances, other people and the way they affect us. We get angry at God because we think He lost control of the universe. And especially over our lives. We lose confidence in God's omnipotence because our frail human flesh is grappling with our own frustration and lack of personal control over what is happening. When all is well, we often attribute this to our own achievements and success, but when bad things happen, we rush to blame God, we are angry at Him because He did not prevent them.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Open your heart and accept His love!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now let’s look at this from another perspective. After someone had faced a difficult situation in the life, he prayed but didn’t receive any answer – was it the Lord who didn’t want to answer or maybe we just can’t determine when he speaks to us? Maybe sometimes the answer comes, but not as quickly as we would like. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I would say that God always answers a sincere prayer, but often we can't understand His answer or simply didn’t expect to hear such answer, and therefore we don't accept it and deny the Lord’s help. Agree, if you talk with your good friend, but he's not responding or gives answers that are not relevant to the subject, and this continues for a while, you can get disappointed and this can even become a reason why your friendship might come to an end. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The same is here. When we don't hear the answer from God or the answer is not in line with our expectations, we feel frustrated and it gets very easy to lose faith just because we don’t see the purpose for our prayers. But you should always remember that God always stands by, waits for you to speak to him, and he is always ready to give you his love, the only thing that you have to do is to keep on believing and following His will!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="266" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/UFhqWyJ_CSsweI8p7BW3lpuCsKEQAMVo45Cic8nmq48WqCVPP9P-RFD1GdpUqzpVWJLOfWsYNC2WmhMMjxJ9qEKuinTmCL84QABhG6ZSWVy9JwmXWZh4WzBLR_6d2EzKMrIHXHLozf0DkYx2Cw" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="400" /></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-40e57332-d55c-762e-a8f1-cd4c9f972a13"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn </span><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Find-God" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">how to find Him</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Learn to hear God's voice, whispering all the mysteries of the world within us, worship and love him, and then He will treat you the same way as we all are His children!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEZ6GGAhlTcTuKnH1pGMZz_-JUJrWPjdyF7LhIYjfFT9nO6UYXNy09rrJwxYNF_dRN2nsovkJs5PfKJ03o6xa6-SG_Rt5CDshmKn6ZGLuQwisgH9MXeFYdj7bdE4y1COenkzKzhXET4eV/s1600/11.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/AVvXsEgAEZ6GGAhlTcTuKnH1pGMZz_-JUJrWPjdyF7LhIYjfFT9nO6UYXNy09rrJwxYNF_dRN2nsovkJs5PfKJ03o6xa6-SG_Rt5CDshmKn6ZGLuQwisgH9MXeFYdj7bdE4y1COenkzKzhXET4eV/s1600/11.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<div style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">
<i style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Lisa Griffin</b> is a <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://payforessays.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1494020019278000&usg=AFQjCNGRBxLVaC3Zo45OJR1OO8KDigfuFA" href="http://payforessays.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">blogger</a> whose lifestyle credo is <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”</span></i></div>
<div>
<i style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></i></div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-4969636427979900272017-05-01T18:28:00.000-04:002019-07-10T12:31:06.544-04:00Run...Mary Jane...Run!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEWecLzqPZFWQJiw35aFRIXhSZnw3RrP6I1-juIGJvLE4P51LWhuF-EaUu83ExHCdRyp7GaGJRWJuQPeYVltcR_IRxLcqiXQ2HjHazmZd2REqv01X-qygWJ2OHjm70wES5VYkFL5DQubE/s1600/10383672_318392794985287_2910407694319099391_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEWecLzqPZFWQJiw35aFRIXhSZnw3RrP6I1-juIGJvLE4P51LWhuF-EaUu83ExHCdRyp7GaGJRWJuQPeYVltcR_IRxLcqiXQ2HjHazmZd2REqv01X-qygWJ2OHjm70wES5VYkFL5DQubE/s200/10383672_318392794985287_2910407694319099391_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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In December of 2015, I ended a relationship that was
basically built upon lies, not mine but his. When God showed me how all the
pieces would fit together, I was shocked at how ugly the picture was going to
turn out. And so I walked away…and when I did, I felt like the life of faith
and creativity that I had once known was being sucked out of me and in its
place, a stronghold of fear. What I wanted so badly had turned into a
nightmare, a mental battle for my character, my authority and my peace of mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For almost nine months, the enemy of my soul flooded my mind
with so much negative criticism that it was hard to combat the depression. I
had a hard time reading the Bible and listening to Christian music because I
felt condemn not only for what had just happened but then the enemy headed for
my past insecurities as well. Now, I know condemnation is not from God (Romans 8:1) but I
felt powerless with the heavy on slot of accusations. Just because you know
what to do doesn’t make it easy to do it in a time of pressing trouble. I tried speaking
and reading the Word out loud. Claiming the promises. However, whatever I did,
my ‘believe’ was not there and so my faith was cut short. It looked like life
had forever changed and with little hope, I was going downhill fast. However, I
felt compelled to keep going forward to fight the good fight of faith with the
little hope that I had until I regained my lost mental territory.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During all this time, the Lord was relentlessly faithful to
me through the love and faithfulness of family, friends and church. Also, I saw
10 10 everywhere which to me could only mean one thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The thief comes only to steal
and kill and destroy;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I came that they may have
life, and </span><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 6.5pt;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A10&version=NASB#fen-NASB-26492a" title="See footnote a"><span style="color: #b34b2c; text-decoration: none;">a</span></a>]</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12.0pt;">have </span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12.0pt;">it</span></i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> abundantly</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
John 10:10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 190.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 190.0pt;">
Then there was the word He gave to
me personally as the healing had barely begun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 190.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 190.0pt; text-align: center;">
January
7, 2016<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 190.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 190.0pt;">
You are my darling wife to be. I
had to come rescue you. I love you, appreciate you, and adore you. I did not
want you to be swallowed up by your circumstances. Come follow Me back to
health, both physically and spiritually. See what I can do in a short period of
time. You are not alone neither have I forsaken you. You have wanted to quit but
I won’t let you. You are my precious child who I want to help. Yes, you lost
your way, but I grabbed you by the hand and rescued you and have put you on
solid ground. Seek me Mary Jane. Trust that I will bring you through. I know
you are afraid right now and I have my loving arms around you. You are not
alone. Follow Me, Mary Jane, follow Me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 190.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With all the affirmations and confirmations, the enemy
sought even more desperately to destroy me and my relationship with the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eKw5BnEJFFEZHf0A8iqlYX2uqacmsD_UstKMEe015o5BxAXVmmK8USmyCsDLxylbx6v7adjC8xHp4vjZNqoTM5k4Vc_Dl-DdXcy26eUtXGCi7cIinsK2Sr0BL29vvomHwCQg0JT6t8EF/s1600/16265360_10155110159001454_7074977321303910392_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eKw5BnEJFFEZHf0A8iqlYX2uqacmsD_UstKMEe015o5BxAXVmmK8USmyCsDLxylbx6v7adjC8xHp4vjZNqoTM5k4Vc_Dl-DdXcy26eUtXGCi7cIinsK2Sr0BL29vvomHwCQg0JT6t8EF/s200/16265360_10155110159001454_7074977321303910392_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>When my prayers changed from “Oh God, help me!!!” to intensionally praying
for others and praying the opposite to whatever the enemy was telling me, my
mind slowly began to respond. I knew then that I had broken down a line of the
enemy’s defense. God was doing His part. Now I needed to do mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Afterwards, I heard the Lord say, “You have got to get out
and walk.” As much as I wanted to stay sheltered, I knew I had to listen to His
directions. In late October 2016 after walking for about six weeks, I started
seeing major release from the enemy’s mind control. I was gaining confidence
and courage to resist all the lies. It still was not easy but I was determined.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since my mind was beginning to clear from the negative
thoughts, I started to see my positive creative imagination began to peep out. Oh, how
I had longed for my writing to spring forth again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord was right. Being out in nature was
helping me to heal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lastly, I felt the Lord say, Running your race will give you
endurance,” so that’s what I did. I started running some and then some more.
Each week or so I would increase my running a little bit more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And each and every week I was gaining back my
mental strength. In November of 2016, I entered my first 5K at South Mountain
Christian Camp. As I crossed the finish line to win 2<sup>nd</sup> place in my
age group, I knew I was well on my way to being myself again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of today, I have
racked up many 5Ks, a couple of 10Ks, with my latest goal of a half marathon
coming up in three weeks. My main goal there is to finish within the allotted
time. Pretty good for an out of shape 61-year old beginner, don’t you think? Do
I love to run now? No, I can’t say that I do but I love where it is taking me
and that keeps me joyfully putting one foot in front of the other as fast as a
can. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
PRASIE BE TO GOD FOR
HIS WONDERFUL FAITHFULNESS!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you going through a mentally tough time right now? I
know it is not easy and sometimes your fears seem like they are going to over
take you. But do not lose heart. Jesus is right there with you, holding your
hand too. Read the words the Lord gave me again but insert you name instead. He
wants to help you overcome whatever it is you are facing. Go to Him the best
way you know how. No matter what the situation is, Jesus is waiting for you to
let go and let Him help you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
********************************<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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As I prepared for a recent 5miler race in downtown Columbia,
I told the Lord I could not do this without Him. What He answered me with was a
vision of me running down the street with a large angel, flying overhead. At
the race, as I came around the corner to run the last quarter mile, my earlier
vision came to life. The two scenes were exactly the same. I knew without a
shadow of doubt that a large angel was flying overhead cheering me on.<o:p></o:p></div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-42217638796885560702016-02-22T16:25:00.002-05:002016-02-22T16:25:46.234-05:00Keep Yourselves From Idols<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Dear Children, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Keep yourselves from
idols.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>I John 5:21<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, a friend of mine asked me to look at houses with
him. We began our search through the Internet to pick out the ones he wanted to
see. Afterwards, he called a realtor in the area.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemJShykCbRi_rNbBB0PRB-H1jcbQ7RVOegC3XQ2R9gNDVk4BSPVk9sx_VDC5vl1YfbxGaincu47Av4vJEUElB1zGNDgROuZxCEo9KT7Z_61jUzzTaM9DafXDrcNtqcfC1_A58x9ZkWBV6/s1600/idol-clipart-idols-days-of-abraham-c.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemJShykCbRi_rNbBB0PRB-H1jcbQ7RVOegC3XQ2R9gNDVk4BSPVk9sx_VDC5vl1YfbxGaincu47Av4vJEUElB1zGNDgROuZxCEo9KT7Z_61jUzzTaM9DafXDrcNtqcfC1_A58x9ZkWBV6/s1600/idol-clipart-idols-days-of-abraham-c.gif" /></a>There was one property in particular that got our attention.
As we viewed the house, we noticed there were
pictures of different gods hanging in several of the rooms. Then when we toured the ground, we discovered two large
wooden platforms with concrete idols on them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I inquired of the Lord, he told me this was
like the idols of old in Isaiah’s time. I knew this form of worship still
existed but it was strange to see it in an area so close to me. Needless to
say, if my friend chose this property, he would have to make sure all the idols
were gone and the land was cleansed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of us in the Christian world cannot really identify
with statues and that kind of idol. So let’s go a little closer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is an idol? Idols are anything that distracts us from the
one true God who is our identity and true source of supply. We are drawn to idols because they can foster our need to be loved and accepted . Then of course, we have them to help us in our time of
need. (But do they?)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
As I thought about this more, I asked the Lord for a deeper meaning. This is what he gave me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">I</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">D</span></b>eny<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">O</span></b>ur<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">L</span></b>ord<o:p></o:p></div>
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access to my life.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What does it mean to deny?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i>to refuse to agree with<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->to withhold possession<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->to refuse to recognize or acknowledge<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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In other words, when we deny the Lord, we are not allowing his influence to reign over a particular area of our life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now… most of us can name some of the biggie idols that we
could have… our career, pride and ego, materialism, sports figures, TV personalities, children or even
grandchildren. However, let’s dig a little different direction. How about…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i>Negative attitudes and criticisms of others, the need to be right<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Offenses, bitterness, and unforgiveness<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Worry and guilt<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What others will think of me<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly, idols may be closer to home then
what we would like to admit. Idols are sneaky, if you are not vigilant. You
give them an inch and they can take a mile. They start out innocently but
slowly dig deep roots into our heart. Idols take away our sense of spiritual
reasoning and choice. The thing about idols is, when you get in a pinch and
really need the power to overcome, idols have no power to save you from
whatever you are going through.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdwD9G3wIdo7g9GsN0_0bUzWz2BrxBOakhp8v9B5cnIG7AI11frO1XCMxa2p73-4Xf383N8HZk_Mop5PUlO-WGcIFZFTBCJhkuycl7DMkoSHxjVHNReBVSMnN68XQyubPpE7uyBnUeu8I/s1600/10888842_10152732190109678_8387131312894700346_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdwD9G3wIdo7g9GsN0_0bUzWz2BrxBOakhp8v9B5cnIG7AI11frO1XCMxa2p73-4Xf383N8HZk_Mop5PUlO-WGcIFZFTBCJhkuycl7DMkoSHxjVHNReBVSMnN68XQyubPpE7uyBnUeu8I/s200/10888842_10152732190109678_8387131312894700346_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
So what is the answer? The real answer is not an idol at all. It is a personal relationship
with Christ Jesus. He is not man made idol but the true Son of God who has the
power and grace to help us through whatever situation we face. If you haven't met Him personally, I encourage you to seek him out. Discovering Jesus's love for you will change your life forever.<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The devil comes to kill, steal and destory but I have come to give you life and that more abundantly. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>John 10:10</i></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-21420746633110147912016-02-09T11:25:00.000-05:002016-02-09T11:26:41.717-05:00Melinda's Desire<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbaKhl9IbjPVVxAKyrqgArhCCs03hCOfNcCkKngOQsrjYyOnrtMESzPetFCLwJ_B2vlLE_6R2sxVAV6kbynoLmCSc8SfA49ROXMPjdvFsR4tesa-ULUMiiAO2WDj_q7BHxdtGwucqnRMo/s1600/10259912_785864684765231_1480653567292924790_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbaKhl9IbjPVVxAKyrqgArhCCs03hCOfNcCkKngOQsrjYyOnrtMESzPetFCLwJ_B2vlLE_6R2sxVAV6kbynoLmCSc8SfA49ROXMPjdvFsR4tesa-ULUMiiAO2WDj_q7BHxdtGwucqnRMo/s200/10259912_785864684765231_1480653567292924790_n.png" width="200" /></a>The old car needed to many repairs! As Melinda prayed about
the situation, her mind wandered back to an old Cadillac that had been given to
her second hand years before. She smiled as she thought about that light blue
beauty being the perfect car. It was a little worn but still roomy and
luxurious inside. For her, it wasn’t just something that carried her from place
to place but she felt special and set apart. Her meager circumstances seem to
melt away as she dreamed of greatness for a time to come. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh how my heart would sing if I could have that feeling again, </i>she
thought<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i>Then, reality began to creep
in again. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I really need an economy car
not a big luxury car; </i>she contemplated with a sigh, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a small one that gets good gas mileage. </i>And with those thoughts securely
in place, Melinda began her Internet search of the near by dealerships.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a prayer, Melinda began to look for a car at the three local
dealerships; she found it didn’t take long before the car hunt became
frustrating. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked earnestly and honestly
for one economy version after another but there were none she could afford or get
excited about…none that made her feel like she wanted to take them home for a
long time. Annoyed she began to pray again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WZNktEOcK3UM3f6HPANPDTr-y73UXS9Fv0HU_OLGScGd6LQgUFjJoMrD4e7u5lLEqPfwbAB8HSnEkIMqnJuFdWlDc1mLU1TjppdhARbUtUVXXIB7hS4_REPVdDbHEi918BuBVEWCWo13/s1600/11046173_10152871687818500_7528061092533028734_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WZNktEOcK3UM3f6HPANPDTr-y73UXS9Fv0HU_OLGScGd6LQgUFjJoMrD4e7u5lLEqPfwbAB8HSnEkIMqnJuFdWlDc1mLU1TjppdhARbUtUVXXIB7hS4_REPVdDbHEi918BuBVEWCWo13/s200/11046173_10152871687818500_7528061092533028734_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>Then…she got a tip.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go to Moore’s.” the salesman at the Ford dealership said,
“They may have what you want and they’ll make you an honest deal.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Feeling like the Holy Spirit was leading her, Melinda
decided to</div>
try it out. What could she lose and she was running out of options. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Melinda surveyed the car lot at Moore’s, her eyes seem to
gravitate towards a black 2005 Lexus SUV. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I
don’t think I can afford that Lord!”</i> she assumed. Nevertheless, she looked
inside and a smile came over her face. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This
car has more luxury then the Cadillac and it was roomy too</i>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I could get excited about taking this car
home Lord, </i>she mused<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvxz9I42oQLoZPGLQQVvBDz19OTQMSOT5ZwKFkh-0FQ2kfWm6jrjNhqzM1VhmZSjTFWc8q5fnH_-twFEhXlh8u_aAyES_926b3A_uC4RHPzSAcr9VURUvnzWMSKI28em_bu4xymq9Mlt3/s1600/10433128_890615357638246_4318055153365650829_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvxz9I42oQLoZPGLQQVvBDz19OTQMSOT5ZwKFkh-0FQ2kfWm6jrjNhqzM1VhmZSjTFWc8q5fnH_-twFEhXlh8u_aAyES_926b3A_uC4RHPzSAcr9VURUvnzWMSKI28em_bu4xymq9Mlt3/s200/10433128_890615357638246_4318055153365650829_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>Was God providing Melinda with something she desired instead
of having to settle for the car she thought she needed? Turns out, that is
exactly what God was doing as He lead her by faith to negotiate the details
over the next few days. For Melinda, this car was God doing something extra special
for her, something far beyond what she had imagined he would do for her. She
felt abundantly blessed and now continues to praise God for His generosity. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is your need and deepest desire? Our Heavenly Father is
waiting for us to focus on Him as we put those needs and desires into His
loving hands. He is a good God and wants to bless us with good gifts. God not
only wants to answer our requests but at times go beyond what we have asked for
to what He knows we really desire. Go ahead…think big!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Now to Him who is
able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think according to the
power that works with us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Ephesians 3:20<o:p></o:p></div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-84589162711588824952015-04-04T16:11:00.004-04:002015-04-05T22:51:50.199-04:00My Sins, Whiter Than Snow Part 2<div class="MsoNormal">
When Jesus came, everything changed. He put an end to the
law and the need for animal sacrifices, not by destroying the law but
fulfilling it once and for all. (Matthew 5:17) Judgment and the lingering feelings
of condemnation, guilt and shame for sins vanished, if we chose to receive what
Jesus has done on the cross.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The law required that the sacrificial lamb be perfect. Then,
after the sins of a person were transferred, the animal would be put to death
and the blood spread on the altar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9dq3Qbxy1DwRfWJwbkuNRAdf7mvpeAqDIJ-zH3a8OSOycG-JyPNqA0y9Zdm0PKqI1yPfqyxxMFlijtIdS_LtW8RrgBElXg2p86WU8emvQb2NPfIAj-xc98jiTZhTwToq9SFs4aUUqTHo/s1600/10425460_10153783648418146_9123306286147404453_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9dq3Qbxy1DwRfWJwbkuNRAdf7mvpeAqDIJ-zH3a8OSOycG-JyPNqA0y9Zdm0PKqI1yPfqyxxMFlijtIdS_LtW8RrgBElXg2p86WU8emvQb2NPfIAj-xc98jiTZhTwToq9SFs4aUUqTHo/s1600/10425460_10153783648418146_9123306286147404453_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Jesus, being the Son of God, remained a sinless man. Before
He was sacrificed on the cross, all of mankind’s sin past, present, and future
were transferred to Jesus. Then He died. Unlike the animals of the Old Testament,
though, Jesus had the power to rise again from the grave to claim victory over all
of mankind’s sins and the death penalty as well once and for all. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This means, we are free from God’s judgment and we do not
have to carry around thoughts of condemnation, guilt, and shame anymore. We
carry God’s grace because we have become the righteousness of God in Christ
Jesus. No sin can ever steal our righteousness away. Now when I sin, I say I’m
sorry, I remind myself of God’s promise of grace, I thank Him, and then I ask
the Holy Spirit for wisdom to avoid that sinful situation in the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God showed me a vision pertaining to this recently. I could
see myself standing there with lots of dark spots (sins) all over on me. I
tired to get them off but I couldn’t. When I hear the gospel, I saw myself
accepting Jesus into my life and every last one of those dark spots immediately
fell to the floor. Instantaneously, Jesus gave me a glowing white robe and I
saw myself putting it on. Jesus told me it was my robe (gift) of righteousness
and it would never come off even when I sinned again. From now on, He would
take the responsibility for my sins and reminded me that His grace is
sufficient.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwExOWYQ8WaC2fgfVwFwjCto1k_yzdJHfCTEuLkBOE_bGp73Ab5sPmOFSffiZBjPUBJExYo47NMBUBnFsLP0rl983AKOA1rnEHdQOo4P7T5U1V3aRIOK2-g-f6XaYnkNvj_9ZU_ecktT-j/s1600/10383672_318392794985287_2910407694319099391_n.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/AVvXsEhwExOWYQ8WaC2fgfVwFwjCto1k_yzdJHfCTEuLkBOE_bGp73Ab5sPmOFSffiZBjPUBJExYo47NMBUBnFsLP0rl983AKOA1rnEHdQOo4P7T5U1V3aRIOK2-g-f6XaYnkNvj_9ZU_ecktT-j/s1600/10383672_318392794985287_2910407694319099391_n.jpg" height="198" width="200" /></a>Then the scene changed. I sensed I wasn’t ‘feeling so
righteous’ anymore because I was still sinning. Guilt and shame permeated my
thoughts. I felt like the dark spots should reappear to represent my present
sin. I could see myself picking up the pile of dark spots and trying to make
them stick by rubbing them back on my robe of righteousness but they slid off
and fell to the ground.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I pondered this, I realized that most of my life I did not
understand the full significance of all that Jesus had accomplished on the
cross for me. I knew in my heart my sins were forgiven but my mind was plagued
with thoughts of guilt, shame and never measuring up from the enemy.
Unfortunately, my mind (soul-mind, will, and emotions) ruled over what my heart
wanted to believe. Fear overwhelmed me at times and I would go through bouts of
depression. I felt unrighteous and my relationship with God was affected. I
felt I had to “do” more to cleanse the sins I was still committing. Carrying
around the guilt and shame was part of my penitence. I was never fully
cleansed. Thus, I was never free from condemnation. In my mind, it always kept
me at a distance from God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I discovered:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The law is about
‘what <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I</b> can continually do’ to
remain righteous <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
but accepting Christ
is about <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
‘<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">being</b> in a state of righteousness continually’ forever. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
When I am in Christ, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I do not have to do
anything more to stay righteous. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">He is my righteousness!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQ9hV4LmbBK1fIgQRUz17jwZl9zro5VRFWSP5wNTu6q_AKjbV-XKahIMAJ2ugcfXiZlUmbUGs8yoJ_Eb3LcaMTeX-TtOgwrI4ve__BvwgfTIFN0ALK7aREYAnyYgNv3mMvdu7q6AaLgqJ/s1600/11082569_870616329651257_6094923377674083586_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQ9hV4LmbBK1fIgQRUz17jwZl9zro5VRFWSP5wNTu6q_AKjbV-XKahIMAJ2ugcfXiZlUmbUGs8yoJ_Eb3LcaMTeX-TtOgwrI4ve__BvwgfTIFN0ALK7aREYAnyYgNv3mMvdu7q6AaLgqJ/s1600/11082569_870616329651257_6094923377674083586_n.jpg" height="194" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I had failed to comprehend years ago was that the sins
I committed from then on did not affect my righteousness or God’s opinion of
me. I had always measured up not because of me (my self-righteous activity) but
because of Christ (the Cross). I was ‘in Christ’ and he had continually taken care
of whatever sins I had. That truth does not make me want to sin more but love
more…love the Trinity more. Share Christ with more of those around me. The fear
and depression? It gradually melted away the more I meditated on: My sins were
really gone forever and God loves me no matter what. Carrying around the guilt
and shame as penitence was neither necessary nor desire by God. Now, we are freed to be grace-conscience instead of sin-conscience. When we accept that sacrifice of Jesus into our lives, we become whiter than snow for eternity.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The knowledge that I am truly free from the law of sin and death has turned my sorrow into great joy!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Blessings to each of
you in this season of our Savior! </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
(Romans 8:1-2,
Galatians 5:1, John 8:32, Philippians 3:9, 1Cor. 1: 30) </div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-16233946065890415032015-03-20T23:14:00.000-04:002015-03-20T23:29:40.131-04:00My Sins, Whiter Than Snow<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu_nUp_GFETLfvZ3Ar4ul9Uh1L6jkY8HenDx9BHA3Xkh20PNW0MRfhM3oRST7pxdbJRfwiBOgqQZMyq1GAExHB8hYJTsHWyM4cHyhSEyi3GKXRVYmIbuMQHYc5bwGiwbS1WhuynoPKmGo/s1600/11025123_535741856568674_4129446964985518817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu_nUp_GFETLfvZ3Ar4ul9Uh1L6jkY8HenDx9BHA3Xkh20PNW0MRfhM3oRST7pxdbJRfwiBOgqQZMyq1GAExHB8hYJTsHWyM4cHyhSEyi3GKXRVYmIbuMQHYc5bwGiwbS1WhuynoPKmGo/s1600/11025123_535741856568674_4129446964985518817_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">I got excited
recently when I hear it is going to snow. When I noticed the first flakes
falling, I made a mug of tea, pull my over-stuffed chair around so it faced the
picture window, and watched until peace filled my soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">While I was
enjoying the beauty of the snow, a verse permeated my thoughts and I knew the
Lord desired to speak:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">and I will be whiter than snow. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Psalms 51:7<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I will be whiter than snow” was the phrase He highlighted
so I kept rolling that over in my mind. Hummm…snow looks really white, Lord,
but there must be something about snow I’m not seeing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So…I researched how snow is formed and found out an
interesting fact. Snowflakes are formed from dust particles in the air. When
the temperature of the cloud is below freezing, water vapor collects on those
tiny particles of dust/dirt/pollutants and turns into ice. The tiny crystals
stick together until they form snowflakes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZxCCkKTvOaBlW2K4x1WUWz5PRw9gPJnJe7BxyaPlOZsjR7DLSlLZkoIAoygDl0DSwJkhecQ8dIgxYqMrdY8rMVA_G7kz-g7wo6G7vWWQ8ZWAJ8J_40bG0SrOSpr2Ws16oZ-X83sP_5ev/s1600/424461066_4ccdc96782_m.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/AVvXsEi-ZxCCkKTvOaBlW2K4x1WUWz5PRw9gPJnJe7BxyaPlOZsjR7DLSlLZkoIAoygDl0DSwJkhecQ8dIgxYqMrdY8rMVA_G7kz-g7wo6G7vWWQ8ZWAJ8J_40bG0SrOSpr2Ws16oZ-X83sP_5ev/s1600/424461066_4ccdc96782_m.jpg" height="200" width="142" /></a>In David’s time, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">atonement</i>
for your sins (dust/dirt/pollutants) was a requirement by God to stand right
before Him. Sins were transferred to the spotless lamb and then the sin ladened lamb was killed and his blood was drained and placed upon the alter. (Leviticus 17:11) The Jewish people came back yearly for their sins to be
completely washed away by this ritual. However, the Jewish people were never completely rid of
condemnation, guilt, and shame-consciousness for their wrongdoing and ungodly
attitudes. Soon after the cleansing ritual would be completed, sin would again begin to accumulate.
Being whiter then snow was only a momentarily blessing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7202zsKi_BaXQM8cA7z9BBfwnr3KmbQ2WBKh2_nZczKB8SZuvpghUM3wwk_pTE5yVkBEh0tObDl2Za1JTDQeEth3fnyoFDsjTc605GeIg0yNZ1PBKrycvHSfp3BENDNihVBkCaBjI5TC/s1600/2411996032_42e3cfbb66_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7202zsKi_BaXQM8cA7z9BBfwnr3KmbQ2WBKh2_nZczKB8SZuvpghUM3wwk_pTE5yVkBEh0tObDl2Za1JTDQeEth3fnyoFDsjTc605GeIg0yNZ1PBKrycvHSfp3BENDNihVBkCaBjI5TC/s1600/2411996032_42e3cfbb66_m.jpg" /></a>As I continued to meditate on the scriptures, God showed me
the picture of a long wooden table, which I understood represented the entire
life of a Jew who went through the yearly cleansing ritual for his sin. Next, I
saw a long blood red silky fabric that had been gathered from one end to the
middle. As I continued to look, an accumulation of what looked like black dirt
(sins) appeared on the table, located just before the silky fabric. Suddenly
the fabric moved to cover the dirt then stopped. I could see there were bumps
from previous years. Then it moved again over a new accumulated pile of dirt
that appeared and then once again. The process was representative of the blood
of the lamb covering the yearly sins of a Jew. When the silky blood red cloth
covered the full length of the table perfectly, it meant the person’s life
would have been over with all sins covered under the blood of the lamb. As long
as he kept up the yearly trip to the temple, his sins were covered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This sacrificial system went on for hundreds of years and it
was the only way the Jewish people could be free of God’s judgment in their
lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Then...when the time was right Jesus came<br />
…and
everything changed!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Part 2 of My
Sins-Whiter Than Snow<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Next Week<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-83720431057810895372015-02-13T19:19:00.000-05:002015-02-16T09:51:22.244-05:00A Boy's Mistake, The Father's Mercy<div class="MsoNormal">
Buying a new bed and a mattress, there is nothing like it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Step one…find the perfect bed. I had waited for this moment
for along time so I wanted to enjoy the process. At first, I thought I wanted a
poster bed. Ya know…the ‘princess’ look but I could not find one I liked at
first. Finally, I found two different styles that I thought would be perfect
and they were displayed together. In the end, I decided against the poster bed
for one with a tall headboard. I thought that bed would look better when spread
one of my handmade quilts on it. I set up the delivery date for the next week.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, on to step two…go for the mattresses. I knew exactly what
I wanted when it came to that…a tempa-pedic. I just had to find the best price.
In my small town, there are not many options. However, I found a store that was
moving and needed to sell their inventory. Thus, I got the good discount I was
looking for. I set up delivery for the day after the bed would arrive. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bed came as promised. It was big and heavy but there
were two nice size men handling the job. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then the mattress arrived the next day. A man and his twelve
year old son got out of a pickup truck, looked to see where the mattress would
be going, and then started to untie the box springs to bring it in first. As
the father and son worked together, the father patiently instructed his son on how
to maneuver each step of the way. You could tell the son was new at this but
the father trusted him to do a good job. The father lifted his side over the footboard
first. Then the son followed…but…the son dropped his end on the footboard shelf.
When he lifted it up again, I saw the gash. Neither the son nor the father
noticed the gash before going back out to get the mattress.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOSICHWm27mbRV4W-SYZBKArQGMosmjLH3jtXgxN3xRGns4tprMvEKlQ_Ay2uciAuddHKAFLcvBjGjQbx4bmh4y3nxhNBuXvlAnMBSxoTlWgmO6SAxMT5nG7BOQbZwQo_F031u60-1had/s1600/10941010_10153048947100350_4804669688833556859_n.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/AVvXsEiVOSICHWm27mbRV4W-SYZBKArQGMosmjLH3jtXgxN3xRGns4tprMvEKlQ_Ay2uciAuddHKAFLcvBjGjQbx4bmh4y3nxhNBuXvlAnMBSxoTlWgmO6SAxMT5nG7BOQbZwQo_F031u60-1had/s1600/10941010_10153048947100350_4804669688833556859_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>In those next few moments, the Lord cautioned me to hold my
tongue. Then, he said,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Look at what is really going on in this moment. This father
and son are working well together and building a lasting relationship. Please
don’t disturb their teamwork. Forgive and be at peace.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh how my selfish side wanted to speak forth. However, in
the end, I realized God’s request was much more important than my new piece of
furniture. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then this scripture came to mind:<span style="color: #010f18; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #010f18; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Then said
Jesus unto his disciples, “If any <i>man</i> will come after me, let him </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">deny</span></b><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #010f18; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Matthew
16:24</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">deny</b> yourself
in this context means to forget one's self, lose sight of one's self and one's
own interests. It means to say ‘No’ to your self and ‘Yes’ to God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was something going on in the spirit and I was asked
to step aside and show mercy. Afterwards, when the father and son had gone, God
filled me with great joy! I felt my obedience was a victorious moment for both My
Lord and me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
What about you? Has God asked you to deny yourself for
another in some small way? Remember and Rejoice! Denying yourself is not always
some big public persecution event. Sometimes, it is just quiet affirmative smiles
between you and Your Heavenly Father.<o:p></o:p></div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-48644698957498465242015-01-06T18:14:00.000-05:002015-01-12T11:02:08.131-05:00All Dogs Go To Heaven<div class="MsoNormal">
It happened again…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvXpnn3vXLaDs5xtI1vl0I9fhk8GZ9G5cp7xmrgI-_NdtxmXDNWpe1UQE7v0kjIy1Ni_ipGdH4K5piPtzbUeCtQik5zRSD9vhTQaIQpDO6JdR7tYsY1jsyTNYl9UAGD7bG4e9Jx31maQV/s1600/xmwnhrexz5cno1ku6q61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvXpnn3vXLaDs5xtI1vl0I9fhk8GZ9G5cp7xmrgI-_NdtxmXDNWpe1UQE7v0kjIy1Ni_ipGdH4K5piPtzbUeCtQik5zRSD9vhTQaIQpDO6JdR7tYsY1jsyTNYl9UAGD7bG4e9Jx31maQV/s1600/xmwnhrexz5cno1ku6q61.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two years ago, I woke up
about the normal time, grabbed Maggie, my dachshund, and put her on the floor,
then headed off to the kitchen to start the coffee. A little while later, I
noticed Maggie hadn’t followed me into the kitchen as normal. Curious to see
what she was up too, I went to investigate. There she was…still in the bedroom.
She would not move. I took her outside to potty and she attempted to stand but
she obviously couldn’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The vet’s office ran some
test and took some x-rays. When the doctor took me into his office for the
consultation, I knew the prognosis would not be good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He clipped the x-ray over the
light as he explained that Maggie’s back was deteriorated to the point that she
could not walk. He could give her some back treatments that would help her walk
again or do surgery but it would not heal her back condition. Then he said she
was in a lot of pain. I felt horrified. I had no idea she had been suffering.
She never whined or cried out at all. Still climbing the stairs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The doctor never mentioned
putting her to sleep until I asked what he thought. He said it was my decision
but he reiterated she was in pain and the treatment would only be a temporary
fix. I decided to do the back treatments. I was not ready to let Maggie go yet.
They started right away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDI6CKT3kFVmQvC1QMXBOw9emv2TDJUOvsPeklht6U0479OJYqJ_6wy4ucEXIvKxZt9bXuKkTqfdecprB3S418hpSFwt6XJ1DTzV5zCcxHRqDeWkHn7V6bkbZnSXV2iCY5VqgY4bYZanA/s1600/175278155.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/AVvXsEhNDI6CKT3kFVmQvC1QMXBOw9emv2TDJUOvsPeklht6U0479OJYqJ_6wy4ucEXIvKxZt9bXuKkTqfdecprB3S418hpSFwt6XJ1DTzV5zCcxHRqDeWkHn7V6bkbZnSXV2iCY5VqgY4bYZanA/s1600/175278155.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a>Over the next couple of days,
I prayed and agonized over what to do. I did not like this ‘live or die’
decision-making. While I was out on the porch the next afternoon, the Lord gave
me a vision. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I saw His hands came down and
take Maggie lovingly from my lap as he spoke these words:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “Here let me take care of her for awhile.”</i> Peace flooded my soul
at the Lord’s offer. I knew then she was heaven bound.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The morning after, I took
Maggie outside to potty. I was standing about 10 feet away when I looked over
at her. She was sitting with her eyes barely opened. I felt her communicating
this message to my heart: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I will be here
for you as long as I can but I am really tired and ready to go home. </i>Maggie
was helping me to understand her heart. She was at the vet’s within the hour.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now… it is my lab, Buddy. His
knees are badly deteriorated. He is in a lot of pain. The vet said we could try
the pain meds to see if they would help, if not… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a couple of weeks, I
tried to comfort and baby my Buddy but the meds were making him sick and I knew
what needed to be done. Again I saw the Lord’s loving hands come down with the
same loving response.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For one last time, my
daughter and I took Buddy out to the Christian camp for one last romp. He swam
in the lake and frolicked like a pup. It did my heart good to see the measure
to which Buddy enjoyed life all the way up to the end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdXKRXUKB27xy8DyyvJGz4eXYt1i4fK80R4a_kElbvYdUWrEqnZe7sQ3KWlkAn66cDv0IF2qbqRtdEcrV8hTTymts_ju5KlN1fJLQVW9buhT6kbVt1KAjWSHPkXHu4WIrTknvEhKG26o3/s1600/482195111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdXKRXUKB27xy8DyyvJGz4eXYt1i4fK80R4a_kElbvYdUWrEqnZe7sQ3KWlkAn66cDv0IF2qbqRtdEcrV8hTTymts_ju5KlN1fJLQVW9buhT6kbVt1KAjWSHPkXHu4WIrTknvEhKG26o3/s1600/482195111.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a>Have you lost a beloved pet
recently? Animals are so important to our lives. They bring us joy, they alter
our perspectives, and they give us loyalty and devotion like no other. When we
lose them, it is like we have lost our best friend …so, if it has happened…take
time to grieve. Afterwards, take time to remember where it all began. As the
good memories roll, let the joy spill forth.<br />
<br />
Link to related post: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5363061922914899170#editor/target=post;postID=8831327129924423641;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=7;src=postname" target="_blank">Check Your Resolve Part 2</a></div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-87851290298969731972014-12-30T16:46:00.001-05:002014-12-30T16:50:45.640-05:00The Inspired Innkeeper<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eY3Un1NBuJd42pxOm_Rknv95XoSHfOUeW6DavqzpP7DiZk9_AZVU6raSxaT6MNpF48M9ecxF-YxVWaJV3ZoxvfZ_RxxXlU4WvBvatk1F2owzNGyd5f34Gy_jzr5JcEZQ6dzBnV8Bz41f/s1600/10888842_10152732190109678_8387131312894700346_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eY3Un1NBuJd42pxOm_Rknv95XoSHfOUeW6DavqzpP7DiZk9_AZVU6raSxaT6MNpF48M9ecxF-YxVWaJV3ZoxvfZ_RxxXlU4WvBvatk1F2owzNGyd5f34Gy_jzr5JcEZQ6dzBnV8Bz41f/s1600/10888842_10152732190109678_8387131312894700346_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Joseph and
Mary were making their way through the streets of Nazareth looking for a place
to have the baby. By now, Mary was in labor and her water may have broken.
Because the city was packed with people waiting to register their families, a
place to stay was hard to come by. But they continued on, praying for a place
of refuge. The one they knew God would provide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">There was an
inn on the edge of town, one of their last hopes. When they knocked, the door
opened to a room already bursting with people. Joseph pleaded with the
innkeeper but the innkeeper knew he was already swamped with demanding guests. He
wanted to help but he couldn’t. The innkeeper began to shut the door, when he
had a thought…the stable outback! So he hollered for the couple to come back. He
told them they could use whatever they found in the stable. That was the best
he could offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Joseph
thanked the man for his kindness. His main concern was Mary and the baby. The
stable was not what he had wanted but it was shelter and private. Now…to
witness the born of the long awaited King.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fJizI3SeSvsYilc-Eb7BFxiYl4P9ddLjRkDDSKY8aPuDrjfB_JjWcJ4itVZAO2Tvfbx6vRHtWTN2kb3k66c_MCi_NSfWM3FGP5c99Xf7REZRm0m9One35ejHh0qxN2XT9-EJKA4jIs-8/s1600/10802056_10152546442703697_19827526336138800_n-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fJizI3SeSvsYilc-Eb7BFxiYl4P9ddLjRkDDSKY8aPuDrjfB_JjWcJ4itVZAO2Tvfbx6vRHtWTN2kb3k66c_MCi_NSfWM3FGP5c99Xf7REZRm0m9One35ejHh0qxN2XT9-EJKA4jIs-8/s1600/10802056_10152546442703697_19827526336138800_n-2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quote that got me to thinking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">As I read through
the typical quotes about how the Innkeeper was such a jerk for rejecting Jesus
this year, I began to pray and ask the Lord if this assessment was accurate.
I felt the innkeeper was getting blamed for something that was not his fault. The
scriptures simply make a statement: …there was no room or place for him in the
inn. (Luke 2:7)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">As I pondered, these were some of my thoughts:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Innkeeper had no
idea who the couple was. </span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">He hadn’t been informed by a dream or visitation like Mary, Joseph, and
the shepherds. The man was just doing his job the best he could. However, he
did give what he had and that was the stable. As they left, Mary and Joseph
didn’t feel rejected but blessed with a safe haven to have their child. Did God
inspire the innkeeper’s offer? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jesus had to be born in
a place where no one could take credit for or profit from the occasion.</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> God wanted Jesus’s birth alone to be
center stage not the cleverness or effort of mankind. Jesus would have no
obligation to anyone from the start. Plus, wouldn’t all the noise and confusion
from those in the inn spoiled or taken away from the glory God wanted to share
with only those He trusted?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jesus’s birth had to be
protected because of those who were out to destroy Him.</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> If Jesus had been born in the inn,
the news would have been spread quickly after the confirmation of shepherds and
the Wiseman. Caesar was clearly after information leading to the baby’s
whereabouts. Would the story have been drastically changed? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">It was a place where those
whom God chose could come freely. </span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">In our view, the stable may not be the most sanitary
conditions, but no one was there to shame the shepherds or laugh at and question
the wisdom of the men who traveled so far (maybe even steal the gifts). This
was God’s moment, God’s way. Peace and praise were the only things that
mattered. Was there <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> a better
way?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnCXfVI-50eUDLjUWE64FBq-8I48l_tDt_mnb9czcthGGYc_OWBxjzpvD7XyJYn-gAmo5GZqk9A4KQXfiBmMGitdGaV8HP9qQmHYslMXcxuB7IWm5VtgK9qHNxnIhbdlQbBo4gijRe3Oj/s1600/10873424_10152503675656994_4854248861035101511_o.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/AVvXsEgfnCXfVI-50eUDLjUWE64FBq-8I48l_tDt_mnb9czcthGGYc_OWBxjzpvD7XyJYn-gAmo5GZqk9A4KQXfiBmMGitdGaV8HP9qQmHYslMXcxuB7IWm5VtgK9qHNxnIhbdlQbBo4gijRe3Oj/s1600/10873424_10152503675656994_4854248861035101511_o.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Today, when
we are carrying the King of kings within us, life may not always be what we
think it should be. God’s guidance does not always mean it will be the easy
way. What it does mean <o:p></o:p></span>is your faithfulness to find His pathway will always
bring the biggest reward of protection, peace and praise. </div>
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Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-67108642010627819472014-12-19T20:07:00.000-05:002014-12-20T23:24:13.290-05:00Boxes Filled With Love<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Volunteering during the
holidays brings joy to my heart. So…when a friend asked me to join her in going
to Charlotte, I thought <i>why not!</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“What are we going to be
doing?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“ We are going to process the
shoeboxes at Operation Christmas Child.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh goodie! I’ve never done
that before. This should be exciting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it was…..!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKr7JJvQYIFhOYcm5EYU8uk23VkGlqN-jb6L6ygptHMAYLbtb7n3VDM-kNOtZ4jR8ED-qr9XqapSPIxUZAO8JRgk8_KmudTvSdrHz3nCv1dhx8-ib7iRQmDrIVDYiri3tIF1dTZxtPSR0/s1600/10410683_10153024076716454_7158507282819681358_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKr7JJvQYIFhOYcm5EYU8uk23VkGlqN-jb6L6ygptHMAYLbtb7n3VDM-kNOtZ4jR8ED-qr9XqapSPIxUZAO8JRgk8_KmudTvSdrHz3nCv1dhx8-ib7iRQmDrIVDYiri3tIF1dTZxtPSR0/s1600/10410683_10153024076716454_7158507282819681358_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We came through the door and
oh what a sight! The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">huge</b> warehouse
was filled with hundreds of volunteers busy at their workstations. The goal for
2014 had been 10 million boxes and we were there on the last shift on the last
day to finish it up. What love and excitement filled the air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The supervising volunteers
gathered a group of us into a boxed off room to show us a video of what we
would be doing and how to do it. I kept thinking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord; just give me a job I can do well.</i> None of it was hard but
just overwhelming at first. Then we were shuffled all the way to the last
workstation #30. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“All right, who can do what?”
the tall blonde lady said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When she came to box
inspector, my hand flew up without a thought. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzT_HHS2rBZmqmYjLoq8zzzzzj6TOQ51P9kB_-aA2hCKtxpl9ziz3xb6-D_-qzh3P_nV0K6jucw04t-gqUcDSAyNWUyAwCi6DzBVQ9qga0BYcCWIlGWB2rsBMZqHiaSDucd16C-_pVLUC/s1600/1531775_10153024690136454_8035432127203552314_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzT_HHS2rBZmqmYjLoq8zzzzzj6TOQ51P9kB_-aA2hCKtxpl9ziz3xb6-D_-qzh3P_nV0K6jucw04t-gqUcDSAyNWUyAwCi6DzBVQ9qga0BYcCWIlGWB2rsBMZqHiaSDucd16C-_pVLUC/s1600/1531775_10153024690136454_8035432127203552314_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We must have gone through
300-500 boxes. At first I was slow and careful but soon (mainly when I relaxed)
the skills began to flow. We were checking for items that can’t be sent like
money, chocolate, anything camouflage/military looking (a Si Robertson doll had
to be discarded) because the child could be harmed. There were boxes that were
well thought out and others not so much. Some were bursting at the seams and
others had to have items added. Why? Because Samaritan’s Purse believes every
child deserves to receive a full box.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Out of all the boxes I
examined, there is one that remains. Inside, were a used hair bush, two worn
shirts, and a pair of well-worn flip flops. At first, I thought who
would do such a thing. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then the Lord spoke to my
heart and said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nVyfgKQXIz7hx9fCUtlsuDaJ_bQN0L0k7fZgNdMV2ELdY941aL33yDRJyNG2vvqm_ZdX4xmZpziQt9Wts1W-G4z3uGlg4RkGRMTdAWce_SFp1wpnIPNVAFZn2FiS-CR7ob9iCkoV835T/s1600/10382647_10153024690126454_5295022407017154196_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nVyfgKQXIz7hx9fCUtlsuDaJ_bQN0L0k7fZgNdMV2ELdY941aL33yDRJyNG2vvqm_ZdX4xmZpziQt9Wts1W-G4z3uGlg4RkGRMTdAWce_SFp1wpnIPNVAFZn2FiS-CR7ob9iCkoV835T/s1600/10382647_10153024690126454_5295022407017154196_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Jesus Love us even when we mess up. <br />
Put your hand on min."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“She gave the best she had.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fought tears from running
down my face. Oh, how quick I was to judge. So then I apologized to the Lord
and prayed this sweet giver would be bless for her faithful giving. (widow’s
mite) Although, we can’t send used items, the original box was repacked, prayed
over, and sent along its way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">****************<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Operation Christmas Child is
not just a few days in December. There are people volunteering all year around
because filling, inspecting, and mailing the boxes is only a part of the total
scope. </span><span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teams of people come together around the country to serve
in the specific areas of prayer, church relations, community relations, and
media relations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2e2e2e;">And if a child receives a box…then they can participate in
a discipleship program.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #2e2e2e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than 2.8 million children from
150 countries have participated in The Greatest Journey, the 12-lesson
discipleship program created by Samaritan’s Purse. The Greatest Journey is one
of the largest discipleship programs in the world, implemented through a global
church network to help children know and follow Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #2e2e2e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So each child not only gets a gift,
but an invitation to eternity.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #2e2e2e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: center;"><i>I pray heart-filled blessings on each
child </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: center;"><i>who is to receive a box and may each one see and </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #2e2e2e; text-align: center;">fulfill their God-given
destinies.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have done it unto the least of these,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you have done it unto me....Jesus </span><br />
<span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Matthew 25:40)</span><br />
<span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVVbRrGeBPg0rynX_xE_w1g7UzQyYLia9_Y0rUfgj-lpFrvvUMVG1eUClz4KEw7EXahg7B6iHNbS2kpojvPx78IuWi-cEg8WeO0yXHH7yaSxR9Awy4A0bVidQngB5lF9lPMu6pwEiLKfI/s1600/1531775_10153024690146454_523224505310852983_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVVbRrGeBPg0rynX_xE_w1g7UzQyYLia9_Y0rUfgj-lpFrvvUMVG1eUClz4KEw7EXahg7B6iHNbS2kpojvPx78IuWi-cEg8WeO0yXHH7yaSxR9Awy4A0bVidQngB5lF9lPMu6pwEiLKfI/s1600/1531775_10153024690146454_523224505310852983_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put you hand in mine and <br />
we can pray together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Become a part of something greater
then yourself this season or even in the coming year. You may think it will be
too small to matter but it’s not. God can/will multiply the limited results you
see. And…what you don’t see, may have eternal value for someone you may never
meet. So…Cast those vain imaginations down and see what you can discover to do
in your area. The receiver will be eternally grateful.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #2e2e2e;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-34271785717026285702014-11-21T11:11:00.001-05:002015-06-01T22:37:20.604-04:00My Necklace of Pearls<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times;">After years of challenges and moments of despair, I
felt like a failure. I asked God if I would ever get to the place where I could
really be use by Him again. I wondered because the sense of discouragement seemed
to clothe me securely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times;">The Lord responded with a picture of a beautiful pearl
necklace in my mind’s eye and spoke gently to my spirit:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="font-family: Courier;">“The circumstances you have gone through trouble
you. Some circumstances were caused by your stubbornness and others were
demonic assignments. Nevertheless, I have been with you through them all. And
now, I need you to grasp each of those lessons in a fresh way.</span></i><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Courier;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Courier;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQs0fgmWoSD1Um1pT3O10DsB92us5sX17wLSgpp6Liy8XiqEaq5EqSYZ3-5b1TlRj_P6VSmrHcBlnnr6mn5w9zKcS-8BHbDhQvN-62xtb-Cz8o9P0gcIhaoTI09fGA94anp5HrbyU8kVK/s1600/MB900410094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQs0fgmWoSD1Um1pT3O10DsB92us5sX17wLSgpp6Liy8XiqEaq5EqSYZ3-5b1TlRj_P6VSmrHcBlnnr6mn5w9zKcS-8BHbDhQvN-62xtb-Cz8o9P0gcIhaoTI09fGA94anp5HrbyU8kVK/s1600/MB900410094.JPG" /></a><i><span style="font-family: Courier;">I designed this special necklace especially for
you. The pearls represent each situation you overcame by My guidance and power.
Just like the oyster suffers pain in growth, you have suffered pain in growth.
The oyster covers his pain with something priceless. You have learned to cover
your pain with something priceless as well… My Wisdom and Glory. Now I desire
to line up those experiences with a knot of grace between each one so they will
never pour back into your lap again. As you learn to wear this necklace of love
humbly, I will use you greatly. When I lead, share one of your treasured pearls
for My glory. This necklace, my child, is the key to your joy-fill-ed witness
for the days to come.”</span></i><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times;">“Thank you Lord. Your words calm my heart,” I said.
But then I asked another question, "How will I ever get rid of this guilt
and shame?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">"When you are ready to put up your shield of
faith to quench all the enemy's negative thought-filled reminders of your past
and are willing to let go of your obsession with self-condemnation, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>then</u></i> you can and will move on.
Afterwards, I will be able to grace-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fill</i>-ly
knot and secure all those pearls together and secure them around your neck with
the blood of Jesus.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times;">I have wasted so much time meditating on ‘what ifs’
or ‘I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should</i> have known better’. Life
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should</i> have been so different. Then I realized the<i> '<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shoulds</span> keep the <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shame</span> alive'</i>. Yet, again I realized even <b>if</b> I had made
wiser decisions then, I would have eventually made an error in judgment later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiISSUVItzH4K1RtGkXTY1nEEmSq2t-XFLyT6Hc1Ca8G4vsA4Ci-YIZfwR4vPK88Uq66x0g5zB-TRD6ObrCXFJRdaLlw-SZ8X6c3WkX9osec_GWtpVog4VWay6VB3lncAbgQJfWM_zJYxq/s1600/MB900422377.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/AVvXsEhiISSUVItzH4K1RtGkXTY1nEEmSq2t-XFLyT6Hc1Ca8G4vsA4Ci-YIZfwR4vPK88Uq66x0g5zB-TRD6ObrCXFJRdaLlw-SZ8X6c3WkX9osec_GWtpVog4VWay6VB3lncAbgQJfWM_zJYxq/s1600/MB900422377.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: Times;">Wisdom training is a must in God’s kingdom. I can’t
avoid trouble forever. God designs my life to be filled with instructional
moments from a variety of sources. What I need to remember at all times is
this: God’s grace is sufficient. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Having this special pearl necklace reminds me…all
is not lost. God intends to use everything I do right or wrong for His glory. When
I get off track, God still marks the journey as valuable and that brings me
joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">How about your pearls that came at a great price?
Will you allow God to line them up and show you off? God is so proud of you and
the way you hung on to Him. You may feel disqualified. Don’t despair! God plans
to use all those <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">'unseemly parts'</i> to
minister grace and hope to many. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Go ahead…quench the enemy’s thoughts of failure, pick
a pearl and courageously share how God changed your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-33296684551542530232014-11-07T17:55:00.000-05:002014-11-07T17:55:36.925-05:00Missing You<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Why was the Lord sending me to a writer’s conference?</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> I thought after Patti gave me a word of direction. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh…I know. God needs to give me a swift
‘kick in the pants’</i>. I haven’t written much in the last four months even
though my computer functions great now. (Thanks to David, my son.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70oqQdsKDIPB6-Bqz2OshzulFsMi5UmE69qq7qpIw0KENZ-oqoXU8aj9Mpmz7omaFKEOq8rJKRoaLLJa91DwiUI62DgoL7FdA2EgzIxTuOzMvbA_dGvX83lrzDmBx1FtPUvMn_qdRP0Y3/s1600/IMG_5536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70oqQdsKDIPB6-Bqz2OshzulFsMi5UmE69qq7qpIw0KENZ-oqoXU8aj9Mpmz7omaFKEOq8rJKRoaLLJa91DwiUI62DgoL7FdA2EgzIxTuOzMvbA_dGvX83lrzDmBx1FtPUvMn_qdRP0Y3/s1600/IMG_5536.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Day after day, I kept
putting God off with what I thought were valid reasons. The couple of weeks
turned into over four months. My writing Buddy kept encouraging me to schedule
time to write. Until one day, I sensed God stood His ground and send me that
word. It was like He was standing there before me tapping His foot, crossing
His arms and raising a brow. He knew the urgency of de-cluttering my house had overshadowed
the importance of what He wanted to do through my blog. Turns out those valid
reasons… they were only hollow excuses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So with a humbled heart and
a new notebook in hand, I journeyed up the mountain nearby to allow God to
inspire me over the next four days. Within three big comfortable sofas and a
few chairs, there were two gifted speakers and 30 of us inquisitive aspiring
writers. I had heard most of the basic information before. However, the
intimate setting, the open discussion, and the friendships I was forming
delighted me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I crawled into bed after
the third long day, I asked the Lord again if there was something more specific
that He wanted to say. I had been inspired by the group’s creativity and vision
but I felt like there was something more I was suppose to receive…maybe something
personal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Early the next morning, as I
began waking up before the alarm, I heard the Lord say in my spirit:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“But I miss you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I sat up as my heart melted
to the core. Tears formed. I knew the Lord had just expressed some of his His deeper
feelings. I sensed He felt like a spurned sweetheart/husband. I had pushed Him
away long enough and He desired to rekindle the intimacy again. He enjoyed our weekly
writing time together because we connected on a much deeper level. I asked for
His advice and gave Him praise when the inspiration came. We had even laughed
and had fun at times. He enjoyed seeing me thrive in His presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My response:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Awwwww…I miss you too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQAcW90ZjciOiPI-tcLNU0EXwuyShRWtXagNm3fsVsJCKl7cFyyIQQMYnYgzzYAdZsH8ZqhWt1rVLhOQcVPWdlaUgdXg5_KxZEGYuw7qd_IJPD9lswuVOZSIweKIOby4PLKiMzXGXuYSD/s1600/IMG_5538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQAcW90ZjciOiPI-tcLNU0EXwuyShRWtXagNm3fsVsJCKl7cFyyIQQMYnYgzzYAdZsH8ZqhWt1rVLhOQcVPWdlaUgdXg5_KxZEGYuw7qd_IJPD9lswuVOZSIweKIOby4PLKiMzXGXuYSD/s1600/IMG_5538.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Needless to say, my writing
took on a fresh perspective. I began by renewing my purpose for writing…to
share with others what the Lord shares through the everyday events in my life. Later, as I mulled over His words, I was so touched by the Lord’s love and steadfastness to save our writing
relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It wasn’t a swift kick in
the pants at all. It was the ‘Lover of my soul’ wooing me back to his arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010f18; font-family: Arial;"><i>But from thence ye shall seek Jehovah
thy God, and thou shalt find him, when thou searches after him with all thy
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<span style="color: #010f18; font-family: Arial;"><i>Duet. 4:29 (ASV)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-80203957317229496092014-06-16T08:23:00.000-04:002014-06-16T08:31:25.491-04:00Persistant Faith<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week, I and one other person were privileged to pray
for a middle-aged Christian man, Gary, who had liver cancer. I sensed the
presence of the Lord strongly when we anointed him with oil and commanded the
cancer to leave. As the session ended, I felt like the Lord had stressed three
points to Gary. Maybe they will speak to you in your situation, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Lord gave me a vision for Gary.
I saw the inside of a hole in the ground in the woods. The bottom was covered
with a single row of large soft leaves like Lamb’s Ear. When I looked up, I saw the simmering rays of the sun illuminating the bed of leaves. It was a peaceful even joyous scene.
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">“You can search all you want, but
I am not there. The empty tomb is all the proof you need to know that I rose
from the dead to give you power over the works of the enemy. Come boldly before
the Throne of Grace.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Taking communion frequently helps
us to remain focused on Christ and what He has done. The Resurrection of Christ
was not for the forgiveness of sins alone, but it also gave us the power to renew
our mind and receive healing for our body as well<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Bless the Lord, O my soul, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And all that is within me, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Bless His holy name. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Bless the Lord, O my soul,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And forgot not all His benefits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Who forgives all of your sins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And heals all your diseases.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Keep the faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then at the end, the Lord said
this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">“Tell Gary he does not have to
have great faith to receive his healing but he does have to have persistent
faith.” Then the Lord gave me this scripture:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The apostles said to the Lord, "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Increase
our faith-that trust and confidence that springs from our belief in God."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And the Lord answered, “If you
have faith (trust and confidence in God) even as a grain of mustard seed, you
could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots, and be planted in
the sea’, and it would obey you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What does persistent faith look
like? It means we continue to stand and believe in God’s truth even though we
may face opposition, obstacles, and discouragement. How is persistent faith maintained?
By pursuing the word of God and listening to the testimony of
others who have used persistent faith to win their battles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you going through some tough times? Difficulties
like cancer or others like a job loss will test our perseverance no matter how
much faith we think we have. The enemy is out to steal, kill and destroy all of
us and he will not give up easily. But with God’s steadfast strength, our persistent
faith, and the revelations we gain from the study of His Word, we will come out
on the winning side, alive and well.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My computer has been severely messed up. I hope to get it fixed soon. Thanks for your patience.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-65268354115212786722014-05-03T16:57:00.000-04:002014-05-05T17:28:43.969-04:00Gone Fishing<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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to become like Him, what do you suppose God’s next move is going to be? I think
He wants to take us fishing. Now, God doesn’t fish in the same old way we do. He
fishes for all kinds of people. He doesn’t care about where He has to go to
catch one, how big it is or what it looks like when He pulls it up. All God
wants to know is whether His catch will love and serve Him through His Son
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So what kind of equipment does He use, you may ask?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God uses a variety of poles and all of them resemble you and
me. Me, a pole of God’s? Yes, all God’s children are potential fishing poles.
He likes to big game fish in the ocean with a heavy-duty rod and reel just as
much as He likes to sit at the edge of a secluded lake with a homemade cane
pole. The goal is still the same…to catch what is hungry in the area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hook? The knowledge of the freedom anyone can have through
the mercy, grace, and righteousness found in Christ. He uses our passion for
proclamation to throw out the bait for everyone to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bait? God keeps everything organized in His tackle box. He
has collected an assortment of abilities to fit each situation just in case one
doesn’t work out. He uses abilities through the actions and
attitudes of love joy, peace, patience, and kindness for some and then others
need to see gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. Sometimes, he
will throw out prophetic words to disturb the waters or create some interest.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The line? Our faith added to His.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
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<!--StartFragment-->
</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What about the float or bobber? That would be the Holy
Spirit’s job to alert the fisherman of the possibilities ahead.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<!--EndFragment--></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How long will God stay at a fishing spot? He will stay as
long as it takes Him to catch the apple of his eye. He’s never pushed for time
like we are. God’s remarkable love for all the ‘whosoevers’ have brought out
the very essence of what a true patient fisherman is.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hey! God wants to know, if YOU are interested in going
fishing with Him sometime? He goes everyday. He likes a simple catch but he
believes the bigger the challenge, the greater the glory when the victories are
finally told. Go ahead…grab your bait and see what he’ll catch with you today.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Come, follow me," Jesus said,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> "and I will send you out to fish for people." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matthew 4:19 (NIV)</span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="maintable3" style="background-color: #fdfeff; box-shadow: rgb(0, 51, 85) 5px 0px 20px, rgb(0, 51, 85) -5px 0px 20px; width: 100%px;"><tbody></tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5363061922914899170.post-88313271299244236412014-04-25T16:48:00.001-04:002015-01-06T22:01:03.094-05:00Checking Your Resolve: Part 2<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Preparation is only the
beginning of a plan. The next step is putting that plan into action. After
repacking into Kristen’s car because mine wouldn’t start, off to Raleigh we
went. That was a “worry” tactic for weekend from the enemy, I am sure.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We arrived at the tail end
of the Friday night session. However, Kristen and I were still able to meet the
children. There were five, two boys and three girls, ranging from 5-9. They
were enthusiastic about the weekend so we became enthusiastic too. I sensed God’s
presence was there with me so I reminded myself to leave the results in His
capable hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I taught 3 lessons during
the day. The first had to do with being fisher’s of men and what that could
mean for them. The third one had to do with how special they are to God. Then,
I helped them realize God has given each of us a special gift to share, which
can help lead others to Jesus. Each of these lessons went well and the children
responded to my questions. However, the second lesson evoked questions from
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPldY4WGjY6-9WQvY-ANYDTF7ZPlOSW66BEF67QHFlk2vERxFIT35CLwtU_9eIvx50DOXvM-gvSwdp-Q2X6tKKDggARM0uKPDydy032WDqsufsXMnUeGbh64i8sn2eEAfyk2AVseFBxIQ7/s1600/IMG_5406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPldY4WGjY6-9WQvY-ANYDTF7ZPlOSW66BEF67QHFlk2vERxFIT35CLwtU_9eIvx50DOXvM-gvSwdp-Q2X6tKKDggARM0uKPDydy032WDqsufsXMnUeGbh64i8sn2eEAfyk2AVseFBxIQ7/s1600/IMG_5406.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">In the second lesson, I read
the book <i><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Heaven-Real-Kids-Little-Astounding/dp/140031870X/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398459171&sr=1-3&keywords=heaven+is+for+real" target="_blank">Heaven Is For Real for kids</a> </i>by Todd and Sonja Burpo about there son's (Colton) experience with heaven. I hadn’t read much, when Zeb, age 8, skeptically asked, “Did he ‘really’ go to heaven?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I responded enthusiastically, "Yes he did.
Not everybody gets to go to heaven like Colton, but God chooses a few to make
the round trip from time to time. God wants us to know that Heaven is a real place
and what it is going to be like when we arrive. Knowing about heaven gives us confidence of
our future home and helps us share heaven’s reality with others."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXkxE3bsjMlWDj8lZjD7dcRDW5GoZNzufz4DsAlj-tHfGhHD9dIwE_sIU5h8kwm_d3Zf5hZC6U8XC5Zw3i0GgJEEtbh8r9O1-SbBLRrxxWzjgPqgGwvSOlgDtt-JiEb_sBrAt90HEkB8Q/s1600/IMG_5407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXkxE3bsjMlWDj8lZjD7dcRDW5GoZNzufz4DsAlj-tHfGhHD9dIwE_sIU5h8kwm_d3Zf5hZC6U8XC5Zw3i0GgJEEtbh8r9O1-SbBLRrxxWzjgPqgGwvSOlgDtt-JiEb_sBrAt90HEkB8Q/s1600/IMG_5407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXkxE3bsjMlWDj8lZjD7dcRDW5GoZNzufz4DsAlj-tHfGhHD9dIwE_sIU5h8kwm_d3Zf5hZC6U8XC5Zw3i0GgJEEtbh8r9O1-SbBLRrxxWzjgPqgGwvSOlgDtt-JiEb_sBrAt90HEkB8Q/s1600/IMG_5407.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I progressed to the pages
with the animals, Sarah, age 5, responded. She calmly came and nestled between the book
I was holding up and me. We continued to discuss what animals they wanted to play with when they arrived in heaven. Meanwhile, I noticed Sarah’s little finger on
the brown dog in the picture. She still made no comment. As I turned to the next page though she
peacefully returned to her seat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Later, I overheard this
conversation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Adult: I’m so sorry your dog
died this week. But I bet he is in heaven right now playing with the dog I lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sarah: Yes, I know that now.
We read a book in class today that told me so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Adult: What was the name of
the book?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sarah: Heaven Is Real<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Adult: I am glad you are not
sad anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sarah smiled and skipped off
to play. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Was I sent to calm the cries
of Sarah's aching heart? Yes among others. Even though I struggled with going, God
had a specific purpose in mind for me as His representative. He led my planning
so I would have something for each of the kids on their level of understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Monday, I got this email
from the mother of Zeb:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;">I just want to share with you all what an impact the weekend had
on my family, especially Zeb. He has been a part of two LWM at our church but
this was the first time he has gone with us as team members (Lydia's third).
Last night and again this morning when he was praying he thanked God for the
weekend and his new friends, asked God to help him keep the 10 commandments and
the coolest, he prayed next time he could give his testimony. Mary Jane and
Kristen, a huge thank you for all you taught and the time you spent with our
precious children!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;">God gave me
victory over all my reluctances when I choose Him over my fears. He allowed me
to receive much more affirmation then I ever expected. I did not think I did
anything outstanding while I was doing the task but God blessed the time and
used it to make me stand out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;">Look what I would have missed, if I had been stubborn and said no.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-SdfjCvJvKujUissmQON8m-kmOzTVF340F1d2MN-Dne7xS1cU4yhVcbKk4LJ_AvemWUUstzTljNlJicmbOO1JxQNWP2XMYj-Pv5tMryaKFTH5vfhpXRPkFf1Ezk9DviRAiaqE03Sz1mV/s1600/544583_206934952743780_188835601220382_308425_1309662972_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-SdfjCvJvKujUissmQON8m-kmOzTVF340F1d2MN-Dne7xS1cU4yhVcbKk4LJ_AvemWUUstzTljNlJicmbOO1JxQNWP2XMYj-Pv5tMryaKFTH5vfhpXRPkFf1Ezk9DviRAiaqE03Sz1mV/s1600/544583_206934952743780_188835601220382_308425_1309662972_n.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So again I ask you: Have you
had times lately where you know God has asked you to serve in a
situation and you allowed your fears to keep you bound to indecisiveness and
fear. I want to encourage you again with my results to press through and see
God’s affirmation and victory spread out before you. He never expects us to do
it alone. He is always right there with us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just have to seek Him and then rest knowing
His wisdom is on the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Part 1 of <a href="http://www.maryjanewrites.com/2014/03/checking-your-resolve.html" target="_blank">Checking Your Resolve</a></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06670257124963142771noreply@blogger.com2