tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90336350716155737702023-11-15T06:52:21.651-07:00Thoughts In ~ Words OutLife is Poetry!~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.comBlogger277125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-50955055770128907452013-01-30T10:28:00.001-07:002013-01-30T10:28:52.966-07:00These are the Hands<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The voice that spoke creation with a word,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The voice that calmed the raging stormy sea,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The voice that taught each parable in love;</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> This is the voice that speaks to me.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The hands that hold the moon and stars in place,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The hands that set the ill and captives free,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The hands willingly pierced with rugged nails;</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> These are the hands that carry me.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The eyes that shared compassion with His tears,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The eyes that beckoned little ones draw nigh,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The eyes that see within each heart and soul;</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> These are the eyes that watch over me.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Eyes like a blazing fire,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Voice like the sound of rushing waters,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> Face like the sun</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> shining so bright</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> And as I fall down at His feet</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> He whispers to me...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>My tender voice that tells you, "Peace, be still!"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>My caring hands that guide you in My will,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>My eyes that see you safely through the night;</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> These are My eyes,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> These are My hands,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> This is My voice;</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> I Am.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i> ~ae</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Revelation 1:12-17</i></span></div>
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-15884242665564366722013-01-11T17:02:00.001-07:002013-01-11T17:02:04.103-07:00There's a Party Goin' On<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16.0pt;">There’s a party going on</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">in the heavens above</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Throwin’ buckets of
confetti</span></span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">An’ truck loads o’ love!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16.0pt;">Well, the buckets must be massive<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16.0pt;">‘cause my snow shovel ain’t sleepin’.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16.0pt;">Wow!
That truck must be enormous<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="background: white; font-size: 16.0pt;">Can you hear it’s back up beepin’?!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: white;"> ~ae</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-31654598423399835852012-11-11T10:39:00.002-07:002012-11-11T10:43:31.396-07:00Armed and Ready<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> He was armed and
ready, hunkered down behind Grandpa’s old wheelbarrow by the woodshed, his
brothers in secured prone positions under Mama’s lilac bush, … and just in
time. The droning of the crop duster
engine grew steadily nearer. Adjusting colander and sauce pan helmets, walkie-talkies crackled as stick
rifles lifted and sling shots stretched into position. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> One last kiss. She resolved to smile bravely, to send him
off with courage, to be strong for the children… again. As the Chinook engines droned, he sat with
head in hands, praying for their safety. He knew she would be faithful to him. But so many of the other guys who sat around
him, consumed in their own thoughts, what of them? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Murky trenches,
pelting sandy wind, sweltering heat, bitter cold, and waiting… waiting for
orders, waiting for letters from home, waiting for rations, waiting… always
waiting… and always ready. Canvas walls
offered meek attempts to shut out the constant droning of military vehicles day
and night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Grand reunions,
red carpet, medal ceremonies, flags unfurled, apple pie, warm welcomes, friends
and family. Joy, real and surreal. Slowly the last pickup truck drove away leaving in its
wake a gently receding drone in a small cloud of dust. Everything had changed and his youth was gone. Who was he?
What was important? How would he
lead without following orders? Where would
he go from here? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> He sat ready with pocket watch in hand… and
just in time. He saw her through the small round window standing bravely beside the children. He felt grit in his boots and the weight of
his pack. He smelled the stench of
smoke, of filth, of wounds. He heard rhythmic
boots marching in cadence. As the droning
of the crop duster engine gradually faded and was gone, her trembling hand patted his own tenderly. She was there to wheel his chair slowly
through the day room and down the hall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>~Mrs. Arlene Eldridge</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-2587918467974902242012-10-07T12:58:00.002-06:002012-10-07T12:58:16.720-06:00It has been said, "We are Infinite"<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>“We
are infinite.”</b></i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">The
serpent lured Eve into believing she could have it… infinite life, infinite
knowledge, infinite wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">“You surely will
not die!”…. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">“You will be like God, knowing good and evil”… </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">“When the woman saw
that </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">the tree was (in her own estimation) good for food, </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">and that it was (from
her own perspective) a delight to the eyes, </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">and that the tree was </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">desirable to
(according to a source other than God) </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">make one wise...” ~Genesis 3:4-6<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">The
Tower of Babel was constructed because the people believed they could have it… infinite
power, infinite possibilities, infinite self-provision, infinite unity,
infinite independence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">“Come, let us (not
depend on God any longer, but) build for ourselves </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">a (self-sustaining) city,
and a tower </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">whose top will reach into (God’s realm) heaven, </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">and let us make for
ourselves a (different godless) name”… </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">“The Lord said, …”this is what they
began to do, </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">and now nothing which they purpose to do </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">will be impossible for
them.” ~Genesis 11:4<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">So,
what’s the big deal? Why not proclaim we
are infinite?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">First,
the word infinite must be defined. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">If
you recall your Geometry lessons, a line segment has both a beginning point and
an end point. A line having a beginning
point but without end is called a ray.
A line, in order to be infinite, must be without beginning or end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">The
human race inherently ate the fruit right along with Adam & Eve, assuming the fate of a line segment. The free gift of salvation through Jesus
Christ offered to lift us, geometrically speaking, into the ray category. But infinite is an apt description of God and
God alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">“</span></i><i><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #001320; font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning
and the end." ~Rev. 22:13</span> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">It
is not a surprise to God, nor is it a new idea, that we strive for
infinity. In fact, He Himself gave us
that desire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">“</span></i><i><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #001320; font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">He has made everything beautiful in its time. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #001320; font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart, </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #001320; font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">yet so that he cannot find out </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #001320; font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">what God has done from the beginning to the end." </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #001320; font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">~Eccl. 3:11 </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">God
purposely designed us void of infinity.
He knew that we would not desire eternity unless we lacked infinity. He knew that our relationship with Him would be magnified through dependency upon Him.
He knew that we would need direction and motivation to focus our praise and
worship on Him alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">God
is infinite because He IS… and we are finite beings because He IS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">We
have because of who God is. He simply
IS. We are defined by Him. He defines Himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">In
the same way, we love because God first loved us… and, God IS Love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;">Consequently, it is irrational to endeavor to define ourselves based on ourselves…
or our aspirations of infinity.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">~ae</span></i></span></div>
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-74715750278203122122012-10-06T10:05:00.001-06:002012-10-06T10:06:40.738-06:00Inroads<br />
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: small;">Google search: inroad definition...</span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: small;">in·road/ˈinˌrōd/<br />Noun: Progress; an advance: "make inroads in reducing spending".<br />An instance of something being affected, encroached on, or destroyed by something else... </span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: small;">like a fork, for instance. </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>~ae</i></span></span></h5>
<div class="mvm uiStreamAttachments fbMainStreamAttachment" data-ft="{"type":10,"tn":"H"}" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<div class="clearfix photoRedesign" style="width: 398px; zoom: 1;">
<a ajaxify="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=421154214613905&set=a.105256582870338.8171.100001579907259&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf&src=https%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash4%2F224508_421154214613905_342633649_n.jpg&size=360%2C459&theater" aria-label="Photo" class="uiPhotoThumb photoRedesignAspect" data-ft="{"type":41,"tn":"E"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=421154214613905&set=a.105256582870338.8171.100001579907259&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf" rel="theater" style="border: 0px; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; position: relative; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="img" height="398" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s480x480/224508_421154214613905_342633649_n.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px; max-width: none;" width="312" /></a></div>
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-16078631510275669802012-10-05T14:18:00.003-06:002012-10-05T14:18:47.764-06:00to Speak ~ to be Heard <span style="font-size: 14pt;">As overwhelming and, quite frankly, stomach
churning as the flow of political posting on facebook has been, I honestly
believe that the recent years' increase of social media has been extremely
beneficial in preparation for election time. </span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<br /> Syndicated television talking heads and newspaper publishers are no longer the
only voices heard across the nation. Honest, hard-working people and lazy,
shiftless bums alike are given fair opportunity not only to speak but to be
heard through unedited, unfiltered, raw social media.<br />
<br /> The ugliness of political banter will not necessarily change, but the privilege
as Americans to choose our local and national leadership is a privilege not
experienced by most of the world... and with it, we bear the responsibility to
speak, for We the People govern our nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">~ae<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-59715908268632997942012-09-26T13:05:00.001-06:002012-09-26T13:12:32.507-06:00Canning Requires Deep Thought<br />
Exiting the grocery store, my mind was very preoccupied with plans for the afternoon's applesauce & stewed tomato canning activities and sorting out priorities. I wheeled my grocery cart to the parking lot, opened the truck door, threw my purse across to the passenger's seat, opened the back door, shoved some stuff that was on the back seat over to make room for my groceries... and it was only as I began to place my groceries on the seat... (you know where this is going, don't you)... the creeping realization came to its full fruition: It was not my truck! <br />
Oh, it gets better. As I put my stuff back into the cart and tried to start breathing again, a guy walked up to me. I began to apologize profusely and pointed out to him the suddenly-larger-than-life presence of my very similar truck in the next aisle over. He finally interrupted me and, sort of sheepishly, broke the news that it wasn't his truck, either. He just wanted to share with me the series of unfortunate events in his life and ask for gas money, which I had to explain that I would not give to him, but that I would give him some food if he needed some, to which he explained how he didn't do drugs or anything, but he just needed some gas money................<br />
Meanwhile, a sweet little elderly lady had approached us and waited patiently until I acknowledged her presence. After exchanging lengthy blank stares, I burst into my profuse apologies once again, only now it was to the right person. She was very gracious and understanding (praise God). <br />
Thinking this most awkward of misadventures (I do have quite a list, actually) was complete, I made it back to my truck, only to discover that my purse was still on the passenger seat of the impostor truck. Having not one stitch of pride left to damage, I turned once again to that fateful parking spot still occupied by the poor-innocent-by-stander-vehicle where the nice lady's husband now stood beside the nice lady, both listening to the young man who, in preparation for asking them for money, first felt the need to give them his perspective on the events that had occurred, feeling quite smug, I'm sure, at being a key witness. <br />
The nice lady's husband eyed me suspiciously, and for good reason I must add. I produced for him a less emotional, more factual version of my near-criminal activity and waited while he opened the truck doors to inspect its contents for status quo. I asked if he wouldn't mind if I retrieved my purse from his front seat. I didn't wait for his answer. I opened the driver's door after he had closed it, reached across the console, grabbed my purse, closed the door, held up my purse for all to see, thanked them for their kindness, tossed one final plea for forgiveness, and very slowly hightailed it for my truck.<br />
I sure hope they're just passing through.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-539191657209210122012-09-03T02:34:00.000-06:002012-09-03T02:36:37.678-06:00Boundless Creativity<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>“As she grows in ability and understanding, she will learn and
experience freedom of expression and originality within the bounded creativity
of ever-increasing limitations.” </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Have you ever had something you said a long time ago return to
fester in an entirely different emotional tangent?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Originally, this thought process was stimulated by an experience
with my 2 year old granddaughter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="http://thoughtsinwordsout.blogspot.com/2012/02/bounded-creativity.html">http://thoughtsinwordsout.blogspot.com/2012/02/bounded-creativity.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Take my virtual hand for a moment and walk with me up the sidewalk
to the large glass entrance door. Wait while I enter the security code… There…
Now we may go in.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Elderly people… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Some are wheel chair bound, some are in varying stages of mental capability, some are no longer physically able to care for themselves, some have
no relatives nearby, some have no relatives willing to be nearby, some have no
relatives at all.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Some are simply lonely.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Limitations…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ever-increasing limitations …and what about learning and experiencing
“freedom of expression and originality within the bounded creativity” of these
limitations? Limitations which are anticipated with
excitement in a 2 year old, are translated into dread and anxiety as the
proximity of our own mortality draws increasingly near.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Aging is a stark and aggressively definitive expression of growing
neediness, escalating dependency, cumulative restrictions, and narrowing
possibilities, all cleverly disguised as loss of value, decreased worth, and
hopelessness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Godless societies will always associate limitations with
hopelessness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Hopelessness </b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>is Not in God’s Character</b></span><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Where can I go from your Spirit?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Where can
I flee from your presence?...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="reftext"><i><span style="color: #001320;">…</span></i></span><i>If
I rise on the wings of the dawn,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">if I
settle on the far side of the sea,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">even there
your hand will guide me,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">your right
hand will hold me fast.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">~Psalm 139:7-10</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As my skills and abilities decrease, so my accompanying expectations
must be resourcefully reevaluated, creatively modified, or boldly eliminated. Yet each defining, limiting, restricting
factor does not, in and of itself, establish purpose or goodness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p> </o:p> </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“…the bounded creativity of being able
to build something beautiful <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">based on the character your
ingredients already possess...” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i>~Kate Buccigross<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p><o:p> </o:p><i style="text-align: center;">But we have this <b>treasure</b> </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i style="text-align: center;">in
jars of clay </i></span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">(empty vessels) </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">to show that this </i><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">all-surpassing power </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">is <b>from God</b> and
<b>not from us</b>. <b>...</b>” </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">~II Corinthians 4:7</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The One who shared the yoke when I was able will continue to share
my yoke when I am not. He will remain my
source of challenges, benefits, focus, guidance, pacing, and confidence toward
the task at hand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Functioning within the limitations of obedience and dependency will
allow me to join the Master in His work as it is accomplished. In doing so, it will become increasingly more
obvious that the Hands of the Creator are filled with expressions of
originality and boundless creativity far beyond limitations.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Come to Me, all who are weary and
heaven-laden,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and I will give you rest.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Take my yoke upon you and learn from
Me,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for I am gentle and humble in heart,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and you will find rest for your soul.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For My yoke is easy and My burden is
light.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">~Matthew 11:28-30</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Freedom is found not in the removal of a yoke, rather in the
exchange of an unsuitable yoke partner for the One whose sufficiency is
unsurpassed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>beyond all that we ask or think, <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>according to the power that works within us, <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ
Jesus <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>to all generations <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>forever and ever.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~Ephesians 3:20,21</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-36479909815580687182012-07-18T02:32:00.001-06:002012-07-18T02:42:19.313-06:00Valley of Shadows<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">In valley low and shadows
deep,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">my grieving heart sleeps
not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Illusive grows the will to
keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">assurances once sought;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">wakeful hopes dim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">In valley low and shadows
deep,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">my grieving soul lies down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Refreshing calm, for though
I weep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">my hope in Him is sound;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">thankful eyes brim. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">~ae<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is my shepherd; I shall
not want.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">He maketh me to lie
down in green<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9033635071615573770" name="p1"></a> pastures:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">He leadeth me beside
the still waters.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">He restoreth my soul:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">He leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">for His name's sake.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yea, though I walk
through the valley <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil: <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thou preparest a
table before me <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">in the presence of
mine enemies:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thou anointest<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9033635071615573770" name="p2"></a> my head with oil; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">my cup runneth over.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Surely goodness and
mercy shall follow me <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">all the days of my
life: and I will dwell <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">in
the house of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
forever.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">~Psalm
23</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-32911457736633091622012-04-07T23:11:00.003-06:002012-04-07T23:42:15.864-06:00In Other's Words<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Conversations are what happen when expressions of our own thoughts meet those of another. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> A twist is added when we quote someone else. The conversation suddenly takes on another dimension as the knowledge base, experience, fame, oratory, writing skill, or reasoning of someone entirely outside of the conversation joins in. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Very rarely is the person being quoted present, nor is the quoted likely to have granted permission to be quoted. Nevertheless, the quote is plucked from its origin and placed, sometimes gently, sometimes severely, into an entirely new home. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Quotes cannot, and should not, be divorced from their context.... after all, context is what makes puns even more meaningful. : )</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: 36pt; line-height: 115%;"> Q.U.O.T.E.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;">Quotidian <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;">Utterances <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;">Overriding <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;">Thoughtful <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;">Exchange</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;"> " "</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-31429684921503230982012-03-31T08:41:00.000-06:002012-03-31T08:41:12.267-06:00A Cardboard Box<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A church without forgiveness<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">is like a cardboard box;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">very handy and useful,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">able to contain a variety of things,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">lightweight and versatile,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">yet durable and resilient…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">…until it gets wet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>“In Him we have redemption through His blood,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>the forgiveness of our trespasses,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>~Ephesians 1:7,8<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>“So, as those who have been chosen of God, <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>holy and beloved, <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>put on a heart of compassion, kindness, <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>and forgiving each other,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> whoever has a complaint against anyone; <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>just as the Lord forgave you, <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>so also should you.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>~Colossians 3:12,13</i></span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-75911849295776856422012-03-30T21:55:00.002-06:002012-03-30T21:57:58.389-06:00The Painting<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The ocean, the surf, the sand, the footprints, the blue sky, the distant clouds;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">all were rendered to perfection,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">so much so that as I allowed my imagination <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">to be drawn into the impressionist’s rendering,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I could almost taste the salty air and feel the gentle breeze catching at my hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Perhaps it was because I longed for it to be that way.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My feigned senses were abruptly snatched up into the grasp of reality.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Where were the rocks, the pieces of driftwood?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Missing were the tangled globs of seaweed, dead palm fronds,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">bits of weather-worn sea glass.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Was there nothing left lying around to reveal sweet memories <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">of sand castles, picnic lunches, Frisbee games?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Where was the lost slipper, the half-buried wristwatch,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the makeshift homeless shelter <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">tucked amid the thorny mesh of bougainvillea and kiawe?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As lovely and delightfully inviting as it appeared,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the painting was unrealistic…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">…like my prayers may sometimes be.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Who am I<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">that my life would be reduced to a painting?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Am I entitled to health, comfort, kind treatment?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Am I capable of discernment?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Must my default assumption be that my struggle or lack or failure <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">are indications of God’s disinterest in my personal affairs, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">of His punishment for my ineptitude, or of His disappointment in me?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Are the phantom portrayals and partial glimpses <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">of the lives surrounding me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">meant to be emulated or somehow establish a standard of measurement<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">with which I must compare?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I allow my imagination<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">to be drawn into my own artistic rendering,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I can almost taste the salty air of an ideal life<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and feel the gentle breeze of self-centered optimism catching at my hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Perhaps it is because I long for it to be that way.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My feigned senses must be abruptly snatched up <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">into the grasp of God’s Truth;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">that is…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">to desire Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">to trust in His perfect love for me,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">to relinquish every holding, every title and tenure,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">to count all things as loss in view of Jesus…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“But whatever things were gain to me, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">More than that, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I count all things to be loss <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and count them but rubbish <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">so that I may gain Christ, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and may be found in Him, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but that which is through faith in Christ, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">the righteousness which comes from God <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">on the basis of faith…” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 88.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~Philippians 3:7-9</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As the realities of life<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">are placed in the presence of the true reality, that is Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">there are no illusions of hopelessness….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">…and there is rest.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-84340470530738301582012-03-27T13:46:00.003-06:002012-03-28T14:28:14.869-06:00Take Courage<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> If Paul Harvey were to have given an account of Paul’s journey to Rome, it may have gone something like this…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">“…the Lord stood at his side and said, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">‘Take courage; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">so you must witness at Rome also.’” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">~Acts 23:11<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">“There we found some brethren, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">and were invited to stay with them for seven days; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">and thus we came to Rome. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">And the brethren… (came) to meet us; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">and when Paul saw them, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">he thanked God and took courage.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">~Acts 28:14,15<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> And so it was that Paul travelled to Rome where, surrounded by friends, he shared the Gospel and lived happily ever after.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> But God did more than just speak to Paul; He stood by his side. What crisis would Paul have encountered that he would have needed such a measure of courage as God would provide?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Thus began a series of predicaments, each one intense enough to require a significant amount of courage to endure… Stay tuned as we take a closer look at… the rest… of the story…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of a Death Threat:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bright and early the very next morning, 40 Jews vowed together to refuse food or drink until Paul was dead. (23:12-15)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of a Narrow Escape:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paul’s nephew overheard their plot. He ran and told Paul, who instructed a centurion to inform the commander, who arranged an escort of 200 soldiers by night to bring Paul, along with an official letter, directly to Caesarea. (23:16-35)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of False Accusations:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Jewish high priest and elders brought accusations against Paul in the court of Felix, the governor. (24:1-9)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of Exposing the Accusers’ Motivation:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paul spoke in his own defense, identifying the point of contention between the Sadducees and the Pharisees. (24:10-21)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of a Lengthy Imprisonment & Manipulation:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paul remained in custody for 2 years, often summoned by Governor Felix to discuss the Gospel. As a glimmer of hope turned to fear in the realization that his life and career would be affected, Felix attempted to manipulate for an opportunity to accuse Paul of bribery. (24:22-27)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of Publicly Dividing Religion from True Faith:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As soon as Festus, the next governor, took his seat on the tribunal, the Jews brought accusations against Paul with renewed vigor. Festus wanted to do the Jews a favor and allow them to assume the judgment process. But Paul, as a Roman citizen, appealed to the highest court of appeal, which had the potential of identifying Christianity as different from Judaism. (25:1-12)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of Waiting:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paul’s case continued to gnaw at Festus’ mind. As he relayed his experience with Paul and the Jews, the curiosity of King Agrippa was piqued. (25:13-22)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of Addressing the King:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">King Agrippa made a showy appearance, requesting a firsthand account of Paul’s defense. (25:23 – 26:1)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of Boldly Presenting the Gospel of Salvation:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paul presented his defense before King Agrippa by way of relaying a testimony of his life experience before, during, and after his initial encounter with Jesus, all the while clearly presenting the Gospel. Paul boldly invited the King and all who were present to become Christians. (26:1-32)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of Relationship to Authority:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paul, along with a group of prisoners, was placed under a centurion’s charge for the journey to Rome by ship. Due to inclement weather, the voyage became increasingly dangerous. Meanwhile, Paul and the centurion developed a relationship of mutual respect and trust. (27:1-13)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of Fear:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A typhoon overwhelmed the sea with such severity, that those aboard abandoned all hope of being saved. After an angel stood before Paul assuring him that no life would be lost, he relayed the message to his shipmates, instructing them to ‘keep up your courage’. In the face of fearing for their lives, the 276 men made faith decisions, trusting on the hope Paul presented. (27:14-38)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of Destruction:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Protocol required that the prisoners be killed in case escape was imminent. But the centurion overruled in favor of Paul’s faith. The ship struck a reef and began breaking into pieces, but every man made it safely to shore. (27:39-44)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of Ascribed Power:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Safely ashore on the island of Malta, the kind natives kindled a fire to offer warmth. As Paul added wood to the fire, a deadly snake latched onto his hand. The superstitious natives immediately assumed him a murder until he shook the viper off without being harmed, altering their view of him from a murderer to a god. (28:1-6)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of Temporary Relief:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paul extended to the natives of Malta the hope of the Gospel through healing prayer and healing. (28:7-10)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage in the Face of Preparing to Take Courage:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">After 3 months, they again set sail toward Rome. (28:11-14)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> From the moment God instructed Paul to ‘take courage’ until it is recorded that he ‘took courage’, Paul’s life was turned upside down. Each of these various experiences heightened the potential for Paul to become discouraged. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Paul’s hope was firmly established by God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pauls actions were based on God’s promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Paul’s strength to endure was sourced <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">in complete dependency upon God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Paul’s authority to lead those around him <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">was attributed to God’s blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> But the first mention of Paul actually <i><u>taking courage</u></i> was not until he was in Rome surrounded by the brethren who rushed to meet him.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">Why?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Did he attribute God’s appointed courage for God’s purpose?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Was the courage which God had prepared for him a precise portion of courage uniquely designed for Paul to face a particular task?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Could it be that he remembered why the Lord sent him to Rome in the first place?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">“…the Lord stood at his side and said, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">‘Take courage; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">for <u>as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem</u></span></i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">so you must witness at Rome also</span></u></i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">.’” ~Acts 23:11<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Did God’s gifts of courage which he received throughout the journey prepare Paul to accept the courage to face God’s purpose for him in Rome?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Does God offer courage to me for specific purposes?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage to Face Temptation: <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I Cor. 10:13<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage to Speak and to Serve: <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I Peter 4:11; II Thes. 2:16,17<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage to Grow Together in Faith: <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 16:5<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage to Stand in the Wake of God’s Power Over Enemies: <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Deut. 31:1-6; I John 4:4<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage to Face Catastrophic Calamity<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Psalm 46:1-5 <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage to Pray with Thankfulness: <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Phil. 4:6<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage to Encounter Trials: <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">James 1:2-4,12<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage to Be Perfected in Love: <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I John 4:16-18<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage to Walk:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Psalm 37:23,24; Psalm 41:12<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">“Wait for the Lord;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">Be strong and <u>let your heart take courage</u>;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">Yes, wait for the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">~Psalm 27:14</span></i><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">…and now you know… the rest… of the story… Good day!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-80698817712467370442012-03-23T01:45:00.003-06:002012-03-23T02:25:04.850-06:00Hidden Treasure ~ Cinquain<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Word<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>secretive, untouchable<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>whispering, probing, penetrating <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>defying death, securing life<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Promise</i></span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>~ae</i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">that I might not sin against Thee.” </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">~Psalm 119:11<o:p></o:p><br />
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-72355713592122873992012-03-22T00:22:00.000-06:002012-03-22T00:22:05.297-06:00In Control<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Jesus entered Jerusalem and <b>came into the temple</b>; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and after looking around at everything, <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>He left</i></b><i> for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“On the <b>next day</b>… they came to Jerusalem. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And <b>He entered the temple </b>and began to drive out<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> those who were buying and selling in the temple, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and overturned the tables of the money changers <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and the seats of those who were selling doves… <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">…And <b>He began to teach</b> and say to them, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">‘Is it not written, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations”? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But you have made it a robbers’ den.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“… The <b>chief priests and the scribes</b> heard this, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and <b>began seeking how to destroy Him</b>; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">for they were afraid of Him,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> for <b>the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching</b>.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~Mark 11:15-18</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 26.0pt;">Lost Temper?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 26.0pt;">Out of Control?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 26.0pt;">Rage?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 26.0pt;">Here are Jesus’ actions:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> He <u>walked around the day before</u> and checked out the situation in the Temple, perhaps to gather information, or maybe to simple allow His presence to be witnessed as calm and composed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> After walking several miles away to Bethany and sleeping overnight, He <u>went back to the Temple the next day</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> He <u>got physical</u>, but not with people; <u>only stuff</u>. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> He <u>remained there, seizing the moment to teach</u> God’s truth to all who were present.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> He <u>identified Himself as God</u>; “<u>My</u> house…”<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></i></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> He declared God’s purpose for the “house of prayer”, as was spelled out Isaiah 56; “…for all the nations”, not for Jews alone.</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 26.0pt;">What were the people’s reactions?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> The <u>crowds were captivated</u> by what Jesus said.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <u>The Jews</u>, who held positions of leadership and authority “<u>were afraid of Him</u>”. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Typically, a fit of rage indicates lack of self-control and establishes in any observer’s mind that the angry person is not to be completely trusted; a hot potato, a loose cannon. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People who lack self-control don’t usually stick around; they leave.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is simply a matter of time before word spreads and the person displaying rash behavior is written off as ill-mannered. Thus pegged with this identity, any future threat the person poses causes him either to be under cautious scrutinization, to be avoided, or to be dealt with by brute strength or legal action.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 26.0pt;">So, why were the rulers afraid?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Were they afraid for themselves, that they might lose control of power or position? <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Did they recognize His true authority and become aware of their inability to validate their own?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Were they afraid for ruin of their financial benefits gained by requiring the Gentiles to perform costly rituals which were established by tradition? (Matt. 15:1-3, Mark 7:1-6)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Were they afraid that the Gentile population would infiltrate and dilute their sacred Jewish traditions?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Were they afraid of the possibility that this Jesus, who claimed to be God, might actually be God?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Did the Spirit of God cause them to be afraid in His presence?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ultimately, it doesn’t matter why they were afraid.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>It is, however, quite obvious<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>that Jesus’ actions that day in the Temple were resolutely</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 26.0pt;">On Purpose<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>a dramatic teaching moment, <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>specifically timed, <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>and designed to communicate the Truth of God <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>to all who were present,<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>paving the way for God’s mercy.</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Oh, the depth of the riches <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How unsearchable are His judgments <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and unfathomable His ways! <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For who has known the mind of the Lord, <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">or who became His counselor?” </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">~Romans 11:33,34<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our anger is often as a result of our being out of control. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus’ anger is always in God’s control.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-28904984095254069732012-03-21T18:03:00.002-06:002012-03-21T18:03:59.529-06:00Aurora Borealis<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Solar flares leap forth</span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">stirring the skies to dance and play <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">in colorful display.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus, You are Light<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">awakening our hearts to joy <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">in every new employ.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">~ae<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-15983170763467506562012-03-14T02:31:00.004-06:002012-03-14T08:45:50.912-06:00Jesus felt a love for him...<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, </span><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Do Not Murder, Do Not Commit Adultery, Do Not Steal, Do Not Bear False Witness, Do Not Defraud, Honor Your Father and Mother.’</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “And he said to Him, ‘Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “Looking at him, <i><b>Jesus felt a love for him</b></i> and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 4.5pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">~Mark 10:17-22<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 22pt;">What did you </span><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">feel</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 22pt;"> when you read this story?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Sad? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">…because the man walked away in low spirits?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Annoyed? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">…because it shouldn't be <i><u>that</u></i> hard to give stuff up?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Outraged? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">…because mega-property holders shouldn’t be so tightfisted?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Confused? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">…because the concept of doing good is unclear?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Curious? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">…because of Jesus’ response?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus’ reply to this man’s eager question was fourfold:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> He asked a question about Himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> He clarified with a statement which identified Himself as God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> He correctly defined the term ‘good’ from God’s perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> He validated God’s commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The man was sincere, consistent in his actions of obedience to the law. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A loose interpretation may present the man’s question as follows: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">‘O.k. Lord, I checked all the boxes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">So far, so good. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Now, what do I do next to accomplish the goal?’<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Eager? Yes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sincere? Yes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Obedient? Yes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Desire to do good for Jesus? Yes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 22pt;">So what went wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The man’s external conformity to the law collided head on with his need for inner obedience to the Person of Jesus, which can only be satisfied by God’s undeserved gift of mercy and grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Did Jesus scold Him? No.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Did He shame him by exposing his failure to understand? No.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Did Jesus command everyone to give up all of their possessions? No.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Does self-denial earn heavenly treasure? No.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 22pt;">“Jesus felt a love for him”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">… and in this genuinely tender expression of love, Jesus touched upon one hindrance, one cause of division, one obstacle that kept the man from placing his trust in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">His instructions to the man were simple: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The command to “Go”; obedience to act, with a promise of reward, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">and <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">the command to “Come, follow Me”; obedience of relationship with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus discussed this concept with His disciples at great length, telling them just how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God… like a camel going through the eye of a needle. It was a very disheartening conversation, indeed. Jesus was basically telling them, ‘You can’t do it. It’s impossible.’<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So there they were, between a rock and a hard place, with no end in sight… they hit a wall. They had heard the conversation between the rich man and Jesus, yet they were amazed, they were astonished, they were at a loss of understanding for what to do next… just like the rich man. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How did they feel? …sad? …annoyed? …outraged? …confused? …curious?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In desperation, they cried, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 22pt;">“Then who </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">CAN</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 22pt;"> be saved?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Looking at them, Jesus said, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">‘With people it is impossible, but not with God; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">for all things are possible with God.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">~Mark 10:27<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus felt a love for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus feels a love for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-39991028345127715162012-03-09T23:38:00.001-07:002012-03-09T23:38:42.419-07:00Blank Pages ... in anticipation of being married for 50 years<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fifty years yielding<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">to our precious Savior,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">we savor His flavor,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">forever in view.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Setting the stage<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> for more years to unfold,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> love more treasured than gold<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> and His mercies anew.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Books filled with pages,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">each book overflowing,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">each paragraph showing<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">great things He has done.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Yet blank pages linger<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> and thus will remain<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> unwritten and plain<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> ‘til new days are begun.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Blank pages bursting <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">with intrigue and mystery<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">of all that makes history<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">yet to be penned.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Bare pages anxious<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> for thrilling occurrence<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> with joyful assurance<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> fresh ink will commend.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fresh pages aching<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">to tell of His glory<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">in every new story<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">that steps into shoes.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Clear pages flowing<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> in ceaseless unveiling<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> of days never failing<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> to bear the Good News.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">~ae<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">if there is any consolation of love,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">if there is any fellowship of the Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">if any affection and compassion,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">make my joy complete by being of the same mind,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">maintaining the same love,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">united in spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">intent on one purpose."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">~ Philippians 2:1,2<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-92065249071598161182012-03-01T07:12:00.007-07:002012-03-01T08:15:07.316-07:00All's well that ends well.<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">All’s well that ends well.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Grammy Morgan loved to read.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One day, I watched as she pulled a book off of the shelf,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">flipped to the last chapter, and began reading.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“Grammy, that’s cheating!” I cried in disbelief.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“Why, that’s not cheating,” she replied. “I always check the ending so I’ll know whether or not it’ll be worth reading.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“…Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">they came to Thessalonica…” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~Acts 15:36-41, 17:1</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thessalonica, a sizeable metropolis with a population of about 200,000, was the capital and main seaport of the entire Roman Macedonian Province. Strategically located for communication and commerce by land and by sea, this vast city hosted its fair share of multicultural influences including an array of aggressively pagan religions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In A.D. 51, Paul remembered with compassion his recent brief stay with this new body of followers of Christ. He thought of the believers, newly converted from paganism, living in Thessalonica with hardly any external support, enduring persecution. Paul longed to be with them again, to encourage their hearts and instruct them in God’s truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In A.D. 51, Paul wrote to the baby church in Thessalonica, encouraging them in their trials (3:3-5), instructing them how to live in godliness (4:1-8), advising them to continue in their work (4:11,12).</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">What could be said in a letter<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">that would offer encouragement</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">which would be felt deeply</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">and known confidently?</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Paul’s letters did more than instruct… each correspondence was permeated with hope… infused with, wrapped in, saturated by assurance of the future!</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“…to wait for His Son from heaven, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">whom He raised from the dead, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~1 Thessalonians 1:10<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“…so that you would walk in a manner <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">worthy of the God who calls you <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">into His own kingdom and glory.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~1 Thessalonians 2:12<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Is it not even you, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~1 Thessalonians 2:19<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~1 Thessalonians 5:23</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">All’s well that ends well.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Take Grammy’s advice: Check the ending so you’ll know.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">...and remind others of the ending, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>*Hint: God's ending is... there isn't one!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Don’t worry; it’s not cheating.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-59380330541597712912012-02-28T22:39:00.002-07:002012-02-29T08:34:43.025-07:00Compassion...<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Ships were not built <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">to float safely in the harbor.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Step out of my comfort zone?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Offer compassion… </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">...receive *gulp* compassion? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It’s not as easy as it looks,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and it doesn’t always turn out like I think it should.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">com·pas·sion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i> [kuhm-pash-uhn] noun<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> The nurse’s aide assisted the elderly woman to the commode, giving support as needed. When she was able to manage on her own, the helper turned her back for a few moments until her services were needed once again. After being tucked into her bed, the frail woman looked tenderly into her helper’s eyes. “You’re the only one who has ever turned away… Thank you.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Living in an elderly care facility, receiving a medical exam, or being hospitalized; these unfortunately initiate a variety of awkward situations and invasions of personal space. The nurse’s assistant imagined herself in a similar circumstance, receiving respectful and courteous care. Her simple act of compassion toward preserving the dignity of another carried significance for both of them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Elements of shame in the face of compassion invited response, but could not insist upon a happy ending. Yet in the wake of obedience, they both can trust the Author of compassion to bring honor and joy to their shared interaction.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The man was not caught off guard by attitudes of apathy or expressions of anger. Instead, he saw unique abilities and potential for a bright future hidden behind the dull, despondent eyes of the boy who was soon to be a man. Their tutoring sessions provided more than academic assistance. The man had walked in shoes of the same color not too many years before, paving the way for empathy to connect their hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Elements of regret in the face of compassion invited response, but could not insist upon a happy ending. Yet in the wake of obedience, they both can trust the Author of compassion to bring inspiration and trust to their relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> She did not desire to create hurt feelings, yet her friend’s persistent questions could no longer allow her to evade sharing what she knew to be true. After seeking godly counsel and spending time in prayer, she relayed to her friend some reservations she had in regard to their relationship which she knew would not be easy for her friend to receive. The risk of rejection loomed nearby in the shadow of their awkward encounter. She knew potential existed for formation of a deeper relationship, for she understood how difficult it was to receive correction herself. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> Elements of risk in the face of compassion prompted response, but could not insist upon a happy ending. Yet in the wake of obedience, they both can trust the Author of compassion to bring healing and newness to their friendship.</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The waitress made her rounds warming cups of freshly brewed coffee, tossing bits of conversation here, teasing and laughter there. “You look like you could use a nap, darlin’. Why don’t y’all stretch out on that booth there and catch a few winks”, and to another; “You ain’t up to drivin’ home, sweet pea’. I’ll be getting’ off work here pretty soon; I can take ya’ home. You want cream and sugar, hun’?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The young college student took a seat a few tables over from where the homeless man sat with hands cradling a steaming cup. Pulling paper and pen from his jacket pocket, he sketched the man’s likeness. Then striking up a conversation about the weather, it wasn’t long before stories began to flow; tales of the good old days, a career gone awry, memories of Vietnam. “What’s that y’ got there, son?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Unfolding the sketch, he handed it to the man. A broad grin set eyes to twinkling, “Well now, would ya’ lookie there. That’s me, ain’t it! Hey Emma, c’mon over here a minute!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Self-respect, confidence, feelings of value, an optimistic future; each one is apt to be illusive on any given day. The burdens of some weigh more heavily, stealing joy and clouding hope. We all are needy, and we all need to be needed. Simple touches of compassion can trigger reminders of worth, of hope for a new day, and expose a cloud’s silver lining.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Elements of the unknown in the face of compassion invited response, but could not insist upon a happy ending. Yet in the wake of obedience, they can trust the Author of compassion to bring courage and perspective to their newfound acquaintance.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">pas·sion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i> [pash-uhn] noun<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">compelling desire; intense fervor; powerful emotion or feeling<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">com-</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i> [kom] prefix<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">with; together<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <i> Galadriel, also bearing a ring of power, experienced tremendous struggle but did not yield to its enticement. “You are the bearer of the ring. This task was appointed to you. And if you do not find a way, no one will.”<sup>1</sup> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i> Her words of encouragement to Frodo were spoken from her heart of compassion, for they shared a common compelling desire, a mutual passion…. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Compassion</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1</span></sup><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">(Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien)</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">for His compassions never fail. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">They are new every morning; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">great is Your faithfulness.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~Lamentations 3:22</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-60319052607861063232012-02-27T22:36:00.004-07:002012-02-27T23:55:10.885-07:00Saying it louder...<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Saying it louder doesn't make it right.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When you attempt to talk to someone who speaks in a foreign language,<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">do you say the same words over and over again, only louder?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">C’mon, admit it…. You know you do!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Many people do.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We instinctively know that <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">increased vocal volume, along with reduced tongue velocity,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">must somehow stimulate clarity and enhance comprehension...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">…but in reality, it doesn’t help at all;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">our words continue to be received as gibberish.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Speaking louder,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">acting more spiritual,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">being more dominating,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">seeming more self-assured,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">manipulating with psychology,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">triggering emotional hot spots,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">using skillfully persuasive oratory…</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Is truth defined by winning?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Who may dwell on Your holy hill? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and speaks truth in his heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He does not slander with his tongue…” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~Psalm 15:1-3<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Is effective conveyance of the Gospel dependent upon the brilliance<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 24pt;">of my communication?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">not in cleverness of speech, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~1 Corinthians 1:17<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But even if I am unskilled in speech, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">yet I am not so in knowledge; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">in fact, in every way we have made this evident to you in all things…. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">…As the truth of Christ is in me, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">this boasting of mine will not be stopped…” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~2 Corinthians 11:5,6,10</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Is it always right to be right?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but do not have love, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~1 Corinthians 13:1</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-15060509566307875342012-02-22T23:23:00.002-07:002012-04-09T01:07:40.431-06:00Better late than never<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 26pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Better late than never.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Upon reading this old adage, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the first person that came to mind was the thief on the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">His life displayed a series of poor choices<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">which led to destructive behavior… and then he got caught.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He did not deny his wrong doing or avoid blame;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">he acknowledged his hopeless estate and that he was receiving what he deserved.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“One of the criminals who were hanged there <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">was hurling abuse at Him, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">saying, 'Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!'<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But the other answered, and rebuking him said, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">'Do you not even fear God, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And we indeed are suffering justly, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but <b>this man has done nothing wrong..</b>.'” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~Luke 23:39-41</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The thief not only recognized Jesus’ innocence,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">he also identified that Jesus was completely without sin,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">that Jesus’ authority was equivalent to that of God,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and that God’s kingdom belonged to Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“…And he was saying, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">'Jesus, remember me when <b>You</b> come in <b>Your kingdom</b>!'<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And He said to him, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">'Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.'”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~Luke 23:42,43</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God’s grace and gift of life were extended to the thief right then and there.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 26pt;">* * *<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 35px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Better late than never</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">…may also allude to another manner <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">in which Jesus drove home an important life lesson to those He loved.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha… <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">…So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">'Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But when Jesus heard this, He said,</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">'This sickness is not to end in death, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but <b>for the glory of God,</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>so that the Son of God may be glorified by it..</b>.'"</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s hard to imagine a more difficult tragedy or agonizing sorrow<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">than the one which was about to occur.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“…Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So <b>when He heard</b> that he was sick, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He then stayed two days longer <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">in the place where He was...”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If Jesus loved Lazarus, then<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">why wait two days longer?</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“...Jesus then said to [His disciples] plainly, 'Lazarus is dead,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and <b>I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>so that you may believe</b>; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but let us go to him…'” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Plainly, there were two options presented;<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">take Jesus at His word … or don’t believe Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here are several of the people’s reactions; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">unfortunately each is very common to this day…</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Martyr Reaction</span></i><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.”</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Informed Reaction</span></i><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The Reasoning Reaction</i></span><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">have kept this man also from dying?”</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>The Write-It-Off-As-Done <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">and Let’s-Move-On Reaction</span></i><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Lord, by this time there will be a stench,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">for he has been dead four days.”</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This next phrase is going to sound familiar because Jesus purposefully repeated it,<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">reinforcing, highlighting, underlining, emphasizing, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">…stressing over and over and over again…</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Did I not say to you that <b>if you believe, <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>you will see the glory of God</b>?” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“So they removed the stone. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“I knew that You always hear Me; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but <b>because of the people standing around I said it</b>, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>so that they may believe that You sent Me</b>.’<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">‘Lazarus, come forth.’ The man who had died came forth…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and saw what He had done, believed in Him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~John 11:1-43</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jesus was late… on purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Lazarus was totally and completely dead… beyond a shadow of a doubt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> All possibilities of hope for Lazarus were eliminated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Only God could conquer death and create life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> God was glorified as a result of Jesus being late… on purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> God knows what He’s doing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We don’t.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We can trust Jesus… completely.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<a href="http://www.avandiaclaimcenter.org/"><p style="text-indent:-9999px;">avandia recall</p></a></div>
<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-19469502277267513062012-02-22T12:55:00.001-07:002012-02-22T13:02:49.881-07:00Did I stutter or...<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Did I stutter or are your ears flappin’?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Listening is not just a valuable relational skill <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">or best business practices.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Listening is an essential part of prayer,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and the key to access the ability to hear<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and to be heard</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">is God Himself.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Selective Hearing</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“And they said to Moses,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">‘You speak to us, and we will listen; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.’”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+20%3A19&version=ESV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Exodus 20:19</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Too Self-Absorbed to Listen</span></b></i><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“If one gives an answer before he hears, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">it is his folly and shame.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+18%3A13&version=ESV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Proverbs 18:13</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Drawing Near to Hear</span></b></i><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Whoever is of God <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">hears the words of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The reason why you do not hear them <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">is that you are not of God.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~John 8:47<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Listening with Respect</span></b></i><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Know this, my beloved brothers: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">let every person be quick to hear, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">slow to speak, slow to anger.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~ James 1:19<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Prayerful Listening</b></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“He who has an ear, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~Revelation 2:7<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Able and Attentive Listener</span></b></i><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Mark 4:23<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Completely Dependent Listener</b></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“My sheep hear my voice, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and I know them, and they follow Me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I give them eternal life, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and they will never perish, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A27-28&version=ESV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">John 10:27-28</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Invaluable Listening Skills</span></b></i><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“My son, if you receive my words <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and treasure up my commandments with you, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">making your ear attentive to wisdom <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and inclining your heart to understanding; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">yes, if you call out for insight <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and raise your voice for understanding, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">then you will understand the fear of the Lord <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and find the knowledge of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+2%3A1-5&version=ESV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Proverbs 2:1-5</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Costs and Benefits of Listening</span></b></i><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Take care then how you hear, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">for to the one who has, more will be given, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and from the one who has not, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~Luke 8:18<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Listening Pleasure</span></b></i><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">May my teaching drop as the rain, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">my speech distill as the dew, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">like gentle rain upon the tender grass, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and like showers upon the herb.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I will proclaim the name of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Oh, praise the greatness of our God!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~Deuteronomy 32:1-3<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">God Listens</span></b></i><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">that if we ask anything according to His will <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He hears us.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~1 John 5:14<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">God Always Hears</span></b></i> <span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“So they removed the stone [from Lazerus’ tomb]. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“I knew that You always hear Me; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but because of the people standing around <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~John 11:41,42<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Words of Life Received</span></b></i><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“But he answered, “It is written, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but by every word <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">that comes from the mouth of God.’” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~Matthew 4:4</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-39956481339454670812012-02-21T21:17:00.000-07:002012-02-22T01:32:31.872-07:00It's not the size of the dog..<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">It’s not the size of the dog in the fight;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">it’s the size of the fight in the dog.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When you think of ‘the fight’ as applied to Biblical personalities,<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">do you think of David slaying Goliath?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">or of Gideon with his 300 men conquering thousands?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">or of Moses leading millions through the parted Red Sea?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How about others in ‘the fight’, the ones less famous,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">who also acted with courageous valor in obedience to God.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">The fight of plotting and wits</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“And the king of Jericho sent word to Rahab, saying, ‘Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land.’ But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them, and she said, ‘Yes the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. It came about when it was time to shut the gate at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them… Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof, and said to the men, ‘I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before… When we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you; for the Lord your God, </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath…’” ~Joshua 2:1-11</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">The resourceful fight</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“After him came Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">with an oxgoad; and he also saved Israel.” ~Judges 3:31</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">The passionate fight<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">of brute strength</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“When he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily so that the ropes that were on his arms were as flax that is burned with fire, and his bonds dropped from his hands. He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">so he reached out and took it and killed a thousand </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">men with it." ~Judges 15:14,15</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">The fight of tremendous risk</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“And David was unwilling to move the ark of the Lord into the city of David with him; but David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.” ~2 Samuel 6:11</span><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">The fight to value godliness<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">over expectations</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot… said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?’ …Jesus said, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">‘Let her alone…’” ~John 12:3</span><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">The vigilant prayerful fight<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">for hope beyond death<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #001320;">"</span>Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died… So Peter arose and went with them… all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’ And she </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">opened her eyes…” ~Acts 9:36-40</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Each of these fights were won <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">not because of any super-human strength,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">amazing skills, or remarkable intellect. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Each fight displayed God’s miraculous power<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">through acts of submission, obedience, trust,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and an intensely focused passion for God.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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<!-- End --></div>~aehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14069436123985003985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9033635071615573770.post-71716895586158816112012-02-21T14:41:00.000-07:002012-02-22T01:41:29.808-07:00Waging War<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">A string of facts <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">does not add up to the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 18pt;">…nor do self-defined, self-perpetuated substitutes for truth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Gemini are extremely independent. They will not be pinned down by anyone or any rules. They need to experience the world on their own. Change and freedom are extremely important to Gemini, they will never let anyone dictate them, they are extremely independent and freedom is essential to their mental well being</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">.” (</span></i><a href="http://zodiac-signs-astrology.com/zodiac-signs/gemini.htm"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">http://zodiac-signs-astrology.com/zodiac-signs/gemini.htm</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“For although they knew God, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">they did not honor him as God <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">or give thanks to Him, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but they became futile in their thinking, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and their foolish hearts were darkened.<sup> </sup> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Claiming to be wise, they became fools…” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~Romans 1:21-22</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">Because<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">Truth is Truth,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">we must be…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">Taken Captive by Truth</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: large;">“…How thankful that we have the truth of scripture to carry us. Our weapons are not of this world....thoughts that would normally slay the joy of our living can be brought into captivity by the truth.” </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"></span>~Jennifer Parette</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“For though we walk in the flesh, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">we are not waging war according to the flesh. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but have divine power to destroy strongholds. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We destroy arguments <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~2 Corinthians 10:3-5</span><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">Completely Occupied by Truth</span><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Finally, brothers, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">if there is anything worthy of praise, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">think about these things.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~Philippians 4:8</span><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">Equipped by Truth</span><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“All Scripture is breathed out by God <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and for training in righteousness, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">that the man of God may be competent, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">equipped for every good work.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~2 Timothy 3:16,17</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">Overwhelmed by Truth</span><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now I know in part; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~1 Corinthians 13:12</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">Set Free by Truth</span><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and you will know the truth, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and the truth will set you free.’<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">They answered him, ‘We are offspring of Abraham <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and have never been enslaved to anyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">How is it that you say, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“You will become free”?’<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The slave does not remain in the house forever; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">the son remains forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So if the Son sets you free, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">you will be free indeed.’”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~ John 8:31-36</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 35px;">Truth is not context free.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 35px;">Truth is Truth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 35px;">and, by definition,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 35px;">commands response.</span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Start -->
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