tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18243705438757146612024-03-08T06:12:55.621-08:00 Walk Through The WordJoin me as I walk through my top 100 Scriptures and apply them to todayPastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-62595231502745262922016-01-25T13:39:00.000-08:002016-01-25T13:51:07.501-08:00The Greatest Commandment. The greatest blessing. Mark 12:28-31<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Mark 12:28-31</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New International Version (NIV)</span></h1>
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<span class="text Mark-12-28" id="en-NIV-24702" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">The Greatest Commandment<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24702A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24702A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></h3>
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<span class="text Mark-12-28" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">28 </span>One of the teachers of the law<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24702B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24702B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”</span></div>
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<span class="text Mark-12-29" id="en-NIV-24703" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">29 </span>“The most important one,”</span> answered Jesus, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.</span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Mark-12-30" id="en-NIV-24704" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">30 </span>Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Mark-12-31" id="en-NIV-24705" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31 </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’</span><span style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">There is no commandment greater than these.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Face it we live in a world that doesn't like commandments. "Don't tell me what i'm supposed to do...." seems to be the mantra of many. Commandments seem so absolute and judgmental with very little room for discussion. No we like suggestions a lot more than commandments. So When we think about commandments automatically some of us start to squirm and worry about the consequences of breaking them.. but this is a sad way of living because God looks at it radically different. God thinks about the glory of obeying them!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Think about it. Could there be anything better than loving God with our whole heart especially when we know that God has already loved us with everything; heart,soul,mind and strength. No the commandments are not a punishment or a warning. They are an invitation to engage in a love affair and to experience life abundantly! Its when we fail to follow the commandments that we undermine our own enjoyment and the enjoyment of others from the very best God has to offer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">No commandments are not burdens. Rather they are a blessing. They are beautiful. They are the picture of life as it was meant to be.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">So if you're looking for true love and joy try the commandments and start with Loving God and loving others. It can be liberating! Even if its not always easy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>Prayer,</b> Lord help me to experience your very best today and use me to bless others with the best as well. Help me to love and not take for granted the love affair that's a heart beat away. Help us to love the commandments as much as You love us.</span></span></div>
Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-25583994461141318962015-10-26T07:01:00.000-07:002015-10-26T07:01:01.185-07:00Find rest from your burdens: Matthew 11:28-30<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 30px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Matthew 11:28-30</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1;">New Living Translation (NLT)</span></h3>
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<span class="text Matt-11-28" id="en-NLT-23464" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">28 </span>Then Jesus said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-11-29" id="en-NLT-23465" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">29 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.</span></span><span class="text Matt-11-30" id="en-NLT-23466" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">30 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">We are a burden carrying people. The burdens of family obligations, financial difficulties, and health challenges together with work deadlines and concerns regarding the economy and the world around us weigh heavy on our hearts. My guess is that I've made some of you anxious already! Sorry. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Those who came to hear Jesus speak had many of the same worries and burdens. They were looking for peace in a violent and corrupt world. They came seeking hope from God and from this young teacher. They had been used to listening to Rabbi's before who promised to teach them about God but these placed on more burdens, restrictions, and regulations. Just what they needed more things to make them weary. To please God they had to live a "perfect life" or at least this is what they heard from the Pharisees of the time. However, Jesus was different and He continues to be different today as well.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Jesus says, "Come to me". Not so he can weigh us down with more rules, regulations and obligations but to love us, unburden us and to show grace and mercy. But not only that he comes to give us hope, strength and to offer salvation! He came as a humble teacher with a gentle heart. He came with a shepherd's heart. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b>To Ponder:</b> Yes the obligations of life continue but Jesus is holding us and promises never to leave us. Never! Today find rest from your troubles. Cast them upon him today! You and God can handle anything that comes your way today. So rest...</span></span></div>
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Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-12701962063937981222015-08-03T07:16:00.001-07:002015-08-03T07:16:30.462-07:00Let's sing a song of hope not worry: Matthew 6:31-34<b>Matthew 6:31-34</b><br />
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span class="text Matt-6-31" id="en-NIV-23314"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">31 </span></sup>So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-32" id="en-NIV-23315"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">32 </span></sup>For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23315AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23315AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-33" id="en-NIV-23316"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">33 </span></sup>But seek first his kingdom<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23316AJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23316AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23316AK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23316AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">34 </span></sup>Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.</span></span></span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span class="text Matt-6-34"><span class="woj"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We live in a world that loves to worry. Sadly even believers</span> <span style="font-weight: 500;">worry don't we? We worry about car payments, house payments, and school loan payments! I mean, have you seen the cost of college today!?! We worry about health and our aches and pains. Yes, I've heard a lot of people sing their version of "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen". Most of us have a Master's Degree in worry but wouldn't it be great to get a Doctorate in Hope? (</span><em style="font-weight: 500;">I wonder what kind of loan I would need to get that degree?)</em></span></span></span></h1>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span class="text Matt-6-34"><span class="woj">Worry always looks at the future with potential calamity but the opposite, hope, looks at life as a set of possibilities. These two are leading down opposite paths. Worry says you can't make it, things won't turn out, people aren't going to like you, the church isn't going to success past this financial crisis. (<i>I added that last one because I know a couple of my pastor friends will relate to that).</i> Hope says, "God is with me. He will not leave me. There is nothing to big for the Lord!</span></span></span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span class="text Matt-6-34"><span class="woj">I believe Jesus is telling us through this passage that there is much reason to hope. The reason is the presence of God in the equation of life but we are called to do something to access this hope. Did you notice the promise of verse 33? It doesn't sing the song, "Don't worry, be happy! a phrase made famous by Bobbie McFerrin in a song by the same name. We might sing a new song, "Don't worry the Father knows what you need". That song comes out of verse 32 and it's a good one but that song is not complete unless we follow the promise of verse 33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." That sounds a lot like "Seek Ye First". Now that's an old chorus worth singing.</span></span></span></h1>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span class="text Matt-6-34"><span class="woj">So what's the solution to worry? Its turning to walk toward and walk with the Lord and seeking his righteousness in all that we do. Seems simple enough but simple doesn't mean easy. The best way to start is to walk through the Word with God and to pray.</span></span></span></h1>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span class="text Matt-6-34"><span class="woj">Prayer: Dear God there are so many things to worry about. There are so many things that we just can't see the way through but help us to seek you first, to walk in righteousness and to believe what you have said.</span></span></span></h1>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span class="text Matt-6-34"><span class="woj">To Ponder: Why don't you list those things that you're worrying about right now. Put them on a card and pencil a big cross over the top of them. Put your worries into God's hands and God's hope into your heart today. </span></span></span></h1>
Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-89086832045599772982015-06-29T14:41:00.001-07:002015-06-29T14:43:32.986-07:00Why Jesus Came Matthew 1:21<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Matthew 1:21 </span></h1>
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<span class="text Matt-1-21" id="en-NIV-23166" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">21 </span>She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-23166a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-23166a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1%3A21&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23166a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23166A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23166A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>because he will save his people from their sins.”</b></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-1-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">The angel was speaking to Joseph who was pretty much in shock that he would be the father to the Son of God. Thankfully the angel at least helped him to know what to name the Messiah. Can you imagine if they had to try to come up with a name. In this one name the world would come to know the purpose of Jesus coming. Jesus simply means, God our Savior. </span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-1-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">He did not come to save them from the Roman government and their oppression. He did not come to save them from the pain of life. He came to defeat sin in their lives because sin divided them and us from our Holy God. Sin is the stumbling block between eternal life with Jesus and an eternity without him.</span></div>
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John 3:16 reminds us,<span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">For God so loved</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26137A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">the world that he gave</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26137B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">his one and only Son,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26137C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">that whoever believes</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26137D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">in him shall not perish but have eternal life.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">Why would we perish? the answer is simple. Our sins.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">You know It is easy to talk about Jesus coming to earth to show us the way to live and to love. Which he did but He did more! We can also talk about Jesus the revolutionary, standing up for the rights of the oppressed and showing them dignity. Which he did but he did more! It is easy to think about how Jesus loved us so much that he would go to the cross as a misunderstood pacifist. it is true that he would not raise a hand to another but there is so much more!</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"></span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">If it was only a gift of love that Jesus offered to us then it would be appropriate to mourn his death as a victim of love. If that would be the case the appropriate headline would read, "Loving, misunderstood healer and teacher dies on the cross a cruel death." But because he came to die to save his people from their sins another headline seems more fitting. "Savior dies for the sins of the World, through faith we are saved!"</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">If he came to save us from the Romans... he surely failed. If he came to save us from pain and struggles... again Jesus mission seemed incomplete. But If Jesus came to save his people from their sins...Mission accomplished!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Prayer:</b> Dear Jesus thank you for humbling yourself to come to this earth to die on the cross because of our sins. We thank you that you took away our sins. That you died in our place to atone for our sins so we could live forever. Through faith we are saved! Lord help us to now walk a life that is worth of such a great gift! Amen</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>To ponder:</b> There is so much to be said about this wonderful, loving, miracle working teacher who stood up for the rights of the oppressed and we should follow in His example. But shouldn't we spend just as much if not more time focusing on Jesus who saves people from their sins. How can we make sure we keep that balance?</span></div>
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Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-13491894475415401662015-05-18T18:42:00.000-07:002015-05-18T18:42:53.692-07:00What God desires most<span class="text Mic-6-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Micah 6:6-8</span><br />
<span class="text Mic-6-6" id="en-NIV-22655" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><strong>With what shall I come before<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22655E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22655E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></strong></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and bow down before the exalted God?</span></strong></span><br />
<span class="text Mic-6-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><strong>Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,</strong></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">with calves a year old?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22655F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22655F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></strong></span><br />
<span class="text Mic-6-7" id="en-NIV-22656" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span><strong>Will the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> be pleased with thousands of rams,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22656G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22656G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></strong></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22656H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22656H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></strong></span><br />
<span class="text Mic-6-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><strong>Shall I offer my firstborn<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22656I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22656I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> for my transgression,</strong></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22656J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22656J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></strong></span><br />
<span class="text Mic-6-8" id="en-NIV-22657" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span><strong>He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.</strong></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And what does the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> require of you?</span></strong></span><br />
<span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><strong>To act justly<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22657K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22657K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and to love mercy</strong></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and to walk humbly<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-22657a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-22657a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah+6%3A5-10&version=NIV#fen-NIV-22657a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22657L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22657L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> with your God.</span></strong></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"> It could be argued that much of the life of a believer is about faith and about trying to live in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. This hasn't changed much down through the ages.</span></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">However, the idea of sacrificing caves or rams or rivers of olive oil sounds very foreign to us. These had to do with sacrifices made in Old Testament times to atone for sins and appease or please God. But God had grown tired of these endless sacrifices because the people were just doing them out of obligation. They didn't come from the heart. People would offer sacrifices and participate in religious activities and then head off to live their selfish lives. </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And so Micah the prophet speaks to the Lord about this and about what God really desired of his people. He asks the question in verse 6 "With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the Exalted God?" In those days it was customary to bring a gift to a lord or king when you, as a commoner, came before a dignitary especially if you're asking their assistance or to worship them.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">But it is obvious from Micah's answer, God isn't interested in our "things" and in our sacrificial actions. God is interested in our heart. Most specifically God is interested in our heart that shows compassion for others; to act Justly and to act with love and mercy.</span></span><br />
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God calls us to do what's right We are to do what is right and ethical in our actions towards others. This can also mean we uphold justice. When the world is compromising around us, we walk in truth and justice in all situations. We do this not as a matter of obedience driven by fear or in order to manipulate God but we act justly as a reflection of our heart and our love for God. But as a lover of Justice we must also be a lover of mercy. We are motivated to work for the justice toward the oppressed. We show mercy, benevolence, kindness and forgiveness to others who may have hurt us or may have suffered because of the world and its injustice and hardships.<br />
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In the New Testament James lifts up a similar statement. James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."<br />
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God is more concerned about our heart and our compassion than our proper doctoral beliefs, sacrifices and religious adherences.<br />
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Lastly Micah says ...."and to walk humbly with your God." Humility is a position that acknowledges that God is greater than we are and as we walk with God in humility we develop his traits and his desires. We start displaying the family likeness.<br />
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<strong>To Ponder:</strong> In what ways am I walking justly and above reproach in my actions towards other. In what ways do I struggle? In what ways do I promote Justice and mercy towards others? In what ways do I ministers to the orphans and widows or our world?<br />
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<strong>Prayer</strong>: Dear God give us hearts to love you a will to follow you in truth and mercy, and hands to serve others with mercy. Amen<br />
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">O Lord before I give you my hands and my feet help me to give you my heart.</span></span>Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-86531729263728640732015-03-30T18:51:00.001-07:002015-03-30T18:51:21.732-07:00Carry your cross: Matthew 16:24-26<span class="passage-display-bcv"><strong>Matthew 16:24-26</strong> </span><br />
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<strong><span class="text Matt-16-24" id="en-NIV-23697"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>Then Jesus said to his disciples, <span class="woj">“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23697A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23697A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-16-25" id="en-NIV-23698"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>For whoever wants to save their life<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-23698a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-23698a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A24-26&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23698a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23698B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23698B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-16-26" id="en-NIV-23699"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?</span></span></strong><br />
<span class="text Matt-16-26"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-16-26"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-16-26"><span class="woj"> On Sunday I talked about how Jesus was always in control. He wasn't a victim as he hung on the cross. It was all apart of His plan. Jesus choose to go to the cross. At any time Jesus could have destroyed his enemies and walked off the cross but because of love and because of his desire to be our savior, he chose to take up his cross. Such love and such grace are truly amazing! </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-16-26"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-16-26"><span class="woj">On this week when we focus our hearts and minds on the cross of Jesus, we must remember that we are called to take up our cross as well. But it is our choice.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-16-26"><span class="woj">We've all heard people who talk about their pains or their life situation as the "cross I have to bear". We understand what they mean and many people have tremendous challenges but if we are to look at what Jesus says about "cross bearing" we see that it is a choice that me make about how we live. Its not a burden that is thrust upon us. Rather it maybe a response to the burden.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-16-26"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-16-26"><span class="woj">Jesus gives us three words that help to make this point even clearer and all of these are action words These three instuctions for the true disciple are 1. to deny themselves. 2 to take up their cross. and 3. to follow me. The three verbs used here are all active: to deny, take up and follow. Cross bearing is always voluntary just as Jesus act and sacrifice was voluntary. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-16-26"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-16-26"><span class="woj">Today a person may choose to take up his or her cross by going to a war torn area to preach the gospel or to give humanitary aid. A person might volunteer at a homeless shelter or food program donating both money and time. A peron might make the choice to fast and pray and put aside their own personal needs for the blessing of others. There are many examples of denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following Jesus. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-16-26"><span class="woj"> Now it maybe that our pains in life are spring boards for our crosses as with the case of the Apostle Paul. He was given an infirmity or a thorn in the flesh. We don't know what the infirmity was but it could have derailed his ministry. It was that debilitating. However, he chose to "take up his cross" and to continue to serve and minister to God's people. In the same way, we may have a condition that Satan might try to use to stop us from serving God and being a blessing to others.</span></span><br />
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I don't know what the Lord has in store for any of us but as we deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him we will fulfill God' will. By giving of our lives or perhaps even losing our lives in ministry of Christ, our Scripture promise that we will actually find our life. This is one of the great paradoxes of life.<br />
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This week I'm especially thankful that Christ denied Himself, took up the cross and followed in the will of the father. Christ gave up his place in heaven. He humbled himself to the point of dying on the cross. As a result the Father lifted him up and exalted him to the highest place. Jesus found his greatest glory as he gave up his life for us all!<br />
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<strong>To ponder</strong>: What is the cross that God is calling me to pick up? How does Jesus want me to deny myself and follow Him.<br />
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<strong>Prayer</strong>: Dear God help me to see if there is anything in life that I'm trying to hold on to that is keeping me from finding myself completely in your will. Reveal those things to me and help me to have strength and wisdom to lose my life in you.Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-41066092470542931132015-03-16T06:25:00.000-07:002015-03-16T08:31:37.562-07:00What is your salt and light doing today? Matthew 5:13-16<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.55em; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span class="text Matt-5-13" id="en-NIV-23248" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Salt and Light</span></h3>
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<span class="text Matt-5-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23248Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23248Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-5-14" id="en-NIV-23249" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>“You are the light of the world.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23249R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23249R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.</span><span class="text Matt-5-15" id="en-NIV-23250" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23250S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23250S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-16" id="en-NIV-23251" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>In the same way, let your light shine before others,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23251T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23251T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> that they may see your good deeds<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23251U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23251U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and glorify <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23251V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23251V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>your Father in heaven. (NIV)</span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-5-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">As a part of our Lenten observance this year, on Wednesday nights we are watching the video series by John Ortberg entitled, "Who is this Man?" which is based upon the book by the same name. Together we have looked at the powerful influence that Jesus has had over our culture and our world. It chronicles the impact of Christians and the Christian movement which has literally transformed our care for the poor and needy, marginalized, sick, women, and children; raising each to a new state of compassion which previously just didn't exist in the world before Christ. In a world where only the kings were thought to be created in their gods image, Jesus says that we're <em>all</em> created in God's image, and then he goes about loving people in a way that demonstrates that he really believes it! Yes, Jesus brought light into dark reaches that had never seen light before and praise God there have been countless Christians who have taken up that same torch. </span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-5-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Just think of compassion and forgiveness. They were His idea, a reflection of His heart. Jesus brought these to a world that taught people to love their friends and hate their enemies. Jesus was truly a radical in a hateful and selfish world filled with pride... and he continues to do the same today <i>through us</i>. Perhaps this is what we need to think about during these last days of Lent leading up to Easter. Lent is a time of introspection and devotion to Christ. Perhaps Lent can be like a mechanic doing a tune up on our car. Now don't ask me all that they are doing under the hood! I'm just glad I trust my mechanic to do it right. But as Christians we need to check our life, our heart, and our motives. </span><br />
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Today I want to ask, "How is your salt preserving and your light shining?" According to Jesus if Salt loses its saltiness it should be thrown out and light should not be hidden but raised up for all to see. So what is your salt and light doing in the world? Have you ever considered that as Christians we are literally the most powerful source of transformation and compassion in the world? Sadly, we get so focused on our own little world that sometimes we forget who we really are.</div>
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Today why don't you inspect what's on the inside and think of just one way you can let it out into the lives around you today.</div>
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For Jesus said, "......Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) May the revolutionary love of Christ spring forth from us for God's praise and glory today. Amen</div>
Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-8378724278271118072015-03-03T14:16:00.000-08:002015-03-03T14:16:31.954-08:00The Lord Saves! Joel 2:23-32<span class="text Joel-2-32" id="en-NIV-22344">And everyone who calls</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Joel-2-32">on the name of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> will be saved;</span></span><br />
<span class="text Joel-2-32">for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Joel-2-32">there will be deliverance,</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Joel-2-32">as the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has said,</span></span><br />
<span class="text Joel-2-32">even among the survivors</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Joel-2-32">whom the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> calls. Joel 2:32</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-32"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-32"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-32">The book of Joel is a powerful book, a fearful book, a book of judgement, a book of grace and mercy, a violent book, a book of triumph, a book of struggle and pain and a book of warning and assurance. The crowning statement and truth from the book is this; "and everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-32"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-32">Judah was facing great hardship and destruction because of her enemies and when you read the opening verses of the book you don't find any comfort. Actually Joel the prophet seems to be speaking to a people of terrible trouble and anguish of heart telling them that things would only get worse as the Day of the Lord approached. What is the day of the Lord? Was it something just around the corner? Did Judah ever face the Day of the Lord or is the Day of the Lord still in the future? That has been debated by many scholars much smarter than I am so I really don't want to get into that debate in my blog for today but I do want to look at the heart of God and we surely see the heart of God crying out loudly in the book of Joel. </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-32"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-32">Israels enemies have concored them and will devastate them even more, so Joel warns them to be prepared. He tells them to wail, weep and mourn and he tells them to return to the Lord! Joel understands that turning to the Lord is there only hope. Actually from the entire book we can see that God is ultimately in control over everything that has and will happen. We may not fully understand the bad stuff but we can trust that the only hope for restoration and blessing are in His hands.</span></span><br />
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And hope starts the moment we fall on our knees in humble repentance. <br />
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God tells Joel to call the people to gather in a great Sacred assembly and call upon the Lord with fasting and prayer. (Joel 2:12-17) Such passionate prayer by the leaders and common people would reach to the heavens. 2 Chronicles 7:14 reminds us, "If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." NKJV <br />
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Not only would these types of prayers be heard but God would respond to them. Indeed all who call upon the Lord will be saved. When the Bible uses the word saved it speaks of physical, emotional, and yes Spiritual salvation. A salvation that we have now and into eternity.<br />
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Indeed during this time of Lent we celebrate that we have a Savior who is with us. We have a Savior and Redeemer who forgives our sins and restores us from our hardship. In Lent we reflect upon our Savior Jesus Christ.<br />
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I just love what Joel says in chapter two about the extent of Gods blessing and abundance that he will give. In verse 24 it says. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with ne wine and oil. Then in verse 25a he says, "I will repay you for the years the locust have eaten.."<br />
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Prayer: The hardships and locust of our day have eaten away and destroyed so much in our lives. We call upon your name today and are thankful that you sustain us, save us and out of your mercy and love you restore us. Thank you for your salvation.<br />
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Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-11781534752825778282015-01-19T18:26:00.000-08:002015-01-19T18:42:47.107-08:00Peace begins in our hearts. Micah 6:6-8<br />
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<i><span class="text Mic-6-6" id="en-NIV-22655" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">"With what shall I come before<span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22655Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22655Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and bow down before the exalted God?</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Mic-6-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">with calves a year old?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22655R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22655R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Mic-6-7" id="en-NIV-22656" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>Will the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> be pleased with thousands of rams,</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22656T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22656T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Mic-6-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Shall I offer my firstborn<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22656U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22656U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> for my transgression,</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22656V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22656V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Mic-6-8" id="en-NIV-22657" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. </span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And what does the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> require of you?</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">To act justly<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22657W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22657W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and to love mercy </span></i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><i>and to walk humbly<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-22657a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-22657a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah+6&version=NIV#fen-NIV-22657a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span><span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22657X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22657X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> with your God."</i><span style="font-weight: 500;"> Micah 6:6-8</span></span></span></h1>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">What a perfect text to come up for us on Martin Luther King Day because we can affirm that this was the heart of his actions and his desires. Martin Luther King Jr. sought to act justly and to promote justice. He sought to act out of a heart of love and to promote love and peace for all people. Truly, l</span></span>ove, mercy and humility inspired his actions and were reflected in his unselfish leadership. </div>
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Truly this day is not just a celebration for black Americans. It's a celebration for all people. Because of his example and his desire to seek justice and walk humbly with his God, all of us are better! Our nation is better! Our world is better!</div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">His work however must continue because we are still a divided nation and the divisions often run even deeper than the color of a person's skin. What is the solution for today? Its not found in our good intentions or our show of selfish sacrifices which only exalts our own personal agenda's. Our hope is to follow the way of Micah 6:8. </span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">When it says.... "He has shown you....." we can't help but to think about our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our example. He was the inspiration and the power behind Martin Luther King Jr and if we will have true peace in our world we need more people who will follow our Lord's example.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><b>To ponder:</b> As we consider the problems of our day let us remember that first and foremost before we do anything we must become something. We must become people who act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. If we all do that, then God will lead us in the direction of peace and love.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><b>Prayer: </b>Dear God we humbly come before you. We are aware of our own sins. We are aware of our own selfish desires that have harmed others and caused division. As it says in Psalm 139:23,24 we invite you today to "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.</span></span></div>
Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-3208061935633066782015-01-12T14:21:00.000-08:002015-01-12T14:21:36.511-08:00Gods light in your darkness! Daniel 2:20-23<br />
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This weeks text is a wonderful psalm of praise from the lips of Daniel. When we think about psalms we usually think about looking to the book of psalms but perhaps there is no more beautiful words offered in Scripture then the ones that follow.<br />
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<span class="passage-display-bcv">Daniel 2:20-23</span><br />
<span class="passage-display-bcv"></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Dan-2-20">“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21779A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21779A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Dan-2-20">wisdom and power<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21779B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21779B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> are his.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Dan-2-21" id="en-NIV-21780"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>He changes times and seasons;<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21780C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21780C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Dan-2-21">he deposes<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21780D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21780D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> kings and raises up others.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21780E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21780E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
<span class="text Dan-2-21">He gives wisdom<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21780F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21780F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> to the wise</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Dan-2-21">and knowledge to the discerning.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21780G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21780G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
<span class="text Dan-2-22" id="en-NIV-21781"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>He reveals deep and hidden things;<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21781H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21781H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Dan-2-22">he knows what lies in darkness,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21781I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21781I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Dan-2-22">and light<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21781J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21781J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> dwells with him.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Dan-2-23" id="en-NIV-21782"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21782K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21782K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Dan-2-23">You have given me wisdom<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21782L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21782L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> and power,</span></span><br />
<span class="text Dan-2-23">you have made known to me what we asked of you,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Dan-2-23">you have made known to us the dream of the king.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21782M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21782M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>”</span></span></div>
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Daniel was a powerful man of God who served the Lord faithfully from his youth. While others might have given up their faith and the principles, Daniel remained strong. His story starts when he was a young man in his late teens as he and his friends are exiled along with thousands of others when King Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon besieged Jerusalem. Daniel was one of the "lucky ones" for he was chosen among others from the Jewish nobles to be groomed to serve in the kings palace. Daniel 1:4 speaks of the qualities that Nebuchadnezzar was looking for. He was seeking "...young men in whom there was no blemish, but good looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand." Indeed, Daniel was that and even more. John Maxwell in his leadership study Bible says that the secret of Daniel is found in his, Character, Competence, Convictions, Courage, Charisma, Commitment, and Compassion. Those are some awesome qualities indeed!<br />
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Daniel offers this psalm of praise in response to the revelation that was given to him by God. You see the king was disturbed by a troublesome dream and none of his magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, or the Chaldeans could interpret his dream. But God inabled David to understand the meaning of the dream. Its interesting to note that Daniel praised God even before he talked with the king regarding this matter but Daniel was a young man of great faith and courage. And faith praises even before the blessings are revealed. <br />
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His psalm offers to us a great truth, that God is in control of all things even in the face of the greatest evils and the greatest and most evil of kings. Indeed there is nothing hidden or dark to the Lord and there is no power that God cannot overcome. Daniel understood this and his life is an evidence of that fact.<br />
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No one would have been surprised if Daniel and his friends would have compromised and left their faith behind. He was a young man. there were no Synagogues and no one to keep them accountable. Besides the leaders of this new land were treating him like royalty. He could be a servant to the king. But the only king Daniel was eager to serve was the Lord God. Daniel held to his faith and became a blessing and a powerful influence for good throughout his life. In the end God would prove himself faithful time and time again.<br />
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<strong>To Ponder</strong>: What are the changes of your life that tempt you to throw up your hands? Are there sources of darkness which you feel cannot be overcome? Please read the book of Daniel. Pray hard and trust the Lord. God is faithful and eager to shine His light into your life. God may even use your greatest challenges as the window to your greatest blessings to others. Remember God is in control over everything.<br />
Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-27474598903897465422015-01-05T14:58:00.000-08:002015-01-05T14:58:16.594-08:00Bringing life to dry bones Ezekiel 37:1-14<div class="chapter-2">
<i><span class="text Ezek-37-1"><span class="chapternum">37 </span>The hand of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> was on me,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21399A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21399A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> and he brought me out by the Spirit<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21399B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21399B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> and set me in the middle of a valley;<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21399C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21399C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> it was full of bones.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21399D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21399D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Ezek-37-2" id="en-NIV-21400"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.</span> <span class="text Ezek-37-3" id="en-NIV-21401"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”</span></i></div>
<span class="text Ezek-37-3"><i>I said, “Sovereign <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, you alone know.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21401E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21401E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>”</i></span><br />
<i><span class="text Ezek-37-4" id="en-NIV-21402"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>!<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21402F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21402F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Ezek-37-5" id="en-NIV-21403"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>This is what the Sovereign <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> says to these bones: I will make breath<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-21403a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-21403a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+37&version=NIV#fen-NIV-21403a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> enter you, and you will come to life.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21403G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21403G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span> </i><span class="text Ezek-37-6" id="en-NIV-21404"><i><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21404H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21404H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>’”</i> <b> Ezekiel 37:1-6</b></span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-37-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text Ezek-37-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text Ezek-37-6">There is nothing as lifeless as bones that have been dried by the hot sun. But this is the image that God gives to Ezekiel about the Spiritual condition of Israel. Not a pretty picture is it. This was not a good time in the life of the people of God. But they weren't lifeless because their hearts didn't beat and brains did not think. "Well the thinking part might have been questionable" No, They were lifeless because the Spirit of God had departed from them. They had turned from the Lord and turned to sin and they had turned so thoroughly that Spiritually they were dead.</span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-37-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text Ezek-37-6">At such a sight I wonder what Ezekiel was thinking? But I'm sure it wasn't a surprise for he had witnessed their Spiritual condition first hand. And today, if God were to take us to the valley we wouldn't be overly surprised to see the same comparison to the Spiritual condition of our nation either. No we are not shocked by the lifeless bones. Saddened, yes but not shocked.</span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-37-6"><br /></span><span class="text Ezek-37-6">However, what might shock us is what God intends to do with those lifeless bones. You would think that barring the bones and leaving them would be the only thing you can do. Just think if we were God. How many times would we have been tempted to leave us behind considering everything we've done. </span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-37-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text Ezek-37-6">No the real blessing of this passage is two fold. First, God is able to breath life into dry bones and second, God desires to breath life even when we abandon him.</span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-37-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text Ezek-37-6">But the choice is up to us. God doesn't force himself on us. We have to invite him in but the good news is Gods not far. Just remember what Jesus said in Revelations 3:20. "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."</span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-37-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text Ezek-37-6"><b>To ponder</b>: If you're feeling a little dry Spiritually why don't you ask Jesus to come inside and quench your thirst. Remember he is the living water and everyone who drinks of him will not thirst. Make that your New Years resolution to drink in the water and breath in the Spirit. God wants to renew your dry bones, and the promise of the Gospel is that he can!</span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-37-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text Ezek-37-6">Let us also pray that the dry bones of our nation would feel the breath of God's Spirit in 2015.</span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-37-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text Ezek-37-6"><br /></span>Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-36240679564146297672014-12-15T11:06:00.002-08:002014-12-15T11:06:50.904-08:00I myself will search for my sheep: Devotion from Ezekiel 34:11-16<span class="passage-display-bcv"></span><br />
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<span class="text Ezek-34-11" id="en-NIV-21325"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>“‘For this is what the Sovereign <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> says: I myself will search for my sheep<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21325A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21325A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> and look after them.</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-12" id="en-NIV-21326"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>As a shepherd<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21326B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21326B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21326C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21326C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Ezek-34-13" id="en-NIV-21327"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>I will bring them out from the nations and gather<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21327D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21327D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21327E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21327E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21327F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21327F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Ezek-34-14" id="en-NIV-21328"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21328G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21328G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21328H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21328H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> on the mountains of Israel.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21328I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21328I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Ezek-34-15" id="en-NIV-21329"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21329J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21329J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> declares the Sovereign <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21329K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21329K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Ezek-34-16" id="en-NIV-21330"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21330L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21330L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> the injured and strengthen the weak,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21330M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21330M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> but the sleek and the strong I will destroy.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-21330N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-21330N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> I will shepherd the flock with justice.</span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-34-16"> Ezekiel 34:11-16</span><br />
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<span class="text Ezek-34-16"></span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-34-16">Today we are sheep. Not just any ordinary sheep we are God's sheep. Ezekiel speaks of the Lord saying, "I myself will search for my sheep and look after them." I wonder why it says, "<em>I myself</em> will search..." Wouldn't it have been just as accurate to say, "I will search for my sheep..." ? Not being a Hebrew scholar I'm not going to try to explain how the Hebrew words came to be translated that way. However, I know that when I say the words, "I myself will do something..." I'm trying to communicate that I'm personally taking responsibility for something. I'm not going to hire someone to do what I'm going to do. In sales we might say, "I'll take care of it myself." This is meant to give confidence and assurance in the heart of our customer who trust us to accomplish what we say. Perhaps that is what God is communicating. He's saying, "I'm not going to send another I'm going to be your personal shepherd. I'm not going to send an under shepherd to do the work that I intend on doing. </span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-34-16"></span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-34-16">I think God is saying your that important to me that I will be your personal shepherd who will come and search for you my lost sheep. I will protect them. I will lead them into green pastures. This is God's guarantee that when we are lost "He" will come after us. and don't you know that that is the promise of Christmas? Its the promise that Jesus, who is the Divine God, came into the world to be our Savior! "...and they will call him Immanuel which means, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)</span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-34-16"></span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-34-16">God came in person.</span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-34-16"></span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-34-16">Yes, God sent John the Baptist as a messenger to let us know he was coming but God came in person to do what only God could do. He came to take us out of the kingdom of darkness and to bring us into the kingdom of light. He came to Judge the living and the dead. He came to die for the sins of the world. Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:11</span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-34-16"></span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-34-16">Now this is not to say that God doesn't use under shepherds to minister to each of us. That is the role of the pastors and elders of each church. But even then, if those "under shepherd" are negligent or not able to lead us and protect us from the crises of life, God promises that <strong>He</strong> will Shepherd us. The responsibility falls upon God's shoulders. And those are pretty good shoulders indeed. 1 Peter 1:3 tells us, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." </span><br />
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Indeed God sent His best for us. God came in the flesh and dwelt among us! So as the Apostle Paul proclaims and asks, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)<br />
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<strong>To Ponder</strong>: The shepherd has come to you. God is looking for you. Will you trust Him? Will you follow Him? Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-2877146524727001582014-10-04T17:16:00.000-07:002014-10-04T17:16:28.309-07:00The way of restoration. Lamentations 3:21-26 <br />
Jeremiah was a prophet of God during very difficult times.... As God's spokesman he was there to warn the people of the impending collapse of the City of Jerusalem..... and after the fall he remained in Jerusalem speaking on behalf of the Lord to those who had been exiled to Babylon.<br />
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He gave the people an explanation of how their sin had brought this disaster upon them. He also spoke of the eventual hope of the nation which would return to Jerusalem some 70 years in the future. This wasn't the greatest news for those still living in Babylon. For those he offers the instructions recorded in Jeremiah 29:4-14 as well as here in Ecclesiastes 3:21-26. His instructions tells them to live faithfully and seek the Lord with their entire heart. Jeremiah 29:13 and Lamentations 3:25<br />
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This would be their hope to sustain them and it is our hope as well.<br />
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Jeremiah could offer this advice because he knew of the Lord's faithfulness and forgiveness that after the time of disciple had done its work the Lord would help them to find the road of blessing again. This is the process of restoration and this process is often painful but it is a grace of the Lord which would bring the people to a deeper intimacy with the Him.<br />
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With this belief in his heart Jeremiah would say what we find recorded in Lamentations 3:21-23 <strong>... Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.</strong><br />
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Perhaps each of us can speak of the faithfulness of the Lord in our past and in our present. Many of these times we wonder why we deserved his favor. Yet one thing we find throughout Scriptures is that God is with us in a special way.. and there is a special blessing reserved for those who seek him with their entire heart, despite the troubles around them.<br />
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Knowing this Jeremiah would write.. <strong>I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord</strong>. Lamentations 3:24-26<br />
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Today we have difficulty with this idea of waiting quietly for the Lord. When marriage troubles come, when financial struggles are on the horizons, when our lives are broken we tend to turn everyway but to the Lord and these behaviors bring our ruin much faster than the trials at hand. Instead of waiting to see God in the midst of our pain we turn to addictions, new relationships, and we run from the Lord. In this case perhaps God's only course of action is to allow us to fall or to discipline us. But even if we are falling his hand is close to us and protecting us. Remember God is always waiting for His prodigal son and daughter to return.<br />
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Today I pray that you will lift your burdens to the Lord. I pray you will trust in his faithfulness even when you don't understand. I pray that you will seek the Lord and turn from any evil ways which harm others and side tract God's restoration in your life. Remember God's hand is very near the broken hearted. <br />
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It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.<br />
Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-19825273868124642322014-09-29T08:49:00.001-07:002014-09-29T08:49:16.325-07:00His Mercy in the midst of the storm...Lamentations 3:22-23<br />
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"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.<br />
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23<br />
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Perhaps you've spent a morning reading through the book of Lamentations. Ok. probably not but if you did you might feel rather depressed. But why such despair? The nameless author of lamentations is thought to be Jeremiah the Prophet who witnessed the invasion and destruction of Jerusalem. Much of his Lament speaks of the broken city and its suffering people. <br />
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Its a rather sad book and we might think about Jobs words and suffering. The major difference is Jeremiah knew that the suffering came as a result of their sin. <br />
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Yet in the midst of his Lament we find words of hope. Hope because Jeremiah knows the character of God who disciplines us because of our sin but always stands faithfully beside us to bring us into times of blessings and mercy.<br />
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In Jeremiah 29:11-13 He writes to those who have been exiled into Babylon after the same defeat. He says to them (speaking for the Lord) saying, "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." Than you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." I blogged about last month.<br />
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Jeremiah's words both in Lamentations 3 and in Jeremiah 29 are words that can give us comfort in the midst of our person pain, anguish of heart, and lamentation, Perhaps you are like Job and have no responsibility for the cause of you affliction or you are like the Children of Israel who find themselves crying out because of the consequences of Sin. Either way God's character has not changed.<br />
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Thankfully, Jesus Christ has bore the pain and the punishment for our sins on the cross yet there are natural consequences that we cannot avoid and God still disciplines us out of love. But we must remember as we suffer the natural consequences that God is with us. God loves us and God will restore us. His mercies are new every morning.<br />
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<b>Application:</b> In the middle of your struggles thank God for his presence with you and for the blessings even in the midst of the storm. We may not see relief from all the anguish of life right now but we can mature in our faith. We can learn to trust. We can feel the love of the Body of Christ surrounding us. We can get stronger. We can seek the Lord with our whole heart. We can develop a deeper intimacy with the Lord then we ever thought possible. These are the blessing and the mercies of the Lord that may only come as we go through the pains of life.<br />
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Indeed the Lord understands our lamenting but God always holds out hope for His plans and His character is never changing. God is with us through the storm."Because of God's great love we will not be consumed."<br />
<br />Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-1364892755706393752014-08-14T07:03:00.000-07:002014-08-14T07:03:39.812-07:00Settle in with prayer. Jerehmiah 29<strong>This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon; "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there, do not decrease. "Also seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."</strong><br />
Jeremiah 29:4-7<br />
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These were the words of Jeremiah in a letter to those who were carried away in exile to Babylon. Other false prophets spoke of a quick return to Jerusalem. They promised that God would bring them back out of his strength, goodness and grace. Their words brought hope. Their words were the one's they wanted to hear. Their words brought joy and meaning. Yes the people wanted the false prophet's words. They wanted to leave this God forsaken land in which they were taken captivity. But their words were not God's words. Their words were hollow and empty and over time these empty words would bring greater despair. <br />
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Jeremiah's words told them to settle down. His words were to make roots where they were for they would never return to the Promises land again save for their children. It would be 70 years if God was truly speaking through Jeremiah. <br />
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Seventy years! It's enough to make you despair. Yet, Jeremiah says to settle in, make this place your temporary home. Have children.... and teach them about the home that they will return to some day. I added that last part but I believe that is was implied. "Yes, teach them to be good Jewish boys and girls and prepare them for the day they will return." <br />
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I read someone who wrote something like this. "Do you know your children may be your greatest contribution to the world." <br />
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Yes future generations would have to rebuild the great nation of Israel. For now they had to settle in and pray. They would pray for the nation that things would go well for them and pray for the hope of future generations. Pray, call out, seek God, live productive lives and provide for their children.. <em> They would be the seeds of future blessings</em>. There's would be the great sacrifice for future generations and if they were lucky they would find some joy as well.<br />
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Today, I wonder how much we think about the future generations? Their Hope? Their world? <br />
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It might have been easy for the people of Israel siting in exile to say, "Why bring children into this God forsaken place?" "Why bring children into this world with such struggles and pain"... <br />
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Have you ever said that about our world? If you have I believe Jeremiah has some words for you and me. "God is faithful." "God has plans." "God will honor your sacrifice." God will listen to your prayers for them." <br />
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<strong>Prayer:</strong> Today we call upon You and seek You with our heart. Please bring this nation back to its greatness again. Please help this place to be a nation where we and our children will prosper. Protect our children. Oh Lord, may they see a future peace that we could only dream about. In Jesus name, AmenPastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-3995553815779950502014-08-08T10:43:00.000-07:002014-08-08T10:43:49.960-07:00God has a plan for you. Jeremiah 29:11-13<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Jeremiah 29:11-13</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New International Version (NIV)</span></h1>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>For I know the plans<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-19647A" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> I have for you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “plans to prosper<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-19647B" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-19647C" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text Jer-29-12" id="en-NIV-19648" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>Then you will call<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-19648D" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19648D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> on me and come and pray<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-19648E" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19648E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> to me, and I will listen<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-19648F" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19648F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> to you.</span> <span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>You will seek<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-19649G" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19649G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span> me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.</span><br />
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<span class="text Jer-29-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">This is one of the great promises offered to God's people in the Old Testament and it came at a very difficult time. The people of Judah were exiled to Babylon as prisoners to live in a foreign land. These were tough times and Jeremiah the Prophet wasn't promising any good news anytime soon. While some false prophets were promising that God would soon return the captives to Jerusalem, Jeremiah was relaying God's words to settle down for the long haul; seventy years to be exact. Surely the people were in despair... Yet Jeremiah offers these words of hope. Words that told them that God still had a plan for them. God had not abandon them. </span><br />
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<span class="text Jer-29-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Perhaps you find yourself in one of those places today. You've had a major disappointment and you wonder where is God? You hurt, you're disappointed, you're confused, you feel lost. If you're in that place today, these are good words for you. God has a plan and it's a plan for good and not for evil. A plan to prosper you and not harm you.</span><span class="text Jer-29-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> </span><br />
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<span class="text Jer-29-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">God is still with you. So don't despair. </span><span class="text Jer-29-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Cry out to the Lord. Seek him with your whole heart and you will find him. And for the Christian finding Christ is the greatest joy. </span><br />
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<span class="text Jer-29-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">In the end, this life is bound to kick us and bring us down. Sometimes it kicks us because we did something we shouldn't have done. This was why Judah found themselves in this predicament. But, even in the difficulties we can find forgiveness, joy and peace. The greatest joy comes from God's presence with us as we seek the Lord with our whole heart. </span><br />
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<span class="text Jer-29-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">The people of Judah surely wished things could return as they were, and in comming generations they would know that blessing, but in the midst of their captivity in Babylon they could still experience the presence of God.</span><br />
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<span class="text Jer-29-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong>Prayer</strong>: Dear God I wish that things could be different for us today but we trust you know you know what is best. Forgive us of our sins. Today, we cry out to you and we trust that you have a future plan. And Lord, while we wait for that plan to take shape, help us to find joy in the midst of sadness because you are with us.</span><br />
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<span class="text Jer-29-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong>A thought for today</strong>: Even if you have lost someone or something very dear in your life, seek the Lord with your whole heart. God may not heal that hurt but God will give you a new hope. Remember God loves you and God will never leave you.</span><br />
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God Bless You!<br />
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Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-8997350219555798342014-07-14T11:52:00.000-07:002014-07-14T11:52:26.593-07:00Are you thirsty today?<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Isaiah 55:1-2</span></h1>
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<span class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: 0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; left: -3em; line-height: 0.8em; position: absolute;">55 </span>“Come, all you who are thirsty,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18742A" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18742A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">come to the waters;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18742B" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18742B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and you who have no money,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">come, buy<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18742C" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18742C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> and eat!</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Come, buy wine and milk<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18742D" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18742D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">without money and without cost.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18742E" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18742E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-55-2" id="en-NIV-18743" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Why spend money on what is not bread,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and your labor on what does not satisfy?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18743F" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18743F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18743G" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18743G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and you will delight in the richest<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18743H" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18743H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span> of fare.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">There are two verbs that stick out as I read those verses;" come and listen". Both are active. Both assume that there is someplace for me to go or something for me to hear. Both also assume that I need to stop doing what I'm doing... but as I do there are great promises, satisfaction and even riches!</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">But read those words again. This time as if they are offered by a carnival worker calling them out at his post on the midway... He's a salesmen promising the world. Yet there is something different about the words offered here. You don't have to put any money down to buy the next cure all elixir. No, if a man with a wand and a big hat was yelling out such promises to those walking by we would all turn away saying, "Right... what's the catch?"</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Now let's read this a second time. This time listen as if Christ is calling out to us. This sounds a little different coming from his voice. But Jesus could say these things and actually he did! let me take you to Matthew 11:28. Jesus says,<b> "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 and heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Today my guess is we are looking from satisfaction from many things in life and sometimes we are paying a high price! Some of these are good but don't forget that only Christ can satisfy our deepest longings... So, come and listen he's patiently waiting for you.</span></span></div>
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Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-86255246161816314572014-06-11T13:58:00.001-07:002014-06-11T13:58:20.585-07:00The pain, the victory, the wonder, the shame, the Cross Isaiah 53<span class="text Isa-53-4">Isaiah 53: 4-5</span><br />
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<span class="text Isa-53-4">Surely he took up our pain</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-53-4">and bore our suffering,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18716K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-53-4">yet we considered him punished by God,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18716L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-53-4">stricken by him, and afflicted.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18716M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-53-5" id="en-NIV-18717"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>But he was pierced<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18717N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> for our transgressions,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18717O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-53-5">he was crushed<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18717P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> for our iniquities;</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-53-5">the punishment<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18717Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> that brought us peace<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18717R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> was on him,</span><br />
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<span class="text Isa-53-5">First of all Isaiah 53 is an amazing passage! To think such accurate words could be written about Jesus the Messiah who would be born hundreds of years in the future! Amazing. Only God could see and inspire Isaiah to write such words!</span><br />
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<span class="text Isa-53-5">but when I read that text over and over and allow my heart to hear and feel what it says, I have a mixture of feelings from sorrow, sadness, pain, surprise, and guilt. Most of all I feel greatly thankful for God's grace shown to us in Jesus Christ. </span><br />
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<span class="text Isa-53-5"> It also reminds me of just how much God was and is in control of all things. The Pharisees thought they were taking control of things when Jesus was arrested. The Romans thought they were taking control as they put Jesus on the cross. The demons of Hell thought they were in control when they crushed Jesus. But it was really Jesus who, through his death on the cross, took control of my sin and your sin. Yes at the end of the day and after the dust settled Jesus was standing in control!</span><br />
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<span class="text Isa-53-5">No, I will never be able to rejoice at the cross because my Lord suffered such great pain. I will never rejoice in the victory of the cross for my sins caused him to be there. Yet, in a wonderful way we can have peace for on the Cross it was finished for now and forevermore.</span><br />
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<span class="text Isa-53-5"><strong>To consider</strong>: Why don't you thank God today for the pain and suffering Jesus went through because of his love for you. May we never grow comfortable with the cross and or forget what it means.</span><br />
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<span class="text Isa-53-5">Remember peace doesn't come through possessions, achievements or luxury of our day. Peace comes through the cross. May we never forget the price Jesus paid for our peace.</span>Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-58216806676985277422014-04-28T15:22:00.000-07:002014-04-28T15:22:55.736-07:00God's Servant... Isaiah 42:1-4<em>Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him</em><br />
<em>and he will bring justice to the nations, He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the</em><br />
<em>streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.</em><br />
<em>In faithfulness he will bring forth Justice; he will not falter or be discouraged til he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.</em><br />
Isaiah 42:1-4<br />
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These are prophetic words that speak about Jesus. Actually if you were to read the entire chapter you would think that these words were written during the time of Jesus not hundreds of years before. But these words must have surely brought hope especially for those who had to endure hearing the rest of Isaiah's message... He wasn't generally speaking kind and gentle words. <br />
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As we speak to one another however we must remember that we have a kind and gentle God for what is more fragile than a bruised read or a smoldering wick. We must remember that we have Christ spirit and nature within us. May it also be said of us that we showed mercy, kindness, and gentleness in a very rough world.<br />
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Today if your bruised take heart in knowing that God is faithful and there is hope both hear and in the life after in heaven. God is tender enough to hold you but powerful enough to fight your battles and bring justice to the oppressed. Our God is amazing.<br />
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Dear God we lift up our nation and pray that you bring justice and mercy to those who are broken and burned down and Lord it would be a privilege to be your servants to be used by you in this great effort.<br />
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<br />Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-78302490027110327922014-03-17T07:26:00.000-07:002014-03-17T07:26:07.408-07:00Where is the Peace? Isaiah 9:6,7<br />
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On Sunday night during our Praise Service it was so nice to meet with a couple that serves in the leadership of an area church. After the service they talked about how much they loved worshiping with us and how the worship of Jesus brought joy and peace to them. No matter where they worshipped. <br />
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I find that to be true as well. I love attending worship in churches where Christ Spirit is lifted high in jubilant worship! Somehow when Christ's church is together there is joy and peace like few other places no matter what is going on around in the world. <br />
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I just wish I could visit other churches on Sunday Mornings sometimes. But frankly even if I wasn't preaching I probably wouldn't do that because I find such joy with my friends at the church that I attend. I find Christ living in them and this brings me joy and peace.<br />
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In our Scripture for today Isaiah offers prophetic words about the coming of Christ. He speaks of the majesty of that child who will control all things. <strong>"The government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end." Isaiah 9:6,7a</strong><br />
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I know that these words speak of a day when Christ will rule on the thrown of David. A day when his presence and rule will bring justice and righteousness.<br />
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When I hear such words it is easy to look at the world as say, "Where's the peace?" I know someday the Lord Jesus will bring this peace to the world and this will be a most glorious thing!<br />
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But today we can find and should find this peace within the church. We should find it as we worship with any Christian around the world or just next door. If Christ rules in our hearts then we as His church should be one.<br />
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<strong>To Ponder:</strong> Do I feel the glory of God ruling in my heart? Do I feel the majesty of his peace in the church? Am I, as a member of the body of Christ, working to bring Justice and righteous to the world?<br />
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May the prophetic words of Isaiah 9:6-7 come soon. In the Lord's time. Amen<br />
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Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-60567275809579875372014-03-12T20:38:00.000-07:002014-03-12T21:01:27.898-07:00The perfect atonement for sins. Isaiah 6:1-8<br />
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Isaiah 6:1-8</h3>
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<em><span class="text Isa-6-1"><span class="chapternum">6 </span>In the year that King Uzziah<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17771A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> died,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17771B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> I saw the Lord,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17771C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> high and exalted,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17771D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> seated on a throne;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17771E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> and the train of his robe<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17771F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> filled the temple.</span> <span class="text Isa-6-2" id="en-NIV-17772"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>Above him were seraphim,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17772G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17772H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> and with two they were flying.</span> <span class="text Isa-6-3" id="en-NIV-17773"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>And they were calling to one another:</span></em></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-3"><em>“Holy, holy<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17773I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>, holy is the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> Almighty;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17773J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></em></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><em><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-6-3">the whole earth<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17773K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> is full of his glory.”<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17773L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup></span></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-4" id="en-NIV-17774"><em><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17774M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></em></span></div>
<span class="text Isa-6-5" id="en-NIV-17775"><em><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>“Woe<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> to me!” I cried. “I am ruined!<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> For I am a man of unclean lips,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> and I live among a people of unclean lips,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> and my eyes have seen<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> the King,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> Almighty.”<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup></em></span><br />
<em><span class="text Isa-6-6" id="en-NIV-17776"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17776U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.</span> <span class="text Isa-6-7" id="en-NIV-17777"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17777V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17777W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>”</span></em><br />
<span class="text Isa-6-8" id="en-NIV-17778"><em><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Then I heard the voice<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17778X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17778Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> And who will go for us?<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17778Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup>”</em></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-6-8"><em>And I said, “Here am I.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17778AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> Send me!”</em></span><br />
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As Christians we have entered into the season of Lent. This is a time of prayer. It's a time of sacrifice, a time of confession, a time of service, and a time to renew our faith in Jesus. At its best I believe it is a time to strive to experience what Isaiah experienced during his time of worship. The parallels with this passage and Lent are very striking indeed. In Lent we bring ourselves in worship to try to grasp the breadth of whom God is which is exactly what Isaiah is confronted with in the temple. His encounter is so overwhelming that it brings him to his Knees in repentance much like the repentance that we seek during this special season of the year. It is during the season of Lent that we are aware of our sins and the sins of our world which would lead Jesus to the cross.<br />
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There is one last parallel that I found in this passage which I had never seen before. I find in both passages God's desire to forgive and atone for our sins. In the old testament the coals of fire reminds us of the sacrifices and the burnt offerings provided each day for the payment of sins. However in Lent we remember that it is Jesus who served as the once and for all perfect sacrifice. The angels said to Isaiah "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." As Christians we know that the perfect atonement comes from Jesus who takes away the sins of the world.<br />
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If you look through the old testament you will see that each page points to Jesus and as Jesus himself would say that he came to fulfill the Law.<br />
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As we enter into this season of Lent may we contemplate our sins and the sins of our world. May we seek to have a fresh encounter with Christ. Whether you sacrifice something as a reminder of your sins or add on additional practices as a sign of your devotion, never forget that His glory continues to fill our universe. And the same power that shook the doorposts and thresholds of the temple at the times of Isaiah, is the same power that caused the earthquake at Jesus death and caused the veil that covered the Holy of Holies to tear in half.. It's also the same power that Caused Jesus to raise from the grave. Its also the same power available to all of us who believe through the Holy Spirit. That my friends is awe inspiring. May it also inspire us to say..."Here I am send me" when the spirit calls our name.<br />
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Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-65254714456871540042014-02-24T18:59:00.000-08:002014-02-24T18:59:24.315-08:00Our great God in troubled times.. Isaiah 6:1-8Isaiah 6:1-8<br />
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<span class="text Isa-6-1" id="en-NIV-17771"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-1"><span class="chapternum">6 </span>In the year that King Uzziah<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17771A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> died,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17771B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> I saw the Lord,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17771C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> high and exalted,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17771D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> seated on a throne;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17771E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> and the train of his robe<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17771F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> filled the temple.</span> <span class="text Isa-6-2" id="en-NIV-17772"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 </span></sup>Above him were seraphim,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17772G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17772H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> and with two they were flying.</span> <span class="text Isa-6-3" id="en-NIV-17773"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3 </span></sup>And they were calling to one another:</span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-3">“Holy, holy<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17773I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>, holy is the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> Almighty;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17773J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-6-3">the whole earth<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17773K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> is full of his glory.”<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17773L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-4" id="en-NIV-17774"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4 </span></sup>At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17774M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-5" id="en-NIV-17775"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">5 </span></sup>“Woe<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> to me!” I cried. “I am ruined!<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> For I am a man of unclean lips,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> and I live among a people of unclean lips,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> and my eyes have seen<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> the King,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> Almighty.”<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17775T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="text Isa-6-6" id="en-NIV-17776"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6 </span></sup>Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17776U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.</span> <span class="text Isa-6-7" id="en-NIV-17777"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7 </span></sup>With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17777V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17777W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>”</span><br /><span class="text Isa-6-8" id="en-NIV-17778"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8 </span></sup>Then I heard the voice<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17778X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17778Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> And who will go for us?<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17778Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup>”</span><br /><span class="text Isa-6-8">And I said, “Here am I.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17778AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> Send me!”</span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8"></span> </div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8"></span> </div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8">This is one of the most powerful call stories in the Bible! It happened at a time when there was great despair throughout Israel because their great and beloved King Uzziah had died.... He served for 52 years and was the only king most of them had ever known... It was a sad time indeed... Uzziah had done many wonderful things but sadly his life ended in shame. Because of a mistake in usurping the roll of the Priest he became leprous... It was a sad story....</span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8"></span> </div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8">Yet Isaiah came to the temple to worship God and it was in that context and through this experience that God proved to him that no matter how sad things were without their beloved King.... He was bigger and more awesome!</span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8"></span> </div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8">Frankly I don't think that Isaiah's mind was at all focused on Uzziah's death when he saw the angels and the Lord.... What do you think?</span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8"></span> </div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8">I think this is a great reminder for all of us. All of us have faced situations that have caused our heart to sink. Perhaps that's where you heart is today. </span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8"></span> </div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8">But from this passage I see three important principles... </span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8">1st Even in the worst of times we need to continue to seek the Lord in worship. </span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8">2nd. During those times of worship we need to place ourselves before the Lord and allow him to </span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8">reveal his glory always remembering that God is bigger than any problem we might have.</span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8">3rd. It might be at the time of our greatest despair that God will reveal his plan for our lives in a most powerful way. (I hope to talk about that later this week if I do better at keeping up with my blog that is hahah)</span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8"></span> </div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8"></span> </div>
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<span class="text Isa-6-8"><strong>To ponder</strong>. What is on your heart and mind today. Are you willing to hand it over to the Lord and sing with the angels, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God almighty.?</span></div>
Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-22558650258991320632014-02-14T10:56:00.000-08:002014-02-14T10:56:08.639-08:00Real love for Valentine's Day. Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 <span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8" id="en-NIV-17368"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> Ecclesiastes 3:8 </span>a time to love and a time to hate,</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-8">a time for war and a time for peace.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">Yes it is Valentine's Day so happy Valentine's to all my friends and family! </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"> It just happens to be that I'm blogging in the book of Ecclesiastes as I travel through the Bible. You all know that in Ecclesiastes 3 it says that there is a time for everything under heaven. </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">You would think that every time is a time for love, right? I mean is there ever a time to not love? And what is this time for hate or a time for war all about?</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">Personally I think it is because of the world that we live in. I sometimes pray, "<i>Lord teach me to love those things that you love and to hate those things you hate.</i>" I think it is a good prayer?</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">Yes there are somethings that God hates. I think he especially hates when people harm children and lead them astray. But some might say, "But what about the saying that we are supposed to love the sinner and hate the sin." that's pretty good too... though it is very hard for us to do in practice.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">I think about Jesus a lot. Sometimes I think about his... less than loving words he spewed out to the Pharisees and other religious leaders. Did he love the sinner? I think he did. I think that his harsh words were meant to get their attention! His anger was meant to stop them from their harmful actions. Yes he was angry.... but yes... he loved them and wanted them to repent and receive Him as Lord and Savior.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"> Jesus always knew what time it was and is! </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">What time is it for you? </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">Sometimes the most loving things we can do is to deal directly with a problem in life. Our motive is the key. If we are addressing a situation with the hope of eventual reconciliation, first with Christ and then among ourselves, we're probably on the right tract.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">So out of Christ's Great love for you, How do you think Jesus might address you today? How would he address your faults and failings?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> If you are interested and concerned that he might not be pleased... and if you are humble... Jesus knows that this is a time to extend to you love and grace.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">So isn't it time that you fully embrace the one who loves you most. You're His Valentine. He offered his red heart of love to you on the cross.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><b>Prayer</b>: Thank you God for showing us what love is all about. Help me to love like you love even when I would rather turn away. </span></span>Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-37167660006571185132014-02-07T06:32:00.001-08:002014-02-07T06:32:16.830-08:00In its Time: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11<div class="heading passage-class-0">
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Ecclesiastes 3:1-11</h3>
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<span class="chapter-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-1"><span class="chapternum">1 </span>There is a time<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17361A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> for everything,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-1">and a season for every activity under the heavens:</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-2" id="en-NIV-17362"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>a time to be born and a time to die,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-2">a time to plant and a time to uproot,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17362B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-3" id="en-NIV-17363"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>a time to kill<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17363C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> and a time to heal,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-3">a time to tear down and a time to build,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-4" id="en-NIV-17364"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>a time to weep and a time to laugh,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-4">a time to mourn and a time to dance,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-5" id="en-NIV-17365"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-5">a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-6" id="en-NIV-17366"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>a time to search and a time to give up,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-6">a time to keep and a time to throw away,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-7" id="en-NIV-17367"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>a time to tear and a time to mend,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-7">a time to be silent<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17367D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> and a time to speak,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8" id="en-NIV-17368"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>a time to love and a time to hate,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-8">a time for war and a time for peace.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"> If I were to ask the question, "Hey kids, does anyone know what time it is?"</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">a certain generation would immediately yell out. "It's Howdy Doody time!" I by the way am not among that generation! but I do remember being riveted to the TV to watch the Mickey Mouse Club and yes I was one of the millions of boys to have a crush on Annette Funicello. I knew what time it was when that show was on. </span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"> But I don't think that our passage for today is talking about clowns or cute girls with bunny ears. But the question, "Does anyone know what time it is?" is an important one to ponder.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">From our passage we learn that there are many times and many seasons. (Frankly I'm looking forward to the season of winter to be over...). I've read this passage many times and often at funerals to help to comfort loved ones of a deceased. Indeed there is a time when we will be gathered up with the Lord. </span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">However, its equally important for us to look at the time in which we live right now. It seems to me that you might say that there are many "times" throughout our day. Now we all love the positive times of course. A time to be born, a time to plant, a time to heal, a time to build, a time to laugh, a time to dance, etc. Oh we love those times but the "negative" times are equally if not often more important.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">The transitions necessary in life necessitate that we move forward and in the moving forward we often have to give up something. This is the nature of life. To get a new job we sometimes have to move away from friends we love. Sometimes to make way for a new building we have to tear down the old one. And when it comes to gardening you have to plow under the old each year to make room for the new. I hate to say this but eventually you have to throw away some of your favorite old shirts that can no longer be mended to make room for more. In my case my old shirts some how find there way into the "rag drawer". Shh... Don't tell my wife but I've been known to wash the old rags and wear them again from time to time. Well I guess my wife knows that. </span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8">I guess all of this goes in the category of change and change is not easy but it is necessary. God has made our world that way but along with this truth is the promise of verse 11 "He has made everything beautiful in its time.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><strong>To ponder:</strong> What changes and transitions is God doing or planning for your life? Can you give thanks to God through the changes knowing that if we trust the Lord he will make all things beautiful. </span></span></div>
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Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1824370543875714661.post-69069911374197585952014-01-22T12:16:00.000-08:002014-01-22T12:16:39.093-08:00Virtuous? what's that all about. Psalm 31:10-12, 30<br />
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Proverbs 31:10-12</h3>
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New Living Translation (NLT)<br />
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<span class="text Prov-31-10"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup><sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-17271a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+31%3A10-12%3B30&version=NLT#fen-NLT-17271a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-10">She is more precious than rubies.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Prov-31-11" id="en-NLT-17272"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>Her husband can trust her,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-11">and she will greatly enrich his life.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Prov-31-12" id="en-NLT-17273"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>She brings him good, not harm,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-12">all the days of her life.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-31-12"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">30 </span></sup>Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-30">but a woman who fears the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> will be greatly praised.</span></span></span></span><br />
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Virtuous... I wonder how often have you used that word today or perhaps this week or even the last month? That's a word we don't use too often. So I thought it might be good to look at that word for a moment. First some synonyms for that word. <span style="color: #444444;">all right</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">decent</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">ethical</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">honest</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">honorable</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">just</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">moral</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">nice</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">right</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">righteous</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">right-minded</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">straight</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">true</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">upright</span><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><span style="color: #444444;">good</span>. <br />
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Now a definition from Wikipedia - <strong>Virtue</strong> is<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">moral</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">excellence</span><span style="color: black;">. A virtue is a positive trait or quality deemed to be morally </span><span style="color: black;">good</span><span style="color: black;"> and thus is </span><span style="color: black;">valued</span><span style="color: black;"> as a foundation of </span><span style="color: black;">principle</span><span style="color: black;"> and good moral being. Personal virtues are characteristics </span><span style="color: black;">valued</span><span style="color: black;"> as promoting collective and individual greatness. </span><br />
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I like the idea of a foundation of principle and moral being. A foundation is what you build upon. For example if the foundation of a building is poor no matter how you try and how beautiful the building eventually the building will have problems. conversely if your building upon a good foundation you can always rebuild and make corrections along the way. Now I know that it's not a good thing to compare a woman or a wife to a building. ha ha So if I've offended anyone I'm sorry. Its just an analogy even if it isn't very romantic. But if you think about it there are some beautiful and exciting homes that anyone would love to live in that have sound foundations. My guess is that the home listing doesn't mention anything about the foundation. <br />
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Yes, most women would love to be called beautiful, exciting, warm, sensitive, intelligent, funny, talented, and creative. I'm not sure you will get a big smile and a hug by calling your wife virtuous tonight at the kitchen table. But how blessed you are to have a virtuous wife. All those other qualities and characteristic I just listed build upon that foundation and we love our wives because of those things as well. But I hope that each man has a virtuous wife and that each woman is a virtuous person. These are the women that God blesses and these are the women that bless their children.<br />
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I believe the Bible speak of three great virtues. Faith, Hope and Love. These should be the foundation of all of our relationships and of course the foundation of our relationship with God. We should have faith in God in all things Secondly we have hope which is the certainty of God's goodness and love which the Apostle Paul says is the greatest of all.<br />
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For a Christian, virtuous starts with our relationship with God; Our trust in God and our complete surrender to walk in the ways of God. We will not be perfect but if this is not the desire of our heart then ours is a flawed foundation and we must repent and ask God to change and transform our heart to the image of Christ.<br />
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Tonight. If you are a husband of a virtuous wife find a way to let her know how thankful you are! and if you are a woman of virtue give thanks to God for he will greatly use you to be a blessing to others. <br />
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And by the way.... blessed is the woman who has a virtuous man as well.</div>
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Pastor Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613851969538568491noreply@blogger.com0