tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23490157782630460252023-12-12T09:51:54.793-08:00Not of This World...but living in this oneSharing God's love, His Word, and my faith as I grow and learn. Whether you are already walking with God or just curious about what it is that we Christians believe, I hope that you will find what you're looking for. Please feel free to ask questions or leave any comments you may have. Below my most recent posts are links to Christian news. All videos are from YouTube and may not work on a device that is mobile.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-10070385134923166172013-10-15T08:59:00.000-07:002013-10-15T09:18:18.621-07:00A Drastic Change: Full Time Service<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My friends,<br />
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I'm sorry it's been so long since I've written anything, but about a month ago my world turned upside down! It has long been a dream of the ministry I've been with for the past few years (Magdalene Hope), working with prostitutes on the street, to have a safe house that we can move them to and have a program of spiritual rehabilitation for them. The woman who was to originally live on site and direct became unable, and so....I'm doing it! <br />
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I've been praying for a long time to go into some kind of full time service. I felt that God had been telling me to continue to be faithful in the little things, and eventually He would open the door to others. I've had to leave my home behind and am living in the mountains somewhere in California. Truly, it's beautiful. But what's even more beautiful is the chance to love these women who have been through so much.<br />
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Soon we will have internet service up there and I will be able to continue writing. I do so much love to share my life and faith with all of you as well. I am only here at my house briefly, so this is of necessity going to be brief as well.<br />
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I am so excited as I start this new adventure in serving my Lord and Savior! Working in this position, I will also be able to attend Bible College free of charge. I have wanted that instruction for so long!<br />
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Before going up there, I wanted to make sure that it was God's will. So, like Gideon, I asked God for a few things. I needed one of my kids to move into my house and care for it; as of now I get one weekend off a month and one eight hour day a week. At first they all said no, and then my youngest daughter changed her mind, and she is already here :) It is amazing what God can do! But why should I ever doubt? If He created it all, and I know He did, then He can make any miracle that is in His will happen.<br />
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And that goes for you too! I will keep you updated on this wonderful new phase of my life.<br />
Oh! And where I am we see deer every dusk and dawn. What a beautiful creator we serve.<br />
May our Father bless you and keep you! I will keep in touch as soon as we have internet up there.<br />
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This song really sums up what God is doing for these women:<br />
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By the way, I'm seeing an ad on this page. I didn't put it there, and I'm not sure how to get rid of it!!!!!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-7002308473221313972013-08-22T20:37:00.001-07:002013-08-22T20:37:18.860-07:00"Real life"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In my last post, I ended by saying that this life is not really our "real" life; we are here so briefly. The life that we will live for eternity is what is most important. Jesus said, "<i>Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.</i>"-Matthew 6:19<br />
As for me, I'm not concerned with having treasure there, I only want to be there, at the feet of my Master.<br />
What a privilege it will be to kneel before Him! Eternity is a long time and what waits for us there is beyond our imaginations. This world will be difficult:<br />
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<i>Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, his must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in His Father's glory with the holy angels.</i>- Mark 8:34-38<br />
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What is it to lose your life for Christ? One immediately thinks of the martyrs, but I believe here Jesus is talking about the way we live our lives. Do we live for Him, making Him and the gospel our top priority, or do we spend the majority of our time on earthly cares and concerns? Of course we must care for our families, work, etc., but when we lose our lives for Christ, we put Him and His work at the top of the list.<br />
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My pastor said something interesting the other day. He said, "If all Christians lived as you do, what would the church be like?" Something worth considering, as all of us together make up Christ's body here on earth.<br />
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So let us shine the light of God's love at every opportunity. <i>No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts in under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light</i>.- Luke 8:16<br />
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<i>When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life</i>."- John 8:12<br />
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<i>Do not conform any longer 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.</i>- Romans 12:2<br />
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I can tell you from my own experiences that when I set aside myself and follow God's will, that is when I have peace even in the most brutal storms life can dish up. There will come a time when we have no more troubles, no more sadness, no more pain; when we leave this world and go home to where we belong.<br />
In the time we have left let us continue to bear fruit for His kingdom.<br />
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Let us also remember that we cannot do this in our own power. Our salvation is by grace alone, and the power within us is the Holy Spirit. He gives us strength and courage that we don't have in ourselves.<br />
<i>Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. and so He condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.</i>-Romans 8:1-4<br />
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No matter our current circumstances, if we are in Christ, we are not alone. Nothing can separate us from Him! <i>Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, not any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</i>- Romans 8:35-39 This is one of my favorite verses. It is such a comfort to know that nothing can separate us from the love that my Savior has for us!<br />
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It's so important to remember that his world is not our home...it is a temporary place, a faint shadow of things to come. Many people worry that we may be entering the last days, but whether that is true or not, we will certainly have a last day of our own...most of us have less than one hundred years. Every so often it's good to take a good hard look at ourselves and our priorities. It's so easy to slip into the cares of this world, and it's easy to put off sharing the gospel... we don't want to offend, do we? Share in love. Plant seeds. God will water them, and you just might be surprised at who comes to meet you when you enter the Kingdom that you thought weren't listening.<br />
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Here's a beautiful song about what is in store for us when we leave here. I hope you enjoy it and it brings you hope, because one day there will be a day with no more tears or suffering.<br />
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Wishing you blessings.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-67904152269331999652013-08-20T12:30:00.001-07:002013-08-30T06:23:06.407-07:00An adventure with Magdalene Hope...and how I got stuck in San Diego<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello friends!<br />
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I'm home after another adventure...last Monday I went with Magdalene Hope (the ministry I belong to that does street outreach to prostitutes) to San Diego, about four hours from where I live. It has been a goal and a dream for some time that we would have a safe house with a program in place to help them improve their lives. This has finally happened! The ministry has purchased a home, and now all we need is to get it up and running. Our first young lady is currently in a shelter waiting for us to open.<br />
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So, we were traveling to San Diego to meet with the director of a house that has been up and running for some time to get ideas about programs to put in place for our house. We met at the church at 5:45 a.m. to begin the trip and I felt terrific. I'm so glad to be a part of this ministry. We did a Bible study on the way and my spirits were high. I felt fine when we got there, but about halfway through the morning presentation I began to feel extremely cold. I thought maybe the air conditioning was just high, but by the time we broke for lunch...I had to run to the bathroom and empty my stomach.<br />
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Great, just great. I am very private about my illness in that while I may talk about it, I really don't like anyone to see me that way. But I couldn't even begin to hide it. I went to lie down in the back of the church van and my stomach kept emptying....luckily I had a cup from my coffee earlier! What made it unusual was the amount of pain I was having. Only a few times have I had pain like that. I stayed in the van while everyone else went back in for the afternoon session and it got worse from there. By the time they came back, I was losing my self control and moaning, which was very embarrassing to me. They rushed me first to an Urgent Care, who said I needed a hospital. I was very lucky that they got me right in at the hospital, but none of the medications seemed to be working. <br />
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I was extremely blessed to have one of my friends in the back with me. She rubbed my back, prayed for me (as did the rest of the group) and kept me covered in warm blankets as I was still freezing cold. I needed to be transferred to another hospital that took my insurance, and the group stayed until they were sure that the transfer went through and I'd be admitted. I can't put into words how grateful I was for their love and support....yes, I can. The love of Christ is what they showed. Before they left, they all layed hands on me and prayed for me one by one. Through the pain, I could feel the Spirit.<br />
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To make a long story shorter, I'm back at home now. My mother, who lives a few hours from San Diego, came to pick me up and I spent a few days recuperating at her house. While there, I read a book that I must recommend. It's called Safely Home by Randy Alcorn. It talks about the persecution of Christians in China, and I must say that after reading it, I felt truly ashamed. With all my freedom, how much do I really do for the kingdom? One of the most touching scenes in the book is when one of the main character is jailed for owning a non authorized Bible and attending an unauthorized church. Many Chinese Christians meet in house churches, because the authorized churches are not allowed to teach certain fundamental beliefs.<br />
Anyway, so now he's in prison, being beaten and tortured. So what does he do?<br />
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He offers the jailer to clean the floors in the cells. And as he does, he spreads the gospel to the other prisoners. He tells his friend that he is so grateful that God has provided him a ministry!<br />
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And I complain about my stomach and don't get up to write on the computer and spread the message about God's love because of my trifling pain.<br />
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No more! I pray God will give me the courage, the strength of character, and the promptings of the Holy Spirit to share Him with all who need to hear about Him.<br />
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I think I've shared this song before, but it's been on my mind all week; I was singing it to myself in the hospital. It's in Hebrew, but here is the translation:<br />
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Those who trust in God are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken, but stands forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people...Psalm 125 1-2<br />
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Another point the book made is that this life down here on earth is not our "real life." Our real life begins when we leave the shell of a body we currently inhabit. I believe that with all my heart.<br />
So let us make the most of each day, reaching out in Christ's love, to those who need His forgiveness and His Holy Spirit to live the life that our Father has called us to.<br />
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Please pray for the success of Restoration Ranch, the name that has been chosen for Magdalene Hope's house.<br />
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Wishing you all blessings in Christ!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-88014728823638245982013-07-24T15:48:00.003-07:002013-07-26T14:24:09.717-07:00On His Shoulders<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello, my friends.<br />
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I've been out of the hospital a couple of weeks but I continue to struggle with my health. The trouble began with bleeding inside my stomach, enough that I had to be transfused with blood and plasma. Though they got the bleeding stopped I wound up spending three weeks in the hospital, and since coming home I'm having a difficult recovery. I'm having a lot of difficulty keeping any fluid down and all of this has left my body weak and in pain. I had to go in for IV fluids again just a few days ago.<br />
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A friend prayed a wonderful prayer for me, and while praying, he quoted Isaiah 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher that the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."<br />
This verse really spoke to me. God is doing things behind the scenes that I can't even begin to imagine. <br />
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We don't always know the reasons for the trials that we go through. But our God is sovereign, all knowing, wise, and His plan always is better than our own. While I don't like to be ill, while I feel like if I had my health back I could reach out with God's love to so many more people, He knows what He's doing in my life...and my job is to trust Him. There are a million different reasons He could be allowing these trials.<br />
It may be that someone reading this needs to know that trials come not because is angry with us or punishing us, but He is always in the process of working in and through us. He allows situations not only for the impact they make on our own lives, but on the lives of those around us.<br />
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Why does God allow suffering? For us believers, I believe it is one of the ways He molds us. And to the unbeliever... when they see us facing our difficulties with an unbreakable hope, perhaps that will be what stirs their curiosity towards our God. In James, we have a great verse about the suffering we all face:<br />
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Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:2-5 <br />
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We can consider this, also; how do we handle our trials? As we begin to mature in Christ and grow to rely on Him, our ways of responding to trials will change us for the better. Without any trials or difficulties, how would we develop the perseverance James is speaking of? It is in the difficulties that we grow. I'm reminded of my little granddaughter who was trying to do something and wasn't able...she began crying and gave up, running to me for comfort. I scooped her into my arms and took her back to the task, which we were able to accomplish together. A few days later, I noticed her at the table doing on her own what she'd needed help with only a few days before. <br />
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That's the kind of growth God wants for us. And when I consider the sufferings of believers in other parts of the world, their lives in danger simply for their belief, I am ashamed of my own complaints. And I consider the prophets and believers of old, as well:<br />
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Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.-James 5:11<br />
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So:<br />
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I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.- Psalm 27:13-14<br />
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So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.-Isaiah 41:10<br />
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This world will continue to give us trouble. It's a fallen place, but we have more than a hope, a certainty:</div>
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I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.-Romans 8:18</div>
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Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these thing we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.- Romans 8:35-39</div>
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And as Jesus said, </div>
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"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."-Matthew 11:28-30</div>
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And when we have finished our work here and our Father will call us home. I love the description in Revelation 21:</div>
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And I heard a loud voice form the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.</div>
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Let me pray this in closing:</div>
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Father, please bless all your children and those who are seeking You. I pray that You will pour out Your presence on us all and give us the strength and courage do Your will. Have Your way in our lives, for we know that You are good and faithful. Please carry us through times of trial and trouble on Your unfailing strength. Thank you for Your love, Your patience, and Your wisdom. </div>
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In the name of Jesus...amen.</div>
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If you don't have a personal relationship with God, you can have one right now. </div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">He is calling you.</span></i></div>
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To begin a relationship with Him start with a simple prayer. Just tell God that you believe in Him, that you believe that Jesus is His Son and died for sins. Ask Him to forgive you, come into your heart, and commit to following Him in your daily life. For more on this you'll see a link called "Salvation" on the left hand side of the page.</div>
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Wishing you all the blessings our Father has :) </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-10931061548198003452013-06-19T12:11:00.000-07:002013-06-19T12:11:21.385-07:00Hey, Where'd She Go?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello friends!<br />
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Just a note to let you know I'm alive! I had a very bad bleed in my stomach and have been here in the hospital. I should be going home within the next few days and will resume my writing.<br />
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I have to thank my Father for carrying me through this difficult and painful time. At times I can feel His loving arms wrapped around me in comfort, and I praise and thank Him for His love.<br />
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I hope all of you out there are well, and I wish you blessings.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-87538020861329346762013-05-15T06:54:00.001-07:002013-05-15T07:31:03.526-07:00A song of my heart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="color: white;">You hem me in- behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful to me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.- Psalm 139:5-10</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Father, Your love overwhelms me</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">My heart feels like it will burst</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">I know I don't deserve it</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">But You loved me from the first</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">I can't keep it inside me</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">I want everyone to know</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">What it's like to walk beside You</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">To follow where You go</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">You fill me and lead me with Your Spirit</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">To a place of peace by Your side</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Healing my hidden wounds and pain</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">That in shame I've kept inside</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">To think that a broken girl</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Can be a daughter of the King</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">It fills me with wonder and awe</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Being Your child changes everything...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Before, I was was dying of a thirst</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">That never seemed to be quenched</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">But You poured out Your living water on me</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Now I dance with joy and my soul is drenched</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Help me share You with those still lost out there</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Wandering in that dry and weary land</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">So they may receive Your living water too</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Please give them wisdom to understand</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Give me the words to say to this hurting world</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Because it's You that sets us free</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">It's You that removes our wretched, heavy chains</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">And opens our eyes to see</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Your grace and mercy are for all of us</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">There isn't anything you won't forgive</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">When we invite You into our hearts and confess</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">It's in you that we can truly live</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Father, You are glorious beyond compare</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">My unshackled feet dance for joy, light at last</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">I'm amazed that You love us just as we are</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Nailed at the cross of calvary is our sinful past</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Your presence overcomes me with Your glory</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">I can't help but lift my voice in praise to You</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">From the depth of my soul I cry out my passion</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Because You are awesome, faithful, and true</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;"><i>How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;"><i>When I awake, I am still with You.- Psalm 139:17-18</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">Father, walk with us this day. Guide our steps and fill our hearts to overflowing with Your love that we may share with others the joy we have in You.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #274e13; color: white;">In Jesus' name, amen.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-14338534323766180112013-05-14T21:19:00.000-07:002013-05-14T23:59:32.882-07:00The end of a season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, it's been a little bit since I've written anything...I got hit by an emotional curve ball that I truly wasn't expecting and have needed to work through it in my mind.<br />
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So what happened? The last of my four children moved out, my 22 year old daughter. She has a good job and has been looking for the right apartment for some time. I've been really excited for her! So why did I fall apart when she left? I really didn't expect to feel sad at all...but I was heartbroken. <br />
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I guess it's because a phase of my life is now truly over. I liked having four kids; when they were young the house was always full with them and their friends, running amuck and staying the night on weekends. We went to the river, camping in the mountains, and so much more. I have so many memories that I cherish. But like a lot of parents, I wish I'd done some things differently. I especially wish that I'd walked with the Lord the whole time I was raising them. I was faithful when they were young but after my divorce I drifted away. The church we'd loved so much moved to the other side of town and they actually made a rule that children <i>had</i> to go to children's church. At the time I was working two jobs and I treasured every minute with them. They were well behaved and not disruptive. I should have sought out another church, but I just stopped going. Oh, I regret that.<br />
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But that season of my life is over, and the next one beginning. When school lets out for the summer my eldest granddaughter who is seven, will be coming to stay with me for the summer. I can't wait! As the others get older I look forward to having them come too.<br />
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But you know what will never change again?<br />
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My love and commitment to my Lord and Savior. At times like this I have Him to cling to. He is my rock. When I'm afraid, when I'm sad, when I'm feeling lost, He is always there. As I've cried, I've felt His loving arms around me. His love and compassion is priceless.<br />
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One thing I'll never be is alone.<br />
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<i>Father, I thank you for blessing me with the children you gave me. Help me to be the mother that they need me to be, and let my life reflect Your perfect love. Please give me the strength and wisdom that they need to see and hear. Thank you for always being there for me and for all Your children. </i><br />
<i>In Jesus' name, amen.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-10383352798219527422013-04-23T16:02:00.002-07:002013-04-23T16:02:04.466-07:00Even the winds and the water obey Him!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I visited Israel one of my favorite places was the Sea of Galilee. The water is a beautiful bluish green, and the day that we went out on it by boat the water was smooth and glassy. It brought to mind the story from Luke Chapter 8...<br />
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Jesus had said to His disciples that He wanted to cross to the other side. This was in the daytime and several of them were former fishermen, so I'm sure they would have sensed if the weather wasn't good to be out on the water. I imagine it might have been like the day I was there; bright sunlight shining down, a gently breeze blowing, and good friends enjoying fellowship as they sailed across the calm water. Jesus curled up and fell asleep as they went.<br />
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Suddenly a squall came down, so furious that the boat was being filled with water from the waves. They took on so much water that they were in danger of sinking. The disciples were terrified and woke Jesus.<br />
"Master, Master, we're going to drown!" they yelled above the noise of the storm. It must have been a terrific storm that the experienced fishermen among them were so afraid. <br />
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Jesus stood up and rebuked the wind and violent water and the storm stopped at His command. Once again the water was calm and peaceful. Then He turned to His disciples. <i> "Where is your faith?" He asked them...</i>Luke 8:25<br />
I can only imagine what the disciples felt at that moment. They'd seen Him do many mighty miracles. They'd seen Him heal the sick and blind. They'd seen Him raise the widow's son back to life! But to see Him command the elements amazed them. It even scared them. ...<i>they asked each other, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him."- </i>Luke 8:25<br />
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It's interesting that Jesus asked them about their faith. <i> Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.</i>- Hebrews 11:1 <br />
What did Jesus expect them to be sure of and certain of?<br />
Perhaps that being Messiah, He would not perish by drowning in a boat...which told Him that they were still not understanding that He was Messiah. <br />
Peter was the first to understand. In Luke 9, while Jesus was praying privately He asked His disciples who the crowds thought He was. <i>They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life."</i><br />
<i>"But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?"</i><br />
<i>Peter answered, "The Christ of God." Jesus warned them not to tell this to anyone.-</i> Luke 10:19-21<br />
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Eight days after this the transfiguration took place in front of Peter, John, and James which would have removed any remaining doubts any of them may have had, you would think. But after the resurrection, Thomas didn't believe Jesus had risen until he was able to put his fingers in the holes in Jesus' hands and the gash in His side. <i> Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."</i>- John 20:29<br />
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So you and I, my believing friends, are blessed indeed! <br />
May God bless and keep you.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Give Me Faith by Elevation Worship </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-24120644874014343372013-04-18T12:11:00.001-07:002013-04-18T12:23:49.236-07:00Just a little poem from my heart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Down on my knees again...Lord, I want to get it right</div>
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All I want is to follow you</div>
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And reflect your brilliant Light</div>
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Won't You mold me like a lump of clay</div>
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Refine me in the fire, too</div>
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Until I become the vessel you want me to be</div>
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So I may serve You in all I do</div>
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Please pour Your Spirit out fresh on me</div>
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And give me Your words to say</div>
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Guide my steps and open my eyes</div>
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With each person I connect with today</div>
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Father, I thank you for your everlasting love</div>
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For the peace and joy You freely give</div>
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As I go about my day, let me reflect You in how I live...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-24037540670160529912013-04-17T15:15:00.001-07:002013-04-17T15:17:40.140-07:00Pastor Arrested—Free Speech Violated by Jackson Mississippi Police<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/54559#.UW8e25LRuOo.blogger">Pastor Arrested—Free Speech Violated by Jackson Mississippi Police</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-89396375307722834112013-04-16T11:05:00.000-07:002013-04-18T10:49:41.596-07:00Hello, my name is....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I just had to share this video with you! It's as though it was written just for me; maybe you can relate to it too. No matter what our past holds, through forgiveness we become a child of the One True King. How amazing is that! I hope you'll enjoy the message of the song as much as I have. To become a new creation is a great and wonderful gift....<br />
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And in our new life, we grow from taking our first steps of faith, continually growing. This Sunday my pastor spoke on maturing in Christ, and he said something pretty interesting. He said that who we are inside is more important than what we do. At first this seems puzzling, but he explained that if who we are on the inside is a person following the Lord with the whole heart, then the actions will follow. When we love God with our whole heart, soul, and mind we don't <b>want</b> to engage in sin. When we are filled with His Holy Spirit, our lives will be full of that fruit:<br />
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<i>So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.</i> -Galatians 5:14<br />
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<i>But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. - </i>Galatians 5:22-25<br />
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Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness....this is the kind of person I want to be, and it is the Holy Spirit within me that draws these characteristics out more than I am able to show them in my own strength. On my own, I am a miserable sinner; but by God's grace and Spirit, I can say in all humbleness that I am a child of the One True King...with LOTS of room to grow. As long as we're here drawing breath we have issues to work on and a reason for being here. But it's an awesome journey, isn't it?<br />
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Wishing you all many blessings in our Father :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-38780048466732495172013-04-13T10:50:00.001-07:002013-04-13T10:50:43.512-07:0010 misconceptions behind Obama's speech in Israel - Israel Today | Israel News<a href="http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/23756/Default.aspx#.UWma5LmTTec.blogger">10 misconceptions behind Obama's speech in Israel - Israel Today | Israel News</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-73249465095424040542013-04-12T08:43:00.000-07:002013-08-30T06:25:13.146-07:00Magdalene Hope: reaching the women working the streets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ah, today is a much better day. Still somewhat swollen, but I'm looking forward to going to ministry tonight.<br />
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I belong to a ministry called Magdalene Hope. Every other Friday night the team goes out and ministers to the women who work in the commercial sex trade. There are a few areas where they can usually be found and we travel in teams by car, giving out gift bags, food, and whatever else we may have. Within the gift bags we put a card with phone numbers, including ours, that they can call any day or time for help along with a CD of Christian music, personal care products, cosmetics, hair products, toiletries and whatever else has been donated. <br />
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<b>This lets us make contact and gives us a chance to reach out with God's love. It's so important that these women know that God loves and values them. No matter where they are in their life, He still has a plan and a purpose for them. </b> We will soon have a safe house that we will be able to take them to, but for now we have a shelter that keeps a few beds open for them in case we come across someone who wants out now.<br />
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Will you keep this ministry in prayer? Before we go out we spend much time preparing the way through prayer and worship, and I know that it makes a difference. We pray for His guidance as we drive the area, and that the Lord will go before us and soften their hearts to receive His Spirit and love. We often pray with these women right on the street. They are starving for love and light.<br />
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<i>"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me."</i>- Matthew 25:40 (Jesus speaking)<br />
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<i>Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.</i> - Colossians 4:2-6 (Paul speaking)<br />
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These scriptures are appropriate to ministries everywhere. As our Lord's body here on earth, I pray that He will use our hands, feet and speech to reach out to the hurting world all around us, not forgetting those that society often judges as beyond help.<br />
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There is nothing our Father can't do! After all, He saved me and turned my life upside down....no, make that right side up. <br />
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Father, I pray that we will see people through Your eyes with Your compassion and love. In Jesus' name, amen.</div>
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Wishing you all blessings :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-31623130988537711912013-04-11T10:51:00.001-07:002013-04-25T17:04:00.545-07:00A little about my illness and how God has used it for good<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: #274e13; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I'm sorry it's been so long since I've posted; I returned from my son and daughter-in-laws home late last week but have been dealing with a lot of my chronic health issues popping their annoying symptoms up both during the trip and since I've been back. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #274e13; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Yesterday I read someone's blog who had the courage to discuss his medical issues, and though I mention briefly in my profile what I have, I realize that most people probably don't read that.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #274e13; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">So, what's wrong with me?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">It's called gastroparesis syndrome and is caused by damage to the vagus nerve, which affects stomach emptying. When my stomach doesn't empty, it swells to enormous proportions and many times I am asked by strangers when my baby is due. Since my case is severe, I have been lucky enough to have a tube placed that rests inside my stomach and sticks out about six inches on the outside. It has a cap that I can remove and everything inside can come out, releasing the pressure. It has kept me out of the hospital quite a bit, because before they implanted the tube I had to go to the hospital and have one inserted into my nose, down the throat, and into the stomach. Either tube can then be attached to suction and I am not allowed to eat or drink until the episode has passed. Usually once the stomach has adequate time to rest, it will start working again, though mine is always slow.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #274e13; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Now, with my own tube, I rarely go in. I can relieve the pressure myself, but I have to wait until my stomach is functioning better to eat or drink. During these times I try to sip an electrolyte drink so that I don't dehydrate. It's a very fine line that I walk.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #274e13; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">But the worst part of this illness is that at times, my stomach will reject anything in it, including the secretions it normally makes. For the first five or six years of this, these episodes went on for days to weeks and required IV fluids. Over the last five years, these episodes have decreased but still occur with no warning. The morning going into Easter I had the worst episode of this that I can remember in a long time. It luckily stopped by morning but it weakened me to where I was barely able to walk.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #274e13; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">At present, I have been swollen to the max since my return and have been on a very restricted liquid diet waiting for it to pass. So, I've been so very tired.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">So. It begs the question: <b>Why me</b>? I want to spread the message of my Savior and God's love.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #274e13; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">A better question is: <b> Why not me</b>? What can I learn from my situation that applies to the above?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I've always been compassionate, but I've learned it now at a deeper level.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #274e13; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I know what pain is, and I have strengthened my bond with my Lord through this. Sometimes,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #274e13; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">in the dark of the night when I'm in pain, He is all there is. And He is sufficient for all my needs.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #274e13; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I've learned patience. Well, okay, to a degree. I'm a person who wants to jump in and get it done, but when my body will not cooperate, I must wait. I still have a ways to go with patience. But what better way for my Lord to teach it to me?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #274e13; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">If I were still working 12 hour shifts as nurse I wouldn't have the time I do now to develop my relationship with my Lord and become involved in ministries. Sure, I miss my old life....I still work in my sleep, all these years later...but God stopped me in my tracks because now I'm meant to do something else. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The trials of this world mold and shape our character either for the better or for the worse. As long as I keep my relationship with my Father strong, He will use this to mold and shape me into the woman He wants me to be.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Life is not about reaching MY goals. It is about reaching HIS. He has a plan and a purpose that He created me for, and He will surely bring it about as long as I stay in His will.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #274e13; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">All I can do is follow and trust, and let Him do the molding; and I am certain that He is.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #274e13; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">He has a plan and purpose for you, too. No matter how hopeless life may seem, when you surrender to Him, He will change everything. No life is hopeless or worthless when given to God. He changes us from the inside out. Wishing you all blessings in our Lord and Savior.</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-33466621082009204802013-03-31T13:20:00.001-07:002013-03-31T13:20:13.304-07:00Happy Resurrection Day, friend!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. </span></div>
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-1 Corinthians 15:3-6</div>
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For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him. The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.</div>
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- Romans 6:9-11</div>
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...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice... - Romans 8:24-25<br />
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He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. </div>
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- 1 John 2:2</div>
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-<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1op25N06xB4/UVZugkfrdZI/AAAAAAAABzw/fyR8hrKUFpo/s1600/jesus+hugging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1op25N06xB4/UVZugkfrdZI/AAAAAAAABzw/fyR8hrKUFpo/s320/jesus+hugging.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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... now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation- if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.- Colossians 1:22-23</div>
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Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that is was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.</div>
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- Romans 8:1-4</div>
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It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. - Galatians 5:1<br />
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For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. - John 1:17<br />
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"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30<br />
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May the God of peace, Who through the blood of the covenant brought back form the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.<br />
-Hebrew 13:20-21<br />
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My friends, I wish you every happiness and the peace of our Lord as we remember His resurrection.<br />
May He bless you and keep you.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-57646200913796717122013-03-27T17:49:00.000-07:002013-03-27T21:44:24.941-07:00A Defining Moment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What an incredible time it's been since I last wrote! </div>
Last Wednesday I traveled from my home in southern California to my son and daughter-in-law's home here in Nevada. She was just about due to give birth to their son and was showing signs of going into labor. I was so afraid I wouldn't make it in time to be there to support them and be there for the birth! I had originally planned to go in a few days but now I was in a race against time.<br />
For all my worries, it turned out to be a false alarm and I'm very proud to announce the birth of my grandson BentLee. He was born at 3:19 Sunday afternoon, weighing 7 lb. and 10 oz. He may quite possibly be the most beautiful baby ever born, but we all think that, don't we. Gazing at his perfect little face I am reminded just how magnificent our Creator is; such careful design our Father puts into designing each one of us. Though my grandson looks just like his father did 26 years ago, he will be his own unique self as each of us are.<br />
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<i>For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You </i><br />
<i>when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.</i><br />
<i>When I awake, I am still with You</i>. - Psalm 139:13-18<br />
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Like the Psalmist, I too marvel at the vastness of our God's thoughts. I am amazed at His intricate planning of each and every one of us, giving us different gifts and putting within us the ability to have a relationship with Him. I can't imagine the intelligence it would take to create the universe, every law of physics, every star in the sky, every plant, every animal, all working together in ecological harmony. This is the God that listens to <i>me</i> in the dark of the night, walks with <i>me</i> in the sunshine, and makes His presence known to <i>me</i> through the peace I feel in my heart that is unlike anything I've ever felt before. The reason I emphasize <i>me </i>in this context is because next to Him, I am so small. Yet He loves me and calls me His daughter.<br />
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<b>And this of course how much He loves you as well. </b><br />
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So what does He want from <i>us</i>? A teacher of the law tested Jesus by asking Him,<i> "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."- </i>Matthew 22:36-40 At this time the people had 613 commandments to keep!<br />
I love this verse, too: ...<i>And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.</i>- Micah: 6:8<br />
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So humbly I walk next to my Father, Creator of all, and hope that you do as well. I know many of you who come here are already walking with him but I try to remain mindful of those who don't. If you don't know Him, He does know you and wants to have a loving relationship with you. On the side of the blog where it lists several pages, check out the one titled Salvation. <br />
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Our lives have special moments that define us. The birth of each child and grandchild are certainly one of them. But the most significant one is choosing to follow God, for then we are able to pass that knowledge on to our children and grandchildren.<br />
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This week we remember the greatest events of our faith. Our Messiah was crucified for our salvation and rose again three days later...but that's of course another post. <br />
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Until then, wishing you all blessings.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-75983202090230468622013-03-17T18:35:00.004-07:002013-03-19T11:24:33.119-07:00Weapons for God's Warriors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lately I've noticed that a lot of things that are beyond my control have been going wrong. I don't think I'll list them since my mom tends to read this and I'd rather not give her a heart attack. I've been wondering why, since I know my heart is right with God and I've been growing quite a bit lately. I tend to be a shy sort of person and lately I've been pushing out of my comfort zone, getting more involved in several different ministries. <br />
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Well...that's most likely my answer. We have an enemy, and he doesn't like us reaching others for Christ.<br />
He'd much rather I keep my faith to myself. <br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Too bad! </span></b><br />
Our God is stronger, and He is faithful to His children. Through His power, not our own, we can get through any trial the enemy throws at us. He has lots of sly strategies that he uses against us, but for each God has given us a weapon. We've been warned: <i>Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.-</i>1 Peter 5:8-9 So when it feels like we are having fiery darts hurled at us, we most likely are! But we have weapons that our enemy cannot stand against.<br />
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<i>Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.</i><br />
<i>For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.</i>-Ephesians 6:10-13<br />
I wrote the following from Ephesians 6:10-20. Anything not italicized is my interpretation based verses 14-20.<br />
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<span style="background-color: red;">Weapon:</span> The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The sword is what we fight with, cutting the enemy off. When Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days and nights and the devil began to tempt him Jesus responded with scripture. The devil cannot stand against the word of God. <br />
We usually come under attack in several ways. Guilt: "God could never forgive me this time..." But we can fight this with God's Word:<br />
Romans 3:23-<i> for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Take that! The opposite of guilt is forgiveness.</span></b><br />
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What about fear? I have struggled with that. <b><span style="font-size: large;">And what is the opposite of fear? Faith. </span> <span style="font-size: large;">Here's a promise: <i>Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you</i>.</span>- Duet. 31:6</b><br />
<i>So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"</i>-Hebrews 13:6<br />
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<span style="background-color: red;">Weapon: </span><span style="background-color: #274e13;"> </span>The shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.<br />
<i>Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.</i>-Romans 5:1 <br />
When guilt, doubt, discouragement, fear, etc. are thrown at us we can throw up our shield of faith, knowing that our God loves us and though our circumstances may be overwhelming at times, we live in a temporary world with temporary trials. Even in our trials we can have peace knowing that God is with us. We aren't alone in this life. He is always there. <br />
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<span style="background-color: red;">Weapon: </span> The helmet of salvation...Have you ever taken a bad blow to the head? It can knock you senseless. But when you have a helmet on, it protects you from what could be a devastating injury. The worst attack is to cause us to question our salvation, isn't it? But keep your helmet on- we have this promise:<br />
<i>for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'</i>- Romans 10:13 There are so many verses that assure us of our salvation! The most quoted must be John 3:16:<br />
<i>"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life."</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Take that! We can be sure of our salvation</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: red;">Weapon: </span> The belt of truth, buckled around your waist... You know what part of our bodies is very vulnerable? Our ribs protect our heart and lungs, our skull protects our brain, but our belly has virtually no protection. So in our battle, we protect one of our most vulnerable parts with truth.<br />
This goes back to knowing the word of God, because that's where we find the truth of all things spiritual.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Take that! When we know the truth we can't be deceived.</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: red;">Weapon: </span> The breastplate of righteousness... The breastplate puts a protective layer of steel over the heart. Christ's sacrifice cleanses our hearts and makes them righteous. In order to keep this protective covering when we see we're going wrong we should take it to our Father and confess it right away, so that we can remain pure. <br />
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<span style="background-color: red;">Weapon :</span> Feet fitted with readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Sometimes it's better to have feet that are ready to run! <i>Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.</i>-Romans 9:25<br />
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Paul ends this chapter by saying, "<i>And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray for me also, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."- </i>Ephesians 6:19-20<br />
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So let's put on our armor, keep fighting the good fight, and keep drawing closer to the Father who loves us!.<br />
As my Pastor said this morning, it is in the trials that we grow, and in the trials that we find Him.<br />
Wishing you blessings in our Lord and Savior.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">No other name by which we are saved but the Name of the Lord</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Oh that the world will know Your Name... </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">That the nations will call on the Name of the Lord</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">The Name of Yeshua (Jesus)</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-85553602983985833332013-03-11T12:45:00.000-07:002013-03-11T21:23:03.980-07:00Christian Pastors Murdered in Tanzania- Please pray for Pastor Peter, our Missionary to Tanzania, who has been placed on Kill List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Yesterday we had a special visitor to my church. His name is Peter and he's a missionary to Tanzania. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">He requested prayer for safety, as he has been placed on a kill list by extremist Muslims. Two pastors have already been killed in that country; on Sunday, 2-27-13 gunmen shot and killed a Catholic priest as he arrived at church to say Mass and on 2-2-13, Assembly of God Pastor Mathayo Kachiti was beheaded while trying to settle an argument about the butchering of meat. Traditionally and by government decree, Muslims in this country are given the right to be butchers, but Christians are only allowed to butcher animals for their private consumption. A Christian was preparing meat for a funeral, and this sparked the riot that lead to Pastor Mathayo's death. In December, a Catholic priest was shot in the </span><span style="text-align: left;">back</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">cheek </span><span style="text-align: left;">and</span><span style="text-align: left;"> as he arrived at church. He is still recovering from his wounds in the hospital.</span></div>
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Additionally, a text message was received by bishops and priests in Tanzania after the death of Father Mushi that stated, "We thank our young men, trained in Somalia, for killing an infidel. Many more will die. We will burn homes and churches. We have not finished: at Easter, be prepared for disaster." It was signed "Muslim Renewal". The text was reported on by the Vatican's Fides news agency. Bishop Shao said, "We have given the warnings we have received to security" authorities in Zanzibar. He said that he was skeptical but hopes that the perpetrators will be apprehended and justice done.<br />
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<b>Pastor Peter asked for just one thing: daily prayer.</b> It takes incredible courage to continue to preach the Word of God when you are marked for death. I have committed to pray for him and the Christians living in Tanzania, and hope that you will also. When our pastor asked him what message he'd like to leave us with he replied that we must continue to do what God calls us to do no matter the circumstances. He said that some of his friends had counseled him to lay low for awhile, but he said he must continue to do as God has called him to. This advice, coming from a man who is willing to publicly preach when he has been targeted to be killed, is truly inspiring. <br />
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The first video below gives greater detail about the situation in Tanzania, while the second describes persecution worldwide. Several believers give their own testimonies about violence they have suffered.<br />
<b>Please view the second video at your discretion. It contains some graphic images of injuries and scars.</b><br />
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On Saturday afternoon I had begun to research Christian persecution for my next post, not knowing that we'd have a missionary speak on the same topic Sunday. I think that confirms that this is something God wants to bring to our attention, so I'll do more posts on this. <br />
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Persecution against us has been going on since Jesus traveled and preached His radical message. <br />
He warned us in Matthew 10:17-22, "<i>Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be your speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." </i>He goes on to say in verse 28: "<i>Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."</i><br />
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"<i>I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."-</i>John 16:33<br />
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Father, I pray for the Christians who are under persecution for loving and serving you. Please strengthen them with Your power so that they may endure. Send Your angels to surround them and protect them. Let them feel Your loving arms around them that they may be comforted in their suffering. I pray that any evil spirits that come against them will be powerless; bind them in the name of Jesus and send them away from Your children. Let them feel the joy of Your Spirit even as they face their trials, and let them feel lifted up by the prayers we send up. And Father, I pray for those who do the persecuting. Soften their hearts and let them feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit so that they may come to believe in Your son and receive eternal life. In Jesus name, Amen.<br />
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Wishing you many blessings :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-45219555702543902932013-03-08T22:59:00.002-08:002013-03-08T23:47:08.019-08:00If only life had a delete button!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Like I shared in my post "What would your sign say?" God has been putting it on my heart lately to share with you more of my personal story. If you read my blog, you know I'm a Christian, but what was I like before? Well...not too good. If you can imagine it, it's happened to me, or I've done it. I'm not sure I'm ready to share the details, but any way you fill in the blanks, you'd probably be right. The video does a good job of explaining what I felt like.<br />
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Sometimes I wish that there were an "delete" button for parts of my life. Do you ever feel like that? There are so many things I wish I wouldn't have done, and sometimes guilt and shame gnaw at my soul. I especially regret all the years I wasted by choosing to do things that I <i>knew</i> were wrong, totally out of communication with the God I had known. But wandering off the path is subtle; it only takes a few missteps sometimes to completely lose one's way. I think of those times as wandering the desert, dying of thirst, while God would have quenched my thirst if only I had turned to Him. <br />
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It was about five years ago when I got down on my knees and surrendered once and for all. I told God that my life would be His and I would do whatever He called on me to do. I cried out to Him for forgiveness and I know that He did and does, but I found that it's harder to forgive myself. <br />
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God's Word has been a healing balm for my soul. He says in Romans 8:1-2: <i>Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.</i><br />
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The price has been paid; it has been nailed to the cross. <i>Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.</i>-Romans 5:1-2<br />
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If my great and holy God has mercy and forgiveness for me, then I must make amends where I can and accept the grace He freely offers. Our enemy would love for us to keep seeing ourselves as the people we were before, because it takes away the joy of our salvation. But we don't have to listen to him. God says:<br />
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<i>For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of son-ship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. - </i>Romans 8:15-16</div>
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And Psalm 103:12:. .<i>.as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us</i>.<br />
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Father, I thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Only You can truly transform us in the new creations that we are when we turn our lives over to You. I pray that You will touch each one reading this with Your love; that You would wrap Your arms around them and fill them with Your peace.<br />
In Jesus name, Amen.<br />
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As always, I wish you blessings :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-79121554863449659592013-03-08T12:04:00.001-08:002013-03-08T12:07:10.539-08:00Palestinians riot on Temple Mount | The Times of Israel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinians-riot-on-temple-mount/#.UTpEVQZpmz4.blogger">Palestinians riot on Temple Mount | The Times of Israel</a><br />
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(click on link for story)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-69316892024467788522013-03-06T12:56:00.000-08:002013-03-14T20:27:29.253-07:00What would you do if you won the lottery?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Can you imagine what it would be like to win hundreds of millions in the lottery? I'm sure any one of us would be overwhelmed at our good fortune. What would you do first? I don't know about you, but I'd tell everyone I know about this amazing, life changing event. Then I'd use the money to help my family, friends, church, and charities. It would be so exciting I wouldn't be able to hide my happiness.<br />
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Friends, we have been given a gift much more valuable than all the money on earth. For those of us who believe, we have eternal life and will spend it with our glorious Father in heaven who loves us beyond measure. And here on earth, in the midst of our most difficult trials, He comforts us and gives us a peace that passes understanding. That's worth more than all the riches on earth! But sometimes it's hard for people to share their faith. We don't have to do anything in our own strength; rather, we let the Holy Spirit work through us, giving us the words He would have us say.<br />
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<i>For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God </i>- 2 Timothy 1:7-8<br />
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<i>I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, the for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."</i>- Romans 1:16-17<br />
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When we surrender our lives to the Lord, we come alive spiritually and our lives are changed in amazing ways. We are no longer alone. He loves us beyond measure and is our strength and our comfort.<br />
<i>Thus says the LORD, who created you: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you."- </i>Isaiah 43:1-2<br />
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Let's take as many as we can with us! Let the Holy Spirit guide you, living a life that reflects God's love.<br />
We live in a dark and weary world that desperately needs a Savior.<br />
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I'm so thankful that He has redeemed me, given me hope and a purpose. His priceless gifts are beyond compare. Having Him in my life is far better than winning the lottery!<br />
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Wishing you all blessings :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-67228357856360135472013-03-02T14:35:00.000-08:002013-03-16T20:05:36.120-07:00What would your sign say?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As I watched this video and saw the different people holding up signs that described how they felt: "I don't matter," "regrets," "betrayed," my heart just broke for them. What would your sign say?<br />
This world beats us up, and in turn some of us beat ourselves up as well. When we are told negative things we tend to believe them and view ourselves differently. <br />
This is a matter very close to my heart because of the way I grew up. If you can imagine it, it happened to me. One of the reasons I haven't blogged this month is because God keeps telling me to share what He's done for me, but my story is a hard one to tell. <br />
If I were holding a sign (as a child) it would say "stupid." Or "worthless." "Never good enough."<br />
As a teenager and young adult it would say "addict." And "unlovable." "Lower than dirt." And most of all, "guilty." Ah....and "lonely."<br />
It's true, I did some awful things. In fact, I felt that I didn't deserve to be loved. I physically hurt myself and even tried to end my life, several times.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">BUT- Then I met my Savior</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
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And like in the video, He calls me His beloved. All the ugliness is gone; through the grace of Christ I am made clean. <br />
-<i>for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.</i> Romans 3:23-24<br />
<i>Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come</i>!-2 Corinthians 5:17<br />
It is a wonderful thing to be made new. Through His love, I have found a way to heal, though it is an ongoing process. Just think; all those awful things that no one knows....all the secrets...He knows and loves us anyway. So who am I to question Him and not learn to love myself? Our God and Father loves us immeasurably! But we have an enemy who wants to steal us away through shame and doubt. The best weapon is the Word and prayer. Throughout the Bible we are reassured, and here are a just a few examples:<br />
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Jesus said in Matthew 10:30- <i>And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.</i><br />
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And:<br />
<i>"I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."</i> 2 Corinthians 6:18 (Paul is quoting from 2 Samuel.)<br />
To all those who believe, God Himself is our Father! And He is a good, loving Father, for He is perfect and holy. He created us, and He hears our cries.<br />
<i>For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.- </i>Psalm 139:13-16<br />
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<i>I sought the Lord, and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.</i>- Psalm 34:4-5<br />
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<i>I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.</i><br />
<i>Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.</i><br />
<i>The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; </i><br />
<i>I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord:</i><br />
<i>"O Lord save me!"</i><br />
<i>The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.</i><br />
<i>The Lord protects the simplehearted; </i><br />
<i>when I was in great need, he saved me.</i><br />
<i>Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.</i><br />
<i>For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.</i><br />
Psalm 116:1-9<br />
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So today, what sign would I hold up? Several!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Daughter of God</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Redeemed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Loved</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Blessed</span><br />
I hope that these will be your signs as well.<br />
Wishing you all blessings in Christ!<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-83701901399360752062013-02-03T10:10:00.001-08:002013-02-06T18:29:21.730-08:00An answer for Jack<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First of all, who's Jack? He's an awesome guy. He swept my mom off her feet after an awful divorce, married her, and has been her Prince Charming. As a bonus he loves my brother and I too, which hasn't always been an easy task.<br />
So the other day we were talking, and I wanted a question to answer here in my blog, like in "Answer for Anonymous." That was a lot of fun, because I love to research topics. Let me make one thing clear though, he is very learned when it comes to the Bible and spiritual topics. So his question is difficult, and goes something like this:<br />
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If we ask for something in God's will, the Bible tells us He'll do it. But how do we know what His will really is? And since God knows everything that we will ever do, feel, or say, why then do we even need to ask God stuff? <br />
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Huh. Why indeed? I started talking to God about it and searching my Bible. One thing struck me right away, though; I think that the quality of any relationship comes down to the quality of its communication.<br />
If we don't ask, how do we know when He answers, sometimes in great and awesome ways? When we ask for specific things and He answers us directly, it confirms our faith and our relationship.<br />
Then I began to look at what the expert had to say, God in his bodily form, Jesus.<br />
This is what he told the apostles about prayer:<br />
<i>But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This, then, is how you should pray:</i><br />
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<i>He starts with praise</i>: Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name,<br />
<i>He expresses His desire for God's will</i>: your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.<br />
<i>He asks for food to sustain him for just this day:</i> Give us today our daily bread.<br />
<i>He asks for forgiveness:</i> Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.<br />
<i>He asks for deliverance from evil:</i> And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.<br />
Matthew 6:6-13<br />
(Above italics are my words)<br />
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I came up with a summary:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">P- praise and worship</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">R- repentance</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A- acceptance</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Y- yield to his plans</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">E- empower us to overcome evil</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">R- rations for this day</span><br />
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A lot of people claim the verse John 14:13- <i> And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.</i><br />
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Asking for something in Jesus' name means asking for the same thing Jesus would have asked for....not just adding on "in Jesus' name" at the end of a prayer. I came across this verse-<br />
Psalm 37:4: <i>Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.</i><br />
If you are delighted in the Lord, what is it that you will want? You will want to be filled with his Spirit. You will want to follow His will. You will want to lead people to salvation. You will love your neighbor. You will be filled with compassion. You will forgive. In other words, you will want what Jesus wanted. That is asking in his name, in his <i>spirit.</i><br />
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Perhaps that is the ultimate expression of our surrender to God; that we no longer want our will, but His, recognizing that He knows all; the past, future, and present and submitting our will to his. It's all about becoming like Jesus, wanting what He wanted and doing what he did. Not in our own strength of course, but through the Holy Spirit who is within us. When our spirit is in tune with what God wants, we will ask for the things that are His will.<br />
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We have God's will for us in concrete form: his word. <br />
He promises us:<br />
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.- James 1:5<br />
He will give us strength:<br />
The Lord gives strength to his people.- Psalm 29:11<br />
God has a distinct plan for your life:<br />
"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."- Jeremiah 29:11<br />
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I pray that God will bless you with his infinite love.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-50771936419092040522013-01-27T16:21:00.002-08:002013-03-02T18:55:43.668-08:00What is your gift?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.</i>- Psalm 121:1-4<br />
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When I look up at the majesty of the universe, I am awed. It's so easy to feel small and insignificant...but amazingly, God loves all of us with infinite compassion and mercy. Though our lives may be as a vapor, he has use for each of us. <br />
We all have different gifts and talents. I always wished I could sing and glorify my Lord that way, but that is surely not my gift! Some of us are teachers, some are preachers, prayers, listeners. But whatever gift we've been given, God in His infinite wisdom has placed us exactly where He wants us. It's up to us to prayerfully seek out His will for our lives. Together we make up one body; some of us are hands, some are feet, and so on. <br />
Whatever part of the body you are, working together our greatest task is to tell others of the mercy and grace we have in Christ; that we can be reconciled to our Father through His sacrifice. <i>For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.</i>- John 3:17 <br />
How can we <b>not</b> show others God's love in this dark and hurting world we live in, and help them to find a relationship with him? <i> How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!- </i>1 John 3:1 <br />
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This world is dying of thirst. Let us give them "living water."<br />
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Let our words give hope. Let us tell the lonely that the very maker of the heavens and earth loves each and every one of us with an incalculable love. And because He loves us, He doesn't leave us to fight our battles alone. Jesus promised to send us a helper, the Holy Spirit, who comes at our invitation.<br />
<i>When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.</i>- John 16:13<br />
In our own strength we can fight and even win some battles, sure, but when we trust our battles to the Lord He will not allow defeat. He has already won. Jesus told His disciples, <i>"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!"</i>- John 16:33<br />
Whatever trials and troubles we face, we too can take heart, for His Spirit within us cannot and will not fail.<br />
Remember: <i>I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me</i>-Philippians 4:13<br />
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<i>God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.</i>- Psalm 46:1-2<br />
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May God grant you peace and surround you with His love.<br />
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(I changed the title of this post, so if you've read it before, sorry about that! But hardly anyone read it so I thought maybe this would be better.)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349015778263046025.post-37998062481990143462012-12-25T14:47:00.000-08:002012-12-25T14:48:16.119-08:00My Christmas wish for you<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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May our Father bless you with peace and joy<br />
With good health and good cheer<br />
May you feel the warmth of his arms around you<br />
As he holds you near<br />
May the sky above you brightly shine<br />
Warm sunshine on your face<br />
May he fill your heart and soul<br />
With his amazing grace<br />
May the Father's love fill your heart<br />
May you pass it on to others too<br />
And as you journey through this life<br />
May his blessings follow you.<br />
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Wishing you a very merry Christmas!<br />
Love,<br />
Suzie<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027211036013329271noreply@blogger.com0