tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36936579311080248292024-02-20T21:22:07.123-08:00Shepherd's CornerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-72814810755048438512018-02-15T10:49:00.002-08:002018-02-15T10:49:43.942-08:00Praying in Pain and Anguish<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"> You're in our thoughts and
prayers."</span></b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">This is our standard response to the pain and
sorrow we see in the lives of those around us. School shootings, teen
suicides, accidents, and dire diagnoses - "you're in our thoughts and prayers."
But do we really know <i>HOW </i>to pray in times of pain and
anguish?</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Perhaps we've been
told that we must accept whatever comes into our lives - "it's a part of
God's plan" we're told, so no arguing. Meek acquiescence is the
expected reaction. But doesn't this make our Lord out to be a rather
dictatorial sovereign and not a Father? </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Others say, "name
it and claim it!" like it's some kind of magic formula! But doesn't
this reduce the Most High God into a weak parent Who is always caving in to
their petulant child?</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"> Like so many lessons in
life it is wise to look at the behavior and listen to the words of Jesus</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">. On
the night He was betrayed Jesus went out to Gethsemane - a garden on the Mount
of Olives. Knowing the totality of the pain that was coming to Him, He
knelt and prayed to His Father in heaven. He prayed with urgency and
strong pleading. He prayed with trust and obedience.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> St. Mark tells us
Jesus prayed:<i> </i></span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">"Remove this cup from Me."</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Mark 14:36
ESV)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Our English translations, while good, do not
carry the weight of the original Greek. In writing his Gospel, Mark made
it clear that Jesus was emphatic that His Father remove the cup - in other
words, "NO PAIN!" This was no suggestion or gentle plea, but
the heartfelt cry of a Man Whose sweat turned to blood in His
anguish. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> But just as soon as He made such a
bold statement, Jesus prayed </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">"yet not what I will, but what
You will."</span></i></b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Here in the Son of God and
the Son of Man we see the delicate balance of prayer. There is a boldness
born from our relationship to our God as His beloved children, and there is
trust and obedience that grow out of our faith in our Father's goodness and
love. We are encouraged to cry out to the Lord from the deepest parts of
our pain and sorrow. Our Father wants us to hold nothing back! We
are encouraged to ultimately trust in a Father Who loves us with an everlasting
love. Our Father has given us a living hope of an inheritance that does
not fade away.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"> Left to ourselves we could
never pray in this manner. </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">But the One Who is teaching us how
to pray is the One Who endured that pain so He could bear our sin. It was
humanity's rebellion against our Creator that opened the door for sorrow
to enter creation. Jesus walked down a road that led to His death on the
cross that that door might be ultimately be slammed shut when He returns
again. In the meantime, we hold on to the hope that is ours because Jesus
rose from the dead, never to die again. So child of God, pray
boldly and pray trustingly, for your Heavenly Father is listening . . .</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Go to
dark Gethsemane,</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">All who
feel the tempter’s pow’r;</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Your
Redeemer’s conflict see,</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Watch
with Him one bitter hour;</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Turn not
from His griefs away;</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Learn
from Jesus Christ to pray.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">John
Montgomery</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt;">Public
Domain</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-21832458227349709552017-09-22T14:53:00.000-07:002017-09-22T15:00:12.104-07:00We Cry Out: "Lord, Have Mercy!"<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The recent hurricanes, earthquakes, and global politics have
struck at our hearts and causing many to cry out “Lord, have mercy!”</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: 0.2in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.2in;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: 0.2in;">Of the portions of the Church’s liturgy that
are ancient, perhaps none is more treasured and prevalent than the <i>Kyrie
Eleison</i> – “Lord, have mercy!”</span><span style="text-indent: 0.2in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.2in;">This cry
resounds throughout the Holy Scriptures and remains one of the most natural and
human prayers.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.2in;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><b>WHY? Because of our tenuous status in this creation.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 0.2in;">We find ourselves vulnerable and under attack from the elements, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;">from one another, from disease, from calamities and trials.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;">In times of trouble we are suddenly awakened to the fact that we are living under the Almighty power of God and are undeserving of His goodness and care.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;">Stripped away are the myths of our self-sufficiency and control over our own lives.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;">Left grieving and empty-handed we have nothing left but to turn our eyes to our Creator and cry out for mercy . . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="text-indent: 19.2px;"> Jesus heard the cries of </span><span style="text-indent: 19.2px;">lepers, blind men, and a mother whose daughter was possessed by a demon.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;">With compassion, Jesus turned His eyes to their situation and brought healing, sight, and restoration. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;"><u>This same Jesus hears our cries for mercy today</u>.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;">His eyes are turned toward us with compassion and love. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;">He beholds the plight of His people and responds.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;"> Every. Time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"> <b style="color: #990000;">But our eyes are often veiled and cannot see His response.</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-indent: 19.2px;">To some of us He brings us deliverance from our troubles - this is visible and celebrated. To others of us He gives strength and peace to endure the hardship - this is REAL, but often invisible. It is faith and trust in the God of love and compassion that assures us that the Lord indeed hears our cries for mercy and acts on our behalf. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> When you feel tempted to doubt whether the Lord your God hears your cries or cares to deliver you, remember the cross of Jesus Christ.</b></span> For throughout human history there has never been a more crystal clear demonstration of God's mercy. Generations, weighed down by their sins and disobedience, had cried out for mercy. On that great and dark day Jesus died sin was paid for and debt cancelled. Through His very own body Jesus opened a way into the presence of the Father. And when Christ arose on the third day, mercy was put on display for all creation to behold.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With hurting hearts and trusting faith we will continue to cry out:</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Lord, have mercy;</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Christ, have mercy;</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Lord, have mercy"</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-indent: 19.2px;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 15.34px; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 15.34px;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A few points to ponder:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 15.34px; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 15.34px;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.34px; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When do YOU cry out for mercy?</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have you ever seen a child<span style="background-color: white;"> of God show peace, comfort, and/or joy in the midst of trouble? How are these the compassionate response</span><span style="background-color: white;"> of the Lord to the cry for mercy?</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span> </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .2in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .2in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-54949114025128897382017-02-15T10:10:00.000-08:002017-02-15T10:10:32.751-08:00Love Often Hurts<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGncPo5U6JgFaZiz6xCVIspOaL3BD5UCqN77Qh61k3Nd9eyOOvt9cIzo-l3QwTcXjHolqfMdSinXndPMk1f7A0S4xG7GY8U97F_3jt3A_2muP3lYh9VTdwim4ZNTkq_VAhWJKOI49eN-o/s1600/heart+and+cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGncPo5U6JgFaZiz6xCVIspOaL3BD5UCqN77Qh61k3Nd9eyOOvt9cIzo-l3QwTcXjHolqfMdSinXndPMk1f7A0S4xG7GY8U97F_3jt3A_2muP3lYh9VTdwim4ZNTkq_VAhWJKOI49eN-o/s200/heart+and+cross.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Hearts</span> & Chocolate are everywhere. T</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">he Hallmark Channel is geared up with romantic marathons.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> </span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="color: red;">LOVE </span><span style="color: #990000;">is in the air . . .</span> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 118%;">Valentine’s Day is here! For several weeks, as a service to the public, television and radio ads have been urging men to purchase the right card and the shiniest diamond on the market. But is love really that easy? </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 118%;">As a pastor I have often seen love in the trenches. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Some of these examples include:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spouses showing grace to one another in difficult times<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">Parents loving their children in spite of their </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">rebellious words and actions</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Dying friends being cared for with gentleness and sacrifice</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #990000; line-height: 118%;"> These children of God were living out the lyrics to Toby Mac's song </span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reWLIs51e2Y"><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 118%;">“This is What </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Love Feels Like”</span></a></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am tired, I am drained but the fight in me remains <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am weary, I am worn like I’ve never been before <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is harder than I thought, harder than I thought it’d be <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Harder than I thought, takin’ every part of me <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Harder than I thought so much harder than I thought it’d be <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But empty’s never felt so full <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what love . . . This is what love feels like <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Poured out, used up, still givin’, stretching me out to the end of my limits <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><i>This is what love . . . This is what real love feels like </i></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">©</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">D Soul Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) ; Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) 9t One Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Achtober Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Ariose Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) </span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> When we reduce LOVE to merely a warm-hearted </span></span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">feeling, we diminish it and risk losing it altogether!</span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 118%;">How blessed we are to have a God Whose love for us survives our bad behavior, our unfaithfulness, our rebellion, our addictions, and our overall unworthiness of such mercy. As the Gradual we’ve been using in worship the past several weeks declares: </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 118%;"><b>great is His steadfast love toward us, </b></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 118%;"><b>and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever”</b> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Psalm 117:2</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> The L</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">ord</span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> loves you to the point of HIS pain and HIS death.</span> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 118%;">Jesus hanging on the cross is what love looks like. Love is the toughest of all emotions, called upon to sustain us through the most horrible and testing times of our lives. We can love because God has first loved us. His love, shown to us through Christ, brings us life, peace and hope. We have a </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">future because God’s love for us — even when we were extremely unlovable </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">- compelled Him to sacrifice Himself to pay the price for our sins.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"> My prayer for you is that you never forget how much you </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">are loved by your God.</span></b></span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And I pray that this love will overflow in and </span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 118%;">through your life to those around you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To God be the glory!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A few points to ponder:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Is it difficult for you to believe you are loved by God?</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><br /></span><ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">How are the Lord's <b><i>steadfast love</i></b> and His <i><b>eternally enduring faithfulness</b></i> good news for you?</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><br /></span><ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">How can you better reflect the Lord's love to those around you?</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 84%; mso-pagination: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-5719702551824216322016-11-01T17:04:00.000-07:002016-11-01T17:04:47.093-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 84%; mso-pagination: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxAUx_vPmM4lZ8tf2jUVn1EoZBaw5ZaL9Q0MTc7x0HdGCt3b_ZXUzchFQ2BOoRIZHtGrjX6k_Z1UpS4wdRQoHOHHyK40P7oHW6NMqf78EY3IlYl06XN_bSWMB9jRpmb6GsgrMw9rFIfM/s1600/playdoh.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxAUx_vPmM4lZ8tf2jUVn1EoZBaw5ZaL9Q0MTc7x0HdGCt3b_ZXUzchFQ2BOoRIZHtGrjX6k_Z1UpS4wdRQoHOHHyK40P7oHW6NMqf78EY3IlYl06XN_bSWMB9jRpmb6GsgrMw9rFIfM/s200/playdoh.png" width="129" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 84%;">I</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 84%;"> love Play-doh! </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 84%;">Sometimes when my stress or </span><span style="color: navy; font-weight: bold;">boredom reaches a high level, I wander into the Preschool room </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">and sit down with the children and make Play-doh creations! </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; line-height: 118%;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Here’s a photo of one of my fine museum–quality pieces. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see, like all good art work, it is open to </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">interpretation. Is it a hose, a worm, a snake, or the outline </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of an ear?? Why is Play-doh so awesome? Because even an </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">accomplished artist like myself often finds themselves in </span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 118%;">need of re-forming</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> their creation!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="color: red;">499 years</span></span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> ago Martin Luther found himself in </span></span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">a Church that had lost its God-given shape</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #803300; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">.</span></span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #803300; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 118%;">In </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">place of God’s free grace, the Church was selling forgiveness. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 118%;">To combat this false practice and teaching, Luther posted 95 Theses for </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">debate on the door of the church in Wittenberg — and the Reformation </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">was born. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #803300; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">But the story isn’t over, the need for re-forming the Church continues.</span></span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">Errors continue to creep into the teaching and preaching of the Church’s pulpits. Some, in the name of Jesus, tolerate behaviors and lifestyles that Christ Himself condemned in His Word. Others strut around in their freedom from sin unwilling to grant that self-same forgiveness to others. Why is the Church so prone to mangling her holy, Christ-given shape? Because the Church of Jesus Christ is comprised of forgiven, yet still sinful, people.<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> As much as we want to blame others, re-forming the Church back into the shape the Lord desires has to begin with us.</span></span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">Paul declared that you are a “new creation” because you are in Christ. By your sin — both inherited and that which you have committed — your reflection of the image of God was cracked and broken. Through Jesus you have been forgiven and re-formed back into the beautiful and glorious image of God. The rub is this: the cracked and broken part of you remains until the Day of Resurrection! <span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> EVERY day we need to consciously and prayerfully re-form the broken one within us...but how?</span></span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">Remember that in your faith and baptism you were given rebirth as a child of God. And then USE your baptism! Luther wrote: </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 118%;">“the Old Adam in us should by </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">daily </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 118%;">contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before the Lord in righteousness and purity forever.” </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">[</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%; text-decoration: underline;">Luther’s Small Catechism</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">, pg 23, </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">©</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"> 1986 Concordia Publishing House] </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">Then as the redeemed and re-formed child of God you are able to effect Godly change within your family, community and Church.<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> As we celebrate the 499</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><sup>th</sup></span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> anniversary of the Reformation, </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">let us continue the work of re-forming. </span></span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">Let us be a people daily </span>at work at re-forming ourselves through repentance and faith in Christ. Let us be a people who remain vigilant within the Church, guarding our confession. And let us EVER share this news of New Creation through Jesus <span lang="en-US"> with those the sinful and broken and wounded around us. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: #4d269a; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>To God be the glory!</i></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-25885823966047751982016-09-30T14:46:00.001-07:002016-09-30T14:46:44.885-07:00Training Our Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-h9DH8o_TD_9N3bGcN4p2hpDp-FMZx2z7jVOQqoq-Wnmzy0Xk9N4b-238jfxZcCjWR6Pl4yXpVadqOsfDeD9Xuzh5fqQmZdnbKXbrBj40UHRX9CZPHKuep91RXFg7hp_Ry-qeJ_u6Q0/s1600/Train+Up+A+Child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-h9DH8o_TD_9N3bGcN4p2hpDp-FMZx2z7jVOQqoq-Wnmzy0Xk9N4b-238jfxZcCjWR6Pl4yXpVadqOsfDeD9Xuzh5fqQmZdnbKXbrBj40UHRX9CZPHKuep91RXFg7hp_Ry-qeJ_u6Q0/s320/Train+Up+A+Child.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: #c00000; font-weight: bold; line-height: 84%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #803300; font-weight: bold; line-height: 84%;">I</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #803300; font-weight: bold; line-height: 84%;"> admit, I largely dodged the bullet of sitting in </span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #803300; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">the pew with my children for Sunday morning worship service. </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">That task was left up to my wife Tess who served as: </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #004dc0; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">Diplomat </span><span lang="en-US">(negotiating WHO </span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">shall sit by WHO)</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: 118%;">; </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #004dc0; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">Caterer </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(supplying necessary in-pew refreshments); </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #004dc0; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">Police Officer </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(enforcing the law when the work of the aforementioned </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">diplomat did not result in peace)</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: 118%;">; </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #004dc0; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">Noise Abatement Officer </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(keeping the ’roar’ </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">of her pew-mates to a minimum)</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: 118%;">; and </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #004dc0; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">Nurse </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(healer of ills and hurt feelings). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #803300; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">If you ask my children about their childhood memories </span></span><span style="color: #803300; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">of Sunday mornings, they will tell you more about their </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #803300; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">mother than anyone/anything else.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: 118%;"> And that’s just fine! Why? </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Because, in addition to all of her other Sunday morning roles, their mom </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: 118%;">served as their </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #004dc0; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">Trainer </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: 118%;">in how to worship the Lord. While I lounged in </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">the relative comfort of the Pastor’s Chair in the front of the sanctuary, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">she was showing them . . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"> . . . how to </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #006600; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">sit and listen to the Word of God</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"> . . . how to </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #006600; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">join in the prayers of the congregation</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"> . . . how to </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #006600; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">sing the hymns </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">(</span><span lang="en-US">humming before they could read)</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"> . . . how to </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #006600; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">give to the Lord as a natural expression of their faith</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"> . . . and that </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #006600; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">Worship on a Sunday is vitally important </span><span lang="en-US">(even when it is <b>hard work</b>)</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: navy; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #803300; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">WHY do this difficult and often frustrating work of bringing small children to worship?</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -10.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">Because we believe the </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #003380; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">Lord is faithful </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">— we believe Him when He says: </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">Train up a child in the way he should go; </span></i></b><b><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">even when he is old he will not depart from it.</span></i></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 22:6 </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 118%; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -10.8pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US"> I</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-indent: -10.8pt;">f we train our children early it will take hold in their lives! This hard work is worth it . . .</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -10.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">Because we believe that the </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #003380; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">Word of the Lord is a means by which the Spirit of God brings </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #c00000; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">grace </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #003380; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">and </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #c00000; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">forgiveness </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #003380; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">and </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #c00000; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">life </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #003380; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">to His people </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">. . . of ALL ages! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -10.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">Because we believe that </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #003380; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">even infants can have faith </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">— </span><span lang="en-US">John the Baptist leapt for joy while still in his mother’s womb! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -10.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">Because we believe that </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #003380; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">faith is MORE than just an intellectual grasping of truth statements </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">—</span><span lang="en-US">it is a spiritual gift from God. </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -10.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">Because we believe that </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #003380; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">little ones are loved and treasured by their Creator and Redeemer</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -10.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">Because we believe </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #003380; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;">WE must train them about the truth of the Lord </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">— </span><span lang="en-US">believe me, if we don’t, the world, the devil and their sinful flesh will fill their minds, hearts and souls with lies. </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #803300; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"> Children are a blessing and a gift from God!</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;">They are also incredibly hard work! </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When our four were little, I remember asking Tess “How was the sermon today?” </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She would often answer “The part I heard was good . . . ” I recognize that </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">bringing small children to worship is hard work. It is a chore, a task and a </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">great toiling! But it is definitely worth the effort as it is an ETERNAL </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">work for the salvation of their souls and the giving of everlasting life </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: 118%;">through Christ Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; line-height: 118%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: #4d269a; font-weight: bold; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Time to Ponder . . .</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: #4d269a; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>What childhood lessons have stuck with you throughout your lifetime? What <u>faith</u> lessons have stuck with you?</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: #4d269a; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #4d269a;">What are your earliest memories of worshiping Jesus? Of being in a Church?</span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #4d269a;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #4d269a;">Is there something you wish your parents had taught you when you were young?</span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #4d269a;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 118%;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>To God be the Glory!</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: #4d269a; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 118%; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: #4d269a; line-height: 118%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-55447606771089261822016-09-16T11:37:00.004-07:002016-09-16T11:48:48.745-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDz7gmVYlkYttbN9FBLk045boOwwG29q-yart8ary1rlpGhDimb8ZlFJfdrxgQTNgdF5heFIFWxwRphbEnwlVKpflvoQydYiINKhiJtVTwPXN9Q-x2eP8oulmmeSeVG4hXWLAfHjffi0/s1600/Follow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDz7gmVYlkYttbN9FBLk045boOwwG29q-yart8ary1rlpGhDimb8ZlFJfdrxgQTNgdF5heFIFWxwRphbEnwlVKpflvoQydYiINKhiJtVTwPXN9Q-x2eP8oulmmeSeVG4hXWLAfHjffi0/s320/Follow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>“Disciple” Means “Following”</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="color: purple;"><b>Without evil intention, much of modern Christianity has
allowed a cheapening of the person and work of Jesus Christ to creep into our
congregations.</b> </span> We have forgotten to be
disciples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Throughout the ages the Church has confessed a belief in
Jesus as<i><span style="color: blue;"> <b>“God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God” </b></span></i>Who, in time,<i style="background-color: white;"> <b><span style="color: blue;">“for
us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the
virgin Mary.”</span></b></i> We believe, teach, and
confess that Jesus is fully divine AND fully human. So far so good . . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <b><span style="color: purple;">The problem comes when we apply this to our lives, to where the
rubber hits the road!</span></b> Too often, like a retailer trying to compete in a changing market,
the Church has offered a more and more stripped down version of its confession. Gauging the market, we have determined that
folks will not tolerate well a teaching that places demands upon them. We have mistakenly taken this as good news –
after all the Good News of God is that Jesus has freed us from the condemnation
of God’s Law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <b><span style="color: purple;">But w</span></b><span style="color: purple;"><b>e seem to have forgotten our calling to “make disciples of
all nations.”</b></span> And the results have been
devastating:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Instead of disciples of Jesus, we have inadvertently raised
a generation of Church-goers who don’t go to Church (worship).</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Instead of disciples of Jesus, we have raised a people who
confess with their mouths but whose lives/actions do not match that confession. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Instead of disciples of Jesus, we have created a people who demand
that He follow US, in the stead of us following Him.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> As He walked this earth, Jesus exhorted those listening to Him:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“If anyone
would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and
follow Me.”</i></span> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Mark 8:34<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span>
</span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> <b><span style="color: purple;">Jesus desires that
we FOLLOW Him.</span></b> He desires for us to
trust that His life, His death, and His resurrection paid the price for our
sins and has given us victory through Him.
He desires that this freedom and victory would shape every aspect of our
lives, bending our own wills and worldviews to match His will and His view of
humanity. He desires that we become His students
and apprentices. To do that we must
follow Jesus . . .<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. . . and
watch Him<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. . . and
imitate Him<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. . . and
live with Him.</span></span></span><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Some Ponderings . . .</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How does your faith help shape your life?</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In turn, how does the shape of your life </i><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">help strengthen your
faith?</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you personally find to be </i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">the most <u>difficult</u> aspect of following
Jesus?</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>What do you </i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>personally </i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>find to be </i></span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the most <u>rewarding</u> aspect of following
Jesus?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-42712026485676310332016-02-12T11:06:00.001-08:002016-02-12T11:07:12.817-08:00Rub Some Dirt In It . . .<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for crown of thorns purple" border="0" height="212" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> "Rub some dirt in it and walk it off!"</span></i><i style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"> </i>When I was a lad that was the default encouragement one would hear whenever someone injured themselves while playing sports. It was a way of saying STOP crying and get back in the game so we can win! Not exactly sympathetic, huh?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75;"> This past week the season of Lent opened up with the observance of </span><span style="color: #666666;">Ash Wednesday</span><span style="color: #351c75;">. </span></b></i></span> <b>Lent </b>is the Holy Christian Church's way of saying "Rub some dirt in it." But the Church's motivation is not to win, but rather, to lose. </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to lose our boasting before the Lord;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to lose our love of sin;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to lose our disillusionment of making ourselves right with God by <b>our</b> actions;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to lose our alibis and excuses for our wrong actions, words and thoughts; and,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to lose any fantasy about our mortality.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> "Rub some dirt in it" means that we are honest about who we are before the Lord.</span> It is a realization that standing with our spiritual resume before the Most High God is a harrowing ordeal. It is a confession that we have come woefully short of His expectations and demands. It is a stark reminder that death - both physical and eternal - are what we deserve for how we have misused the life our God has granted us. It is listening, along with Adam, to the words of the curse: </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">"By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; </i><i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">for dust you are and to dust you shall return</i><i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">"</i></span><i style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"> </i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genesis 3:19</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;"> But there is more to the Christian's life than repentance and sorrow</span></b></i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> - there is </span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">HOPE</span><i style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">! </i>We have hope because God sent His Son into this life of dust and dirt and sin in order to rescue us. We have hope because Jesus lived a perfect life, suffered and died, and then rose from the dead on the third day! Through faith we hear the curse revised into: <span style="color: #660000;"><b>Dust you are and to dust you shall return . . . until Jesus returns again and you are called once more out of the dust into eternal life!" </b></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white;"><b> Lent is a time to reflect on our mortality and sin, even as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead!</b></i></span> Life got you down? Burdened by sin and sorrow? Just plain tired of the world's garbage? Rub some dirt in it and rejoice - for Christ has overcome the world!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-68467431443995539332016-02-03T18:49:00.003-08:002016-02-03T18:50:41.563-08:00Surviving the Furnace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYkE5KA2o_xEz4C6llgtJdFS0j7O6v5cR4fk702PXzYHkmlrVqzrFFiDQNfOghE16CaM3F17GQRZhT0OpnFN5vhoRmqJLmUJN1G9VvbkS33uo3BE4Y7v6NMFdXPLtycJz0Hv-9OlMccc/s1600/firery+furnace.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYkE5KA2o_xEz4C6llgtJdFS0j7O6v5cR4fk702PXzYHkmlrVqzrFFiDQNfOghE16CaM3F17GQRZhT0OpnFN5vhoRmqJLmUJN1G9VvbkS33uo3BE4Y7v6NMFdXPLtycJz0Hv-9OlMccc/s320/firery+furnace.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;"> </b><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">This is week is one of my favorite Chapel times with our Preschoolers as we "live"</span><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;"> the story of <u>The Fiery Furnace</u>.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="color: #990000;"> </b> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(If you aren't familiar with the full story you can find it in </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%203&version=ESV" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Daniel 3</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> In the story three young Hebrews named <b><span style="color: #660000;">Shadrach</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #660000;">Meshach </span></b>and <span style="color: #660000;"><b>Abednego</b></span>, are dealt with rather harshly by </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the king of Babylon, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-weight: bold;">Nebuchadnezzar</span>. T</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">he king had a 90 foot statue of </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gold </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">erected, and then commanded all of his government officials to bow down and worship. Any who refused would be immediately cast into a fully fired-up furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bend their knee to the statue saying . . . </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace"</span></b></i></blockquote>
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> In the face of the king's ensuing anger, these three stood strong and faithful.</i></b> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They never claimed that their God would deliver them unharmed from the fire - they merely said that He <b><i>"is able"</i></b> to deliver them. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Their faith in the Lord was such that they trusted He would deliver them either </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>from </i></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the fire or </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>through</i></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> the fire. God would either walk them out of the fire unharmed OR would allow the fire to take their life and thereby release them from the evil of this world and bring them home to Himself. In this case their refusal made the king so hot under the collar that he commanded the furnace to be stoked to </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>7 times</b></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> its normal temperature! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> As he peered into the furnace, Nebuchadnezzar noticed TWO curious things: </span></b></i></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were walking around unharmed in the heart of the fire, and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There was now a FOURTH man walking with them who was like a "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">son of the gods"</span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><i>Nebuchadnezzar was moved to exclaim:</i></b></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-21834AT" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-21834AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Most High God, come out, and come here!”</span></span></i></b></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Have you found the furnace to be running particularly hot in your life lately?</span></i></b> Has it seemed that the world is geared against you and that your days seem to be more heavily numbered among the bad than the good? Are you tempted to follow the ways of the world and abandon seeing the world from the Lord's point of view? Hold on tight! Never forget that Jesus, the Son of God, has already walked among us. He has saved us by His life, death and resurrection and He will deliver us from evil . . . perhaps <b><i>from </i></b>the fire and perhaps <b><i>through </i></b>the fire.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Father, mighty and gracious Lord, hear the prayers of all Your people in distress. Grant that the Holy Spirit to confirm them in their faith, strengthen their weary hearts, and sustain them through the hope of eternal life through Your Son Jesus Christ, in His name we pray. Amen</span></i>.</b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>To God be the glory!</b></span></blockquote>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-10575614748315835762015-12-15T17:27:00.004-08:002015-12-15T17:37:44.035-08:00Eager Longing<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yb6ZTvGiiQpGhsvgJKk1qLKVeTf-6E49Xyw8RQV3zt1Ev2RHYa4cm58CKvXpNlGt9XOTNAvkkmPAS7f-WQBhziXKAEqBkP5AFwEQ6_U84QrZ76F8MllsvVQUyv28deIg51SWmT6ZzQU/s1600/Abigail+awaiting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yb6ZTvGiiQpGhsvgJKk1qLKVeTf-6E49Xyw8RQV3zt1Ev2RHYa4cm58CKvXpNlGt9XOTNAvkkmPAS7f-WQBhziXKAEqBkP5AFwEQ6_U84QrZ76F8MllsvVQUyv28deIg51SWmT6ZzQU/s320/Abigail+awaiting.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i>"We told Abi that you
were coming and now she’s w</i><i>aiting for you”</i> </span>That was the
text and this is the picture I received from my daughter a couple of months
ago. Of course the photo and text melted
my heart – this grandpa is gladly wrapped around the fingers of his
grandchildren! But the photo reminded me
of myself when I was a child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MY Grandmother lived in Nebraska which, to this California
boy, seemed like a faraway land. When I
knew that grandma was coming to visit you could find me at the window eagerly
looking for her!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">This stance of eager anticipation is the posture of many
children waiting for Christmas</span> – not looking out the window, but peering at all
of the gifts under the tree . . . or glued to the commercials about toys . . .
or drawn to the displays at the department stores. For the young among us, Christmas CANNOT get
here fast enough!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We who believe Jesus Christ was sent by the Father to die for
our sins and rise for our eternal life, also believe the Father will send Him
back at the divinely appointed time. We join with the Church of all time and all
places in praying <b><span style="color: #990000;">“Come, Lord Jesus!”</span></b>
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Revelation 22:20</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">This simple prayer is a prayer of longing and a prayer of
hope.</span> All of us are encouraged and
empowered by the Spirit to pray this simple prayer . . . while looking out the
window! Why the anticipation? Why the prayer? Because all of us suffer pain to some degree –
pain in the body and pain in the soul. Paul
tells us: <span class="text"><b><span style="background: white;"> “</span></b></span><b>I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth
comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation
waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” </b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Romans 8:18-19 </span> This is Paul‘s fancy way of describing the
resurrection of the dead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Christ will return and the dead will be raised imperishable.</span> Pain and sorrow and death will be defeated
and we will be like Christ. This is the
hope we possess by virtue of our faith.
This is why we have such an eager longing for Jesus to return. The Father and the Spirit speak to Jesus
saying,<i> “We told <span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(insert your
name here)</span> that You were coming, and he’s/she’s waiting for You!” </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Come, Lord Jesus!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-11919098421287051772015-07-14T13:26:00.004-07:002015-12-01T20:07:14.213-08:00What 'Cha Lookin' At?<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
b\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"The LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." </span> </span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 Samuel 16:7b</span></span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: purple;"> These words were spoken by the Lord to the prophet Samuel when he came to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons as the new king of Israel.</span></b></span> Samuel - a mighty man of God and one whose faith was active since childhood - was looking on Jesse's eldest son Eliab and thought "surely the Lord's anointed is before Him." But the Lord said, "no." So Samuel moved down the list of Jesse's boys . . . until no one was left. Samuel then asks Jesse, "Are ALL your sons here?" Nope, missing is the youngest who is out watching the sheep. His name was David, and HE was the chosen of the Lord.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"> The Lord is often unimpressed with the things with which we are impressed.</span></b></span></span> Readers of the Scriptures will often find the Creator of the <span style="background-color: white;">U</span>niverse selecting, calling, anointing and siding with the underdogs of the world. Esau was the firstborn, but his twin Jacob was the one chosen. Hannah was childless, yet she would give birth to Samuel. David would take down the giant with a stone. A young virgin in an insignificant village would be the mother of the Christ. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"> Jesus Himself was rejected by His own people and put to death by the powers in command.</span></span></b> Yet the death of this wandering Rabbi was more than sufficient to pay for the sins, errors, and brokenness of all people. To this day - and even to the Last Day - the Lord will be crying out to all to come to Him for life and restoration. To those who believe in Him Jesus gives the power to be children of God. Now THAT's impressive!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So the next time the world (or the devil or your own self-view) declares you to be unimpressive and worthless you know how to reply: </span></span><span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"What 'cha lookin' at?</span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></span></i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I may NOT be much in this world, but I have been redeemed by the Lord. HE has looked at my heart - and though at its core it is rotten - He sees the faith He has created! I am loved. I am saved. I am His." </span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">In </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Jesus'</span><span style="color: black;"> name - Amen</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-1214670497611609992012-12-16T20:21:00.000-08:002012-12-16T20:21:52.633-08:00In Need of Consolation<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="text Luke-2-25" id="en-NIV1984-24991"> <b>Growing up watching game shows on television I thought "consolation" meant "loser." </b> After all, it was the non-winners who were given "Consolation Prizes." These prizes were usually just more products from the show's sponsors. Such as, "So sorry you missed out on winning $25,000 - Johnny tell her what she did win." "Beth, you'll receive a year's supply of Turtle Wax - the wax that puts a new car shine on your car!" It's as if they wanted Beth to respond, "WOW! Turtle Wax?! Glad I didn't win all that money!"</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="text Luke-2-25" id="en-NIV1984-24991"></span><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Luke-2-25" id="en-NIV1984-24991">Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel . . . <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Luke 2:25a NIV</span></span></span></span></i></span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <b>Consolation is indeed for losers, for it is those suffering loss who need to be consoled.</b> I recently lost a very good friend who also happened to be the beloved mayor of our town. The very day of his memorial service, grief was piled upon grief as news came in of a gunman killing 26 people - 20 children and 6 adults - at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Consolation was in great need and in seemingly short supply. How was I, with my own broken heart, supposed to lead the consoling of a community - esp. with the news of the school massacre fresh on our hearts? </span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> The Consolation of Israel - Jesus Christ - is the only One Who can heal the broken heart.</b> He consoles with His strong and gentle presence. He consoles with His death to pay for sins and with His resurrection to destroy the power of death. He consoles with the anticipation of His return and the end of all that is evil or wrong. In the midst of things we cannot understand and pain we cannot overcome, we must seek refuge in the Lord. May the Lord console the mourning and hurting hearts - wherever they may be found . . . .</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-74002798600943988232012-11-30T14:17:00.002-08:002012-11-30T14:17:45.155-08:00Double Contemplation<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> As we prepare for Christmas it's easy to lose sight of the meaning of this Holy day. The quest for "Stuff" demands our undivided attention and the commitment of our wallets - to some you're considered an unpatriotic Scrooge if you refuse to amass Christmas debt. These days before Christmas are called Advent (which simply means "Coming"). I invite you to use Advent to re-focus Christmas onto Jesus Christ. Two colors mark the season of Advent and answer the key question of Christmas:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">WHY did the Son of God have to be born?</span></i></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Jesus was born because this world is broken. This sad fact is reflected through the penitential color of <b>PURPLE</b>. We are broken people gathered together into broken families. The whole of our life is seeking meaning in the midst of this craziness and establishing order amid the chaos around us. Advent is a time to repent. It is a time to acknowledge that Christ came into this world in order to save and rescue us from our own destruction. It's easy for me to point to others as the reason the Son of God left His throne to be wrapped in humble swaddling clothes . . . it's healthier when I confess that MY sin contributed to His humiliation. WHY did the Son of God have to be born? In order to save the world!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"> <span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: blue;">After accomplishing the work He was sent </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">to accomplish (i.e., living perfectly in the place of imperfect people / dying for </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span></span>those destined for death / rising again in order to restore life to the world), Jesus ascended into heaven. He left . . . but He left with a promise that He would return. This hope is reflected in the color <b>BLUE</b>. The paradoxical truth is that He is still with us, but beyond the capabilities of our senses to comprehend Him. Though we live with sorrow, pain and striving, we look forward to the Day when Christ returns. On that day evil will be forever banished from the presence of God's children. On that Day death will be impotent as the dead arise from their graves. And on that Day we will see Jesus face-to-face. WHY did the Son of God have to be born? So that after He had completed His redemptive work, He could return to bring us to Himself.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="color: black;">To quote Linus, "that's what Christmas is all about." May the Double Contemplation of Advent - repentance and hope - increase your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. And may the angelic chorus be made true through YOU; "Glory to God in the highest!"</span> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-54763586924731469302012-11-02T14:36:00.001-07:002012-11-02T14:38:03.940-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cultivating an Attitude of Thankfulness</span></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">WARNING: </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The following is a personal observation that includes actual historical facts. While many consider His<span style="font-size: x-small;">tory to be hazardous to their GPA, the Surgeon General has denied any </span>dangerous side effects<span style="font-size: x-small;"> to using history . . . apart from our tendency to repeat it over and over and over again!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <b><span style="color: #990000;">It seems to me that we are an ungrateful nation.</span></b> We expect, demand and whine - seeking others to serve us, while seemingly never asking the question, "What can I do to help the situation?" Being an amateur historian, I state without hesitation that the United States of America is the most blessed and fortunate nation in history. While other empires may have covered more geography, the influence of the U.S. is truly global in nature. While other large armies have roamed the earth, no nation has ever had the reach, scope and power of the Armed Forces of the United States. In their time, other nations have prospered - but they pale in comparison to the American riches, as our agricultural and natural resources are unrivaled.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I'm NOT alone in this observation. President Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, issued a Proclamation calling for a national day of humiliation, fasting and prayer. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Written in the heart of the Civil War, Lincoln's words, strike home today</span>:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">We have been the recipients of the
choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace
and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation
has ever grown. <b>But we have forgotten God.</b> We have forgotten the gracious hand
which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us;
and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these
blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated
with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity
of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! </span> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/fast.htm">http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/fast.htm</a></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I believe ungratefulness flourishes in a heart where forgetfulness and a lack of humility have taken root. And I point this accusing finger first at myself! I take for granted that the air I breathe is a perfect mixture (78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and just the right smidgens of other misc. gases). My refrigerator is full and I pat myself on the back for having remembered to buy milk. But I am often ungrateful and often forget that it is the Lord Who has done all this for me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> There were once 10 men battling leprosy - living outside their city, forsaken by many of their family and friends. Their hope of a normal life was gone and their future was bleak. Then they saw a great sight, Jesus was walking on the road near where they stood. They had heard about this Rabbi from Nazareth - He spoke and taught as One Who had authority, but better than that, He healed diseases! And so they cried out "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" Jesus told them to go into the city and show the priests their skin. As they walked, they were cleansed from their leprosy! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Luke 17)</span> Hope, family and life were restored! How did they react? Only <b>ONE </b>returned to Jesus to give Him thanks! ONE.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I urge you to strive
to escape the nine and be the one. <b><span style="color: #990000;">Humble</span></b> <b><span style="color: #990000;">yourself </span></b>before the Lord, <span style="color: #990000;"><b>
confess </b></span>your weaknesses, and <span style="color: #990000;"><b>remember </b></span>the blessings that surround you on
a daily basis. </span>That's how we cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Only 7
months after he issued his call for a day of humiliation, fasting, and
prayer, Lincoln issued another Presidential Proclamation. In this one
he called for the establishment of a national day of Thanksgiving. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span>May the Lord grant you a blessed Thanksgiving as you raise your praise to Him with a grateful heart. To God alone be the glory!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3693657931108024829.post-2630562969465013302012-10-10T20:46:00.000-07:002012-10-10T20:46:54.043-07:00Politics and Prayer<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
If you're not a praying person I suggest you take up this healthy habit as our nation is on the brink of electing the most influential and powerful man on the planet. Don't kid yourself, the one who wins the election will be the hand on the tiller of the rudder that steers our country. So conversing with the Almighty is probably a well-advised conversation. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
In the Scriptures Paul teaches:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
"<span class="text 1Tim-2-1">I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—</span> <span class="text 1Tim-2-2" id="en-NIV1984-29703">for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.</span> <span class="text 1Tim-2-3" id="en-NIV1984-29704">This is good, and pleases God our Savior,</span> <span class="text 1Tim-2-4" id="en-NIV1984-29705">who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">1 Timothy 2:1-3</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> So I encourage you to pray for BOTH candidates! One of these two will be the next President of the United States and thus need every prayer that can be lifted up on their behalf. Pray that whoever is elected this November will govern our nation in a manner that aligns itself with the will of God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> There are problems a-plenty for whoever assumes the office of the Presidency. May the Lord grant us a leader after His own heart. May we live quiet and peaceful lives to His glory and the good of all.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09759742251539437400noreply@blogger.com3