tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17259575041001235662023-11-16T01:38:21.738-05:00Coffee with ChristIn the morning Lord, you hear my voice.
Psalm 5:3S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-58552726998623680142020-12-13T15:54:00.001-05:002020-12-13T16:08:32.104-05:00There's Something About Christmastime...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlWgp8P_eHhmkGMiAqwI0SBjrU24E8YpzbM2Od0a_OmfuWf7VYcp64liMo_A8aqKeJgJ2XmGYR4YB-nQeEiZC-DS9ke2KRPxN9gdf6QnuirfeXE8M_KC3p8nb_vZcUOnB_0TIxKMgoKY/s720/Believe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlWgp8P_eHhmkGMiAqwI0SBjrU24E8YpzbM2Od0a_OmfuWf7VYcp64liMo_A8aqKeJgJ2XmGYR4YB-nQeEiZC-DS9ke2KRPxN9gdf6QnuirfeXE8M_KC3p8nb_vZcUOnB_0TIxKMgoKY/s320/Believe2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is it about Christmas that brings such joy to children? And such appreciation to our elders? When I was a kid, the anticipation of Santa was almost overwhelming; but it wasn’t just the presents, even then I knew there was a magic that only existed at Christmastime. Unfortunately, over time, the magic seemed to disappear…What happened? Life got in the way. I grew up. I stopped believing…and Christmas hadn’t been the same ever since. I don’t know about you, but as each year passed, Christmas became a stress-inducing, panic attack-waiting-to-happen time of year. What to buy? For whom to buy? How much to spend? What to cook/bake/fix? How to get all the visiting squeezed into a couple of days? When to get it all done? [Although thanks to Covid, all the baking, cooking and visiting has greatly been reduced.]</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maybe part of the magic when I was a kid was that I didn’t have any of those worries. I went to bed with excitement, and woke up the next day overjoyed! I opened presents, played, ate… Where did it all go wrong? Where along the way, did the magic disappear? If I’m being honest, it was probably around the time that I stopped ‘believing’… Truth. I still enjoyed gift giving and receiving, the meals, and even the family visitation, but it was just another day anymore. When I didn’t see any magic to believe in, I quit feeling it as well…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let me tell you a secret…<em>you don’t have to see to believe; you have to believe to see </em>(Hebrews 11:1). (And I’m not talking about Santa). You see, there <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i></b> something about Christmastime… It’s about love. The Love that God showed when He sent His Son to be born to us, and eventually die for us. It’s about the love that encompasses us all when we’re thinking about those that we shop and cook for, and the time we spend visiting others. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Imagine what the world would truly be like if we carried that love all year through. Christmas symbolizes joy, hope, love, faith, peace… What if we allowed every day to be indicative of such? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing up, the saying approaching Christmas was “If you stop believing, you stop receiving…” We naturally meant Santa. But you know what? It applies to Jesus. (Matthew 21:22) What if our problem throughout the year is that we don’t really believe that Jesus is everything He is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We doubt, we make excuses, we wander… God’s promises never fail (Hebrews 6:18). God never fails us, we fail Him. We easily celebrate Him at Christmastime, but what if we celebrated Him all year through? It’s not God that disappears when Christmas is over, it’s us; our faith, our trust, our love, our belief. Belief that He still remains; belief that He still promises; belief that He still loves. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i></b> it about Christmastime? It’s that we allow ourselves to embrace the Christmas Spirit; His Spirit. We give, we share, we do; for this short holiday season, we do what we’re supposed to do all year through: we love as Christ loves. It’s Christmastime that we embody our namesake—Christ. It’s Christmastime that we share the love. It’s Christmastime that we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">believe</i></b>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maybe if we carry that belief all year through, the magic will remain with us, and everyone…and it <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i></b> feel like Christmas every day… Can we at least try? (Luke 2:19)</span></div>S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-82121234752032417862020-11-01T05:00:00.007-05:002020-11-01T05:00:02.287-05:00We Are Filthy...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDjVVjYTMglYrNNayCmNq1PIiccV1Ij0Y2qY8vX2p5fOBYU9ljCxyF8L6r-mMoZ8joc_8jvwL7fmXyLJJfS5NtuTinGS1bydk6ljSdne5_nJUkiqKsxTNz5v_rL-vM7skqBqgwhPV-tw/s720/filthy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDjVVjYTMglYrNNayCmNq1PIiccV1Ij0Y2qY8vX2p5fOBYU9ljCxyF8L6r-mMoZ8joc_8jvwL7fmXyLJJfS5NtuTinGS1bydk6ljSdne5_nJUkiqKsxTNz5v_rL-vM7skqBqgwhPV-tw/s320/filthy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">We’re in the home stretch of 2020. And this year has been…well, it’s been a year to remember. I’ll leave it at that because I don’t want to dwell on the bad. I won’t give the devil any more satisfaction. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I will say, however, that I truly don’t think I’d have made it through this year without God’s Word guiding, comforting and loving me. At the end of last year—as some of you may recall 2019 was a year I was ready to be rid of—I’d made the decision to dive deeper into God’s Word and found a study that took you through the Bible in a year. It’s thorough and intensive. But, can be done in about 20-30 minutes a day if you stick with the reading plan and podcast review. I also read two separate commentaries to recap and clarify the text. At the beginning of October, we entered the New Testament. And I couldn’t have been more ready. (Though I will say the clarity of some of the ‘doom-and-gloom’ prophets of Israel in the OT really helped shed some light on all that’s been going on in the world today (plagues, anarchy, sin)). [For examples of such messages, see: <a href="http://www.coffeewithchrist.net/2020/07/judgment-day.html" style="color: #954f72;">Judgment Day</a>, <a href="http://www.coffeewithchrist.net/2020/09/hope-in-broken-world.html" style="color: #954f72;">Hope In A Broken-Hearted World</a>]<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I’ve learned so much about Who God Is by these readings. And when you actually look and study, you see that Jesus is Present before the New Testament. And you see how beautifully Scripture is woven together in all of its divinity. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Case in point: John 8:1-11, John 9:1-7 and <i>dust</i>. First, you have to remember that God spoke the world into existence. “God said…” (Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 14, 20, 24, 26) Everything He created He only had to speak to create it. Before Creation, everything obeyed God’s Word. Until man. God had this incredible world yet longed for companionship. And to create a companion, He formed him and breathed life into him (Genesis 2:7). He could’ve just spoken for man to be created. But He literally, physically made Him with His own two hands, and then breathed air into him (ideally using His mouth) [how incredibly <i>personal</i>]. I find it ironic [is it really?] that God used dust (filth) to create us. One could argue that dirt of a perfectly created world might not be filth at that time, I guess. But nevertheless, man was formed from the ground of the earth He spoke into creation [stay with me on this to the end]. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">In John 8, a woman was caught in adultery. [There’s a lot to unpack in this, but we’re sticking with the <i>dust</i>comparison]. John 8:6: “Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger.” This woman was caught in adultery, a clear violation of God’s Law—the Ten Commandments. Which, remember, were “inscribed by the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18). Tony Evans explains it this way: “…whatever Jesus was writing was a subtle way of communicating to [the Scribes and Pharisees) that he himself was the divine author of the law. Writing on the dirt was also an allusion to the fact that the law had been given to mankind who had been created out of dust and were therefore vulnerable to weaknesses and sin.” (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tony-Evans-Bible-Commentary/dp/0805499423/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1OE12PY7ACGUC&dchild=1&keywords=tony+evans+bible+commentary&qid=1603637584&sprefix=Tony+evans+%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-2" style="color: #954f72;">The Tony Evans Bible Commentary</a>). John 8:8 then says Jesus stooped down again to write in the dust. “Just as God had written the Ten Commandments on two tablets a second time after the Israelites had sinned and Moses smashed the first ones (Exodus 34:1). The second giving of the law meant that God was giving his people a second chance just as he was about to do with this woman…” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">In John 9, Jesus healed a blind man using dust (from the ground) and saliva (from his mouth) (John 9:6). [This story, too, has a lot to break down, but again, we’re sticking with the <i>dust</i>].“Thus the word of God (i.e., spit from Jesus’s mouth) mixed with humanity (i.e., dirt from which man was created) provided the basis for the miracle. By using his saliva, Jesus was imparting divine DNA to the human defect in order to bring about a supernatural transformation of his humanity. This was to serve as a physical illustration of the supernatural spiritual transformation Jesus came to bring (see Isaiah 35:4-5).” (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tony-Evans-Bible-Commentary/dp/0805499423/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1OE12PY7ACGUC&dchild=1&keywords=tony+evans+bible+commentary&qid=1603637584&sprefix=Tony+evans+%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-2" style="color: #954f72;">The Tony Evans Bible Commentary</a>). Did you catch that? The dirt of man (sin) mixed with the spit of Jesus (God’s Word) can transform into a spiritual awakening. [“I was blind, and now I can see…” (John 9:25)]. Jesus Christ, the Word (John 1:1-5) was God. He created us. He gave us physical life then, and He gives us spiritual life now. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Isn’t it amazing how God can use dust and spit? Two filthy substances (by all worldly accounts) [just see how we’re to wear masks to filter such filth] to create and heal this world? The world that He literally spoke (using saliva in His mouth) into creation, and dust that He literally formed man—His greatest creation—from? And He wants to heal you. If you haven’t already, won’t you consider asking Jesus into your heart and into your life? You’re not too covered in dirt that He can’t wash away with His Word. His mercy and grace know no bounds. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Open your eyes. The writing is in the dust.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">*<a href="http://www.thebiblerecap.com/" style="color: #954f72;">The Bible Recap</a> (through the Bible app) is the study that I am using to walk through the Bible in a year. It’s never too late to start. They break Scripture out daily, in chronological order (for the most part), to teach you God’s Word. Then there’s a podcast (similar to a commentary) that breaks it out. The whole point is to teach you Who God Is.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">**(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tony-Evans-Bible-Commentary/dp/0805499423/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1OE12PY7ACGUC&dchild=1&keywords=tony+evans+bible+commentary&qid=1603637584&sprefix=Tony+evans+%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-2" style="color: #954f72;">The Tony Evans Bible Commentary</a>) is one of my favorite commentary’s I’ve ready so far. He has incredible insight to Scripture. And a gift for discerning God’s Word and explaining it in easy-to-understand language.<o:p></o:p></p></div><p><br /></p>S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-229005214860525482020-10-04T04:30:00.002-04:002020-10-04T04:30:02.246-04:00For the Love...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfq93QYCPMF7Gneqz9XxrgzyUTZQD7nK_moGJiJSdTuPIAQS4sIFVmB3Luet9TR5VO181y-tXrC3Fdw4Nv5SysWoRvq7PNQGYhuve7MDdv6d2bXXcOxznI7ATEasQMDaO9Gulw_KqKaw/s720/for+the+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfq93QYCPMF7Gneqz9XxrgzyUTZQD7nK_moGJiJSdTuPIAQS4sIFVmB3Luet9TR5VO181y-tXrC3Fdw4Nv5SysWoRvq7PNQGYhuve7MDdv6d2bXXcOxznI7ATEasQMDaO9Gulw_KqKaw/s320/for+the+love.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">If we showed others who Jesus truly is, was, and always will be—then why wouldn’t they want to follow Him? But we allow our own self to come through more than we allow Him to come through. And truth be told, in order to show others about Him, <i>we</i> must first fully accept <i>all</i> that He Is. And, yet, we don’t. We put Him in that box, and only allow Him out when it benefits us. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Let’s go ahead and allow ourselves to be ‘selfish’ for a moment. Let’s pretend that this whole ‘Christian’ thing is about making ‘us’ better people, ensuring us a place in Heaven (because you know in part, it is). We want to be a ‘good’ ‘Christian’—to make Abba happy. We want to please Him. We want to hear ‘well done, my good and faithful servant’ (Matthew 25:23). We want to scoff at those not as ‘good’ as us (you know we do). But we tend to forget that in order to be the ‘good’ ‘Christian’—if even putting on our front—we have to do His works (James 2:14-26). We can’t appear to be so ‘good’ when we aren’t serving, giving, loving…even if it is for show. And truthfully, it’s exhausting to do such ‘good’. So why put forth the wasted effort? (‘Wasted’ because God knows your heart and that you didn’t really mean it. And chances are—anyone ‘here’ won’t really notice anyway, or at the very least will quickly forget the ‘good’ when you fail (and you will fail, because you’re not really trying))…(are you still following me?) So, again—why put forth the effort to be fake? (Oh—how many times I thought that in high school…but I digress…). Quit being fake. Quit pretending. Quit acting. Quit being hypocrites. You’re not doing yourself, anyone else, and most importantly God, any good with your act. So, don’t bother.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Let’s make the decision now to quit denying our denial (and we are in denial if we really think any of our falsities are helping, even in the least). When we supposedly decided to follow Christ (‘supposedly’ because if your heart isn’t truly in it, you’re not truly in ‘Christianity’). “When we decided to follow Jesus, life stopped being about us; …God doesn’t simply become first in our life, He becomes our life. It’s a concept that made Peter stop fishing and Paul stop persecuting.” (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Branded-Bearing-Marks-Ben-Wright/dp/0988877821" style="color: #954f72;">Branded, Bearing the Marks of Jesus, Ben Wright</a>)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The Bible clearly states that God is Love (1 John 4:7-8). If we don’t love, it is impossible to know God because God is love. And if we don’t know God, we don’t have love. And if we don’t have love, then what are we even doing?!?! (1 Corinthians 13:1-3): translation: I am nothing and having nothing without love (aka God).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Jesus’ self-proclaimed greatest commandments: Matthew 22:37-39. Love God, then love others. (notice how He didn’t say ‘Love God, love you’?) So, let go of yourself, and embrace God. Love. Love God, Love Others (John 13:34-35).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This life, the one we’re living here and now on this Earth, is <i>not</i> about us. We are so worried about us it’s exhausting. We only worry about our eternity (if it’s eternity we’re even thinking about) (more likely it’s to do enough to get by to barely skate into Heaven and escape the fiery pit…). What about the other people of this world? What about God? Start with just Matthew 22:37: <i>LOVE GOD</i>. Because let’s face it, when we get that part right, I mean truly, honest-to-goodness-can’t-wait-to-get-up-in-the-morning-and-praise-Him-and-fall-asleep-at-night-thanking-Him loving Him, then the rest will fall into place. When you start realizing that every little thing you have is because of Him, and that you are nothing without Him, then you’ll start seeking Him more—to draw Him closer to you. And He wants nothing more than a relationship with you. A true fellowship together. So, when you finally get there, the rest follows. When you empty yourself of you, and fill yourself with Him, you’ll start doing more and being more of His Disciple. Because you are filled with Christ, you will begin to act more Christ-like (you will never be perfect like Him, but don’t ever quit striving for it). And the attitude, deeds, servitude, <i>love</i> will flow from you like it did from Him. You’ll begin to love others—really, truly, honest-to-goodness-want-to-sacrifice-yourself-for-the-sake-of-someone-else love them. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">This life—your life—isn’t about <i>you</i>; what God can do for you, what God can give you, how God can bless you. This life is about living for God; what you can do for Him, what you can give Him, how you can bless Him. Everything we do on this Earth matters; to and for the Lord. Make it count. If you’re not out there daily trying to win people for Christ, and teach His Gospel—what <i>ARE</i> you doing? God has so much planned for us; here and now; there and then.<span class="text"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span class="text">Why was Christ’s ’greatest commandment’</span><span class="woj">(Matthew 22:37-39)? Because (1 John 4:7-12).</span><o:p></o:p></p>S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-49763557375810223782020-09-08T04:30:00.010-04:002020-09-08T04:30:00.530-04:00Hope in a Broken World<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkvdWHcHjOTMmY0OlSr5a70jVAlrscSV_UBTd5hJ33K7Y74Rlu2apC9tmbqX7iz587ICjcne0bopIlzHwormUMz73mkiJFsn1iB5IwVvbsDcbPjOP-6F-u48I5h2NBAq3WtOJlfql0qQ/s720/brokenhearted+hope.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkvdWHcHjOTMmY0OlSr5a70jVAlrscSV_UBTd5hJ33K7Y74Rlu2apC9tmbqX7iz587ICjcne0bopIlzHwormUMz73mkiJFsn1iB5IwVvbsDcbPjOP-6F-u48I5h2NBAq3WtOJlfql0qQ/s320/brokenhearted+hope.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; text-align: left;">Have you ever had your heart broken? Whether it be by a romantic relationship, friendship or circumstance? You could see how great a [relationship, friendship, circumstance, etc.] could be. The potential future it could hold… Only to have it end or be destroyed? It hurts like a death… </span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br />History is repeating itself in America similar to Judah/Israel being punished by God. Now I know we need to be careful not to assimilate what God said and did to and for Israel—His people—to other nations/people… BUT, I can’t help but think about how America was founded on biblical principles and morals, and many of the forefathers were Christians—making ‘us’ the new ‘favored’ people (one could simulate)… And if God was willing to punish Israel—His people—with such judgment, then what’s stopping Him from doing similar, or even worse, to ‘us’? On the flip side, God punished the nations that were evil. And so much of America’s cultural views have shifted directly to abhorrent disrespect and vagrant disobedience of God’s word (child sacrifice (abuse, pedophilia, trafficking, abortion), sexual sin (sex trafficking, homosexuality, pre- and extra- marital affairs), etc.). Regardless of which side of the fence we view America—you can’t argue that God is at work in judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br />If you’ve studied anything about the End Times—you’ll notice nothing seems to fit where America is concerned. She’s not mentioned anywhere (or referenced in anything that could assimilate to the United States). Given the way our country encroaches in most modern wars and humanitarianism, it seems strange that ‘we’ would not be involved in the End Times, particularly since ‘we’ are such allies of Israel… I’m not saying we’re entering the last days (though I won’t deny that I personally believe we are)—but I’m saying that our being uninvolved could be because ‘we’ as a nation—the United States of America—could no longer exist (as we know it). God destroyed world superpowers like Assyria, Egypt and Babylon—and the people didn’t think it would happen because the countries were too powerful. This should serve as a warning that He could/would destroy America. Ezekiel 25-32 are God’s word regarding the surrounding nations of Judah. They are judgments on the nations that failed to acknowledge God and fulfill the purposes He intended for them. [Does anyone besides me see how this could so easily pertain to America?]<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br />God rebukes His people constantly over their pride and worship of idols—anything that we put ahead of God (money, power, fame, hobbies, job, family, pleasure, etc.). Pursuing anything with more intensity or commitment over God is committing spiritual adultery. And it literally grieves Him (Isaiah 43:24, Ezekiel 6:9). This passage humanizes God to me. I know God is Sovereign over humans. But that can make Him seem distant to me at times. But this passage—it helps me <i>understand</i> Him. And it makes me want to please Him—not hurt Him. It breaks His heart—after all He has done, and continues to do for His people (both then and now)—that we continue to turn our backs on Him and pursue our own gratifications (assuming we know better). Our pride lacks giving God the credit and gratitude He deserves for the things we outrightly don’t deserve. His grace is inexplicable. His mercy is incomprehensible. Yet He gives both incomparable to us. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">God gave His people messengers over and over (2 Chronicles 36:15-16), showing His great mercy and compassion. He sent them warnings for years. Through multiple people. But the people chose to ignore the warnings and even mocked the messages, and continued with their sins. And because of their sins, God punished them with sword, famine, pestilence (war, famine, disease) (Ezekiel 6:11-12). [Riots, poverty, COVID-19?] <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br />But just as God gave His people—and their enemies—warnings, He followed them up with promises. [How awesome is it that God refused to turn His back on His people—even after they turned their back on Him!] He’s the same God ‘today’, as He was ‘yesterday’. His Book is His warnings. Perhaps even the current events around the nation and this world are continued warnings. But keep in mind that there’s hope. God’s promises continue. There was hope for the Israelites after He destroyed their land and sent them into exile; and there’s hope for us today. That same hope was/is Jesus Christ. The ultimate promise is that God’s people will receive the ultimate shower of blessings (Ezekiel 34:26)—salvation and eternity with Him. The Promised Land. He will overthrow all evil once and for all, making the world the perfect place He originally intended it to be.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br />All that is going on today is scary: the fact that COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon; the riots and anarchy across our country; the economic hardships from both of these situations. And personally, just the overall hateful, hypocritical, self-righteousness that is so prevalent. Satan is working overtime to destroy the world that His Creator spoke into formation. [Did you catch that Satan has to physically work at destroying, when God merely had to speak it into existence?!] [I truly can’t get over how incredible our Creator is—and am humbled at His love for us—the only ‘thing’ He did create with physical exertion. We are His prized possession. And He will destroy everything around us to protect and preserve us. That is why He casts judgment. Not for wrath against those that don’t follow Him—but in love for those that do.] But fear not! Our Savior suffered far greater than what we are or will experience. His grief upon His death—His heart broke (Luke 22:44). <i>BUT</i>—He overcame. And so will we. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><br /> Revelation 2:10; 1 Peter 5:10<o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p>S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-24796448093612475932020-08-02T04:30:00.004-04:002020-08-05T20:11:24.923-04:00What can you learn from King Hezekiah?<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i>Who was Hezekiah?<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURIUVDkav2wq-KF5rN2OWDVpNkCPFYd9lC8x_8d9qaETAIpkLp6BIoDSpqy6P9CeRdqibdDA-qPzvQiXjVC7QyG0FkH5y-pCW_5Ve8l7kbJEtCysRkDhivr3jMPvHyBB56g0PO13zWoU/s720/bedifferentcwc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURIUVDkav2wq-KF5rN2OWDVpNkCPFYd9lC8x_8d9qaETAIpkLp6BIoDSpqy6P9CeRdqibdDA-qPzvQiXjVC7QyG0FkH5y-pCW_5Ve8l7kbJEtCysRkDhivr3jMPvHyBB56g0PO13zWoU/s320/bedifferentcwc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Before you can understand who Hezekiah was, it is beneficial to first understand who another king was—King David. Despite some of his heinous acts, he is mentioned in the Bible as a “man after God’s own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). God promised (and fulfilled) David that through his lineage, a king would forever reign [Jesus] (2 Samuel 7). He was a <i>big deal</i>. He was to whom other kings would be measured. [For a previous blog on David click <a href="http://www.coffeewithchrist.net/2015/02/chosen-like-david.html">here</a>]. Therefore, when the first mention of Hezekiah’s reign compares him to David (2 Kings 18:3), you know to pay attention. Hezekiah is different than the other kings mentioned in Kings and Chronicles. And his <i>difference</i> can also be what makes you <i>different</i>… (Colossians 3:12).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">There are many lessons one can learn from Hezekiah. But the two most important things to keep in mind, like David, and comparable to you: 1) he aimed to please God 2) he wasn’t perfect. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Because of his efforts to follow God’s laws and commands, and that he sought God wholeheartedly, he was very successful (2 Kings 18:5-7). Let’s back up a hot minute and mention that his father was Ahaz—a man who “did not do what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord…” (2 Kings 16:2) He was evil—as a leader (he led the people of Israel further into pagan practices and destroyed the Temple)—and a father (he sacrificed his son(s) in fire) (2 Kings 16:3-4). The man did not guide Hezekiah well. Yet, Hezekiah managed to defy those odds and succeed with the Lord… (And Judah increased in power during his reign). <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">In religious reformation, Hezekiah removed the pagan shrines, sacred pillars and Asherah poles. He even destroyed the bronze serpent Moses had made because the people were worshipping and offering sacrifices to it. [Be careful that our aids to worship don’t become objects of worship themselves by the way we use them.] He repaired and purified the Temple (Ahaz had closed the Temple and nailed the doors shut) and reformed the priesthood (Ahaz had kept them from their duties). [Pressures, responsibilities and/or people can render us inactive and ineffective. When you’ve been given the responsibility of a ministry (class, group, blog, book, song, etc.—don’t neglect your duty.] He resumed the Passover tradition of inviting the tribes of Israel to take part in the festival. (2 Chronicles 29) Side note: Hezekiah’s messengers were mocked for their invitations to the Passover festival. [Don’t be afraid to spread the Gospel and be prepared to be mocked by others as well. But also be prepared for others to listen and hear what you have to say. The Holy Spirit convicts and convinces (John 16:18). We are tasked to tell others of God’s actions, claims and promises (2 Chronicles 30:10-12)]. Some people were so excited to worship God that the Levites were shamed by their lack of zeal. [The church body can motivate the church staff to rejuvenate their passion for God’s work to which they were called (2 Chronicles 30:15)]. Hezekiah led a spiritual revival in Judah (2 Chronicles 31:2-21). People’s hearts were so overwhelmed that, even though they weren’t worshipping correctly (weren’t purified), Hezekiah interceded on their behalf in prayer, knowing God’s compassion and mercy, in which the Lord forgave them (2 Chronicles 30:18-29). He also reinstated the practice of tithing (2 Chronicles 31:3-4), allowing the Levites to serve and minister to the people. [God’s people need to support God’s work. What portion of your life do you dedicate to God?] His generous giving led the people to follow his example. [We can lead others to God by simply living a life exemplary to Christ (2 Timothy 2:22).] </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><blockquote><o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/Nq1mB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s0/twitter.png" /></a></div>God’s people need to support God’s work. What portion of your life do you dedicate to God?</o:p></blockquote><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">When the Assyrian spokesman arrived to threaten Hezekiah and his people, his speech involved many “Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you…Don’t let him fool you…Don’t listen to Hezekiah…Don’t let Hezekiah mislead you…”, trying to intimidate the people into distrusting Hezekiah and in turn, God (Isaiah 36:14-18). This clearly shows that Hezekiah had been encouraging his people of God’s deliverance and ability to defeat the enemy (2 Chronicles 32:7-8). [We should be encouraging others to have confidence in God. To trust Him. To develop a relationship with Him. Teach, strengthen, give hope, console them… (Romans 15:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:11).]</p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/PG8RO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s0/twitter.png" /></a></div>We should be encouraging others to have confidence in God. To trust Him. To develop a relationship with Him. Teach, strengthen, give hope, console them…<p></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">In civil reformation, he revolted against the king of Assyria (to whom Ahaz had submitted), refusing to pay him tribute, and conquered the Philistines. He placed his faith in God and obeyed His commands in spite of the obstacles and dangers that seemed overwhelming (2 Kings 18:7). Realizing the situation with Sennacherib was hopeless, he went to the Temple and prayed. God told him (through Isaiah) the He planned and allowed Sennacherib victories. (God is Sovereign over all (2 Kings 19:20-28)). [Prayer should be our first response in any crisis. Don’t wait until things are hopeless. Pray daily for God’s guidance. Our problems are God’s opportunities (2 Kings 19:1-7, 14-19). We must commit all situations to God in prayer, trusting Him for the resolution. Have faith that God has already prepared the best answer. Ask in faith, and wait in humility.] Hezekiah went boldly to God. He acknowledged Judah’s dependence on God and knew his prayer would bring deliverance and forgiveness (Isaiah 38:16-18). [The daily battles we face can be won in faith with Christ’s strength (Philippians 4:13). Our faith won’t keep us from trials, but it prepares us to make it through them (John 16:33)].</p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/aMUdc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s0/twitter.png" /></a></div>Our problems are God’s opportunities. Have faith that God has already prepared the best answer. Ask in faith, and wait in humility.<p></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Later in Hezekiah’s life, he became deathly ill (2 Kings 20:1). Once again, he prayed in desperation for God’s healing and deliverance (2 Kings 20:2-6, 2 Chronicles 32:24) and God healed him miraculously because of his faith. [Never underestimate the power of prayer, nor doubt the possibility of miracles (Matthew 21:22, Mark 11:24, Mark 9:23).]</p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/zLdCc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s0/twitter.png" /></a></div>Never underestimate the power of prayer, nor doubt the possibility of miracle.<p></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Not long after his miraculous recovery however, Hezekiah was visited by envoys from Babylon to congratulate him on his recovery. Flattered by their visit, he boasts of his wealth (perhaps attempting to boast of God’s blessings (?)) and shows them everything he treasured (2 Kings 20:12-15). [Don’t use your blessings to impress others. Give glory to God, but don’t flaunt your treasures for others to envy (Jeremiah 9:23).] After Isaiah reprimanded him, he humbled himself and repented of his pride (2 Chronicles 32:26); therefore, God’s anger didn’t fall on the people during his lifetime.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">There is so much we can learn from the life of Hezekiah—through both his accomplishments and his weaknesses. Our actions affect those around us, and those after us. He had a natural inclination to respond to present problems (but not deal with their long-term affects). What about us? In today’s world, are we making any contribution to civil and religious reformation? Though, sweeping reforms are short-lived when little action is taken to preserve for the future. The past affects the present and the future. Lessons are to be learned, and repeated mistakes are to be avoided. Past obedience doesn’t remove the possibility of present or future disobedience; but complete dependence on God will produce incredible results. We are all capable of beating impossible odds—because with God ALL things are possible (Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27). </p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/7eIga" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s0/twitter.png" /></a></div>Our actions affect those around us, and those after us. The past affects the present and the future. Lessons are to be learned, and repeated mistakes are to be avoided. <p></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">*Hezekiah’s story can be found in 2 Kings 16:20-20:21, 2 Chronicles 28:27-32:33, and Isaiah 36:1-39:8.* <o:p></o:p></p>S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-12928905313973202832020-07-12T14:30:00.000-04:002020-07-12T14:30:06.963-04:00Judgment Day<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AukYCXKvRiLfMrfg4izu24bL3suU6nIUNauZxljnODuXHJXgoU8qO1np1kwKeDM2V9LW69-uDuJALDxPe2sn-CtC_wztAfN7J3xGXCB2JjAoHJ0m49Wlj79b_6GblTuvwqzX1C2U6o0/s720/judgmentdayprofile.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AukYCXKvRiLfMrfg4izu24bL3suU6nIUNauZxljnODuXHJXgoU8qO1np1kwKeDM2V9LW69-uDuJALDxPe2sn-CtC_wztAfN7J3xGXCB2JjAoHJ0m49Wlj79b_6GblTuvwqzX1C2U6o0/s320/judgmentdayprofile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Unless you’ve successfully avoided all media outlets, people and conversations, you’ve no doubt seen or heard the turmoil our nation is in. [Before I go any further, this is not meant to question political or civil obedience; it is meant to question <i>Spiritual</i> obedience. Please refrain from comments blaming one party or the other.] I’ve been struggling with watching what’s going on all over our nation. Between the pandemic (and the multiple viewpoints that so blatantly disagree with each other), and the riots and destruction—the common denominator I see is that we are a far land from fearing God anymore. We’re so concerned with “proving” our side’s ‘truth’ about 1) this virus (the cause, the transmission, the severity) and 2) racial issues (the history, the prevalence, the admonition), that we’ve ignored the actual Truth. This world is filled with sin. That may sound trite and simplistic, but that’s what’s at the heart of it all. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"></p><blockquote><span style="text-align: left;">"The further our nation distances itself from [Christian] principals, the further the people distance themselves from God."</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></blockquote><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/DaA4Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s0/twitter.png" /></a></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Is God judging our nation as He judged Egypt and Israel? It certainly can seem that way. Remember all the plagues God cast on Egypt because of the slavery of His people? How about Isaiah’s and Amos’ prophecies on Israel? God cast judgment on the people that were disobeying Him and leading His people astray. Do you see a correlation? America claims to be founded on Christian principals [founded in, not enforcement of]. And the further our nation distances itself from such principals, the further the people distance themselves from God. Our hearts are being hardened. Whether it’s through the incessant display of violence and sin in the media, or our own lack of knowing and following God’s Word, we’re at a crucial point in time where we need to choose whose direction we’re going to follow: God or the world? Our nation (and this world in general) certainly seem to be living in chronic rebellion of God’s Word. The big question is: Will God judge us as He did Israel (Isaiah 6:9-13)? The <i>bigger</i> question is: Will any of us remain a loyal seed (Isaiah 6:13)? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">No matter how many times God [mercifully] warned Israel (Amos 3:7), they failed to learn their lesson. They no longer knew how to do what was right (Amos 3:10; Amos 4). [Sound familiar?] God promises to preserve His people (Psalm 37:39-40; Psalm 121:7; Amos 9:8). If we are faithful to Him, He will show us mercy (Lamentations 3:22; Luke 1:50; 1 John 1:9; 2 John 1:3). There is only One Way (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:23) to remedy this nation, the world, and our hearts: repentance (Acts 3:19; Amos 5:6; Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 1:9). Until we return to God, we will continue to see His judgment (Jeremiah 3:12; Joel 2:12-14; Amos 4:6; Amos 5:6). <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"></p><blockquote><span style="text-align: left;">"There is only One Way to remedy this nation, the world, and our hearts: repentance. Until we return to God, we will continue to see His judgment." </span></blockquote><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/sdGfD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s0/twitter.png" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Is there an Isaiah among us (Isaiah 6:8)? Do you hear God calling you to stand up for Him in these times (Isaiah 7:9b)? Who will obey like Amos (Amos 7:14)? Or do we disconnect ourselves from the happenings and stay in our safe places (Amos 6:1-6)? Numerically speaking, ‘few’ of us are physically facing the virus and the riots. But have we become complacent in our comfortable (so-to-speak) lifestyles that we think we are <i>safe</i>? God has no use for us in our selfishness and indifference. Our apathy makes us no different than the Israelites; or non-believers for that matter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"></p><blockquote><span style="text-align: left;">"Have we become complacent in our comfortable (so-to-speak) lifestyles that we think we are</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><i style="text-align: left;">safe</i><span style="text-align: left;">? God has no use for us in our selfishness and indifference." </span></blockquote><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/X74dq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s0/twitter.png" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31) are to 1) love God and 2) love your neighbors. We think that we have #1 down. But mistakenly ignoring command #2, we are in essence ignoring command #1 (Romans 13:9-10; 1 John 4:20-21). History (American and Biblical) is repeating itself. Will we continue to lounge on our couches, or will we offer ourselves to be used? Will we remain apathetic and complacent in our comfortable lives, or will we step out of our comfort zone and speak up in truth, with compassion?<o:p></o:p></p></div>S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-58252453726831467652020-06-10T13:19:00.003-04:002020-06-11T13:08:29.586-04:00God’s Hatred in Favor of Those He Loves…<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
How Can God Love Me, When I Do What He Hates? (Romans 7:15)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Proverbs, a book about the importance of wisdom, was primarily written by the wisest man in the Bible, Solomon. And if you know about Solomon and his life story, you’ll see the irony of his proverbs as they point out things a wise person does or doesn’t do—much of which he appears to have not listened to his own advice. He’s either a giant hypocrite or preaching from experience…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>As much as God loves us, is as much as He hates sin. It’s because of His love for us that He hates such things that provoke the destruction of us and our relationship with Him.</o:p></div>
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As much as God loves us, is as much as He hates sin. It’s because of His love for us that He hates such things that provoke the destruction of us and our relationship with Him. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that God hates <i>especially</i>. They are: 1) haughty eyes (proud look) 2) lying tongue 3) hands that kill the innocent 4) heart that plots evil (evil thoughts) 5) feet that race to do wrong (sinful actions) 6) false witness who pours out lies 7) a person who sows discord in a family <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God hates pride—eyes, attitude, mouth… The very first sin committed (before the Bible was even written) was pride, when the fallen angel Lucifer (Satan) wanted to be like God. And he ultimately successfully tempted Adam and Eve to want to be like God also. Pride is often the beginning of the end. It’s a slippery slope when you concentrate only on what others think of you instead of what God thinks (Psalm 10:4; Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 21:4; Isaiah 2:12; Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:3; James 4:6).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">It’s a slippery slope when you concentrate only on what others think of you instead of what God thinks. </span></div>
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<a href="https://ctt.ac/lE5MN" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s1600/twitter.png" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God hates lying. Again, the devil is the first example of this. In Genesis 3, the serpent deceives Eve about taking a bite of the fruit from the forbidden tree, and look at the consequences of those lies—man fell just as the serpent did. [Are you seeing a pattern of the prime example the serpent is for sin?] (Psalm 78:36; Psalm 120:2; Proverbs 12:22; John 8:44; Colossians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:2)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God hates murder. God loves all of His children, and when we kill His children, we are killing a part of Him (Genesis 9:6; 1 John 4:20). Take note, though, that murder biblically speaking, isn’t just physically taking the life of someone. 1 John 3:15 says that we are committing murder when we hate others. Every thought of disdain or contempt you’ve had against someone is equivalent to killing them. [Who here should be serving prison time according to that definition?] Again, the devil—the serpent—is the destroyer of life. Because of his lying and temptations of Eve, death befell us. Emotionally—fear, shame and guilt (Genesis 3:7-8), spiritually—fear of God (Genesis 3:8), relationally between a man and wife (Genesis 3:16), environmentally and economically (Genesis 3:17), and biologically/physically (Genesis 3:19). But perhaps the worst death was to our relationship with God Himself (Genesis 3:23 (do you realize that before the serpent deceived them, they walked in the Garden with the L<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">ORD</span>?!? After their deception, He banished them from the Garden and His presence!)) (Exodus 21:12; Leviticus 19:17-18; Leviticus 24:17; Deuteronomy 5:17; Deuteronomy 30:7; Proverbs 10:12; Proverbs 10:18; Proverbs 26:24-26; Matthew 5:21-26; 1 John 2:11).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God hates impure thoughts. If we want to transform our actions, we have to transform our minds (Proverbs 23:12). Evil thoughts devise evil deeds. The serpent was able to place doubt into Eve’s mind, and that doubt led to her action of eating the fruit AND giving it to Adam (Genesis 3:6). (Proverbs 15:26; Matthew 15:18-19; Mark 7:21-22; Luke 6:43-45; Romans 2:5)<o:p></o:p></div>
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If we want to transform our actions, we have to transform our minds (Proverbs 23:12).</div>
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<a href="https://ctt.ac/a0dzV" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s1600/twitter.png" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God hates wrongdoing. This piggybacks off impure thoughts because what we do is directly related to how we think. Again, see Genesis 3:6—Eve believed the serpent and therefore ate the fruit. She thought the impure thought (that God was deceiving them) and she ate the forbidden fruit (she bought into the lie and acted on it!) (Psalm 50:19; Psalm 73:7; Proverbs 4:16; Job 4:8; Isaiah 5:20; Isaiah 32:6; Matthew 12:34-35; John 3:20; Romans 6:12-13; 2 Timothy 2:22)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>6)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God hates intentional, hurtful lies. This is more than <i>just</i> lying. This is falsifying statements with the specific intention of hurting someone. This is perjury. This is swearing <i>against</i> God. And this is exactly what the serpent did when he told Eve God didn’t want them to be like Him, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5). (Exodus 20:16; Leviticus 19:12; Proverbs 14:5; Proverbs 19:5; Proverbs 27:12; Zechariah 8:17; Matthew 5:33-37)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>7)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God hates discord among His people; gossip and complaining. This is aggravating others in the hopes of sharing or causing frustration. Again, the serpent caused this with his half-truths (which is typically what starts discord—only relaying partial evidence or one-sided depictions). By casting doubt in Eve with “Did God <i>really</i> say…?” and by swearing she wouldn’t die (which technically wasn’t <i>immediate </i>death). Sometimes we think sharing our frustrations with others is helpful, but what it really comes down to is that we should only be sharing our thoughts, our frustrations, our grumblings, our complaints, etc., with God. (Psalm 55:22; Proverbs 20:3; Proverbs 26:20; John 6:41-43; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 3:3; Ephesians 4:31; 2 Timothy 2:14) [For more about complaining, read <a href="http://www.coffeewithchrist.net/2015/04/and-dont-grumble.html" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">here</a>.]<o:p></o:p></div>
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Did you notice that all of these abominations have to do with how we relate with others? That’s because He wants us to love others (John 13:34-35; John 15:12, 17), and we can’t love them when we’re committing any of these seven sins. Jesus died to unify all of us with Him and God (John 17:21). How dare we try to break us apart? Who do we think we are? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Isn’t it awesome that the sin that started it all was pride (Lucifer), and the love that ends it all is humility (Jesus)? The devil is the father of lies (John 8:44) and Jesus is the Truth (John 8:32; John 14:6). The opposite of hate is love, and God is love (1 john 4:8); the opposite of to murder is to give life, and Jesus is the giver of life (John 1:4; John 3:16; John 8:32). Jesus can change our hearts and give us new desires; He will transform us—our minds and our actions (Jeremiah 32:38; Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Won’t you accept what He’s done for you, and let Him into your heart? Stop living a life that God hates. Draw close to Him, and He will draw close to you (James 4:8).<o:p></o:p></div>
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...the sin that started it all was pride (Lucifer), & the love that ends it all is humility (Jesus)? The devil is the father of lies & Jesus is the Truth. Jesus...will transform us—our minds and our actions.</div>
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James 4:1-17<o:p></o:p></div>
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-69128450479732519752020-05-06T04:30:00.000-04:002020-05-06T09:07:15.485-04:00Blessings in Lessons<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVQKiFHVeshRsunhE4cLDBBBxNgX_SmPzhvRvZh4q-s2Q7Vjx7PWcOYUOioRrsVzwYwOmUzDgYA9bOpRK4G9M0nCmm44oUxx00g1Gk2MPPHLUekMOMETqmSh0l0HbQQDAMBXReIOEL7Q/s1600/blessing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVQKiFHVeshRsunhE4cLDBBBxNgX_SmPzhvRvZh4q-s2Q7Vjx7PWcOYUOioRrsVzwYwOmUzDgYA9bOpRK4G9M0nCmm44oUxx00g1Gk2MPPHLUekMOMETqmSh0l0HbQQDAMBXReIOEL7Q/s320/blessing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The sweetest blessings to me are the ones hard earned and hard learned. Why? Because I know they are mercifully deserved. And God is a so undeservingly merciful to us all. But it’s hard to see or feel His mercy when you’re in the middle of a trial. And boy, isn’t this virus a trial for all of mankind? But God uses all trials to teach us (Romans 8:28). He is teaching each of us many things during these times. Are we willing to learn the lessons He’s blessing us with?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God is a so undeservingly merciful to us all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This season that we’re all going through has left many scared, anxious, angry, confused, nervous, frustrated…the list goes on. Not many people (I’ve yet to see or hear of one) have joyfully benefitted from the collapse of our society—and world—right now. You don’t see anyone bragging about how great their life has become thanks to COVID-19. But you don’t have to look far or listen hard for the complaints. I easily can fall prey to this negative thinking. COVID cancelled my trip to Disney World, kept me from my friends and family (I’m watching my 6-month old nephew grow up via video and pictures), has threatened my husband’s business and our livelihood, and so on. We all have our own sob stories we could tell, casting blame on the coronavirus. But what if instead of focusing on all the negative, we sought out the blessings this has brought?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><u>Humility</u></i>- This virus doesn’t care about gender, race, age, sex, religion, political party, social status, etc. It doesn’t discriminate. Nothing that the world counts as important (wealth, power, status…) matters right now. It’s frightening to not know how to properly combat imaginary enemy. But it’s also humbling (Zephaniah 2:3). Our lives are in the hands of God (Isaiah 41:10). This virus (and nothing else) didn’t surprise Him. He’s got it under control. He’s already on the other side of it. He knows how it will all end. *On another note, it’s also humbling to realize that if a virus that shut down the world can’t thwart God’s Plans, neither can anything I do or not do. Nothing has power over God (Isaiah 14:27). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><u>Hope</u></i>- As the curve seems to be flattening, and states/businesses start to reopen, hope is rising. But in this hope, we need stay focused on where our true hope lies: God (Psalm 42:11; Psalm 119:114; Psalm 130:5; Proverbs 23:18). It is through and only by God’s mercy that we have anything good. The hope we find elsewhere is misplaced because we miss the mercy God gives us (Psalm 40:11; Psalm 51:1-2; Lamentations 3:25; Nehemiah 9:31; Micah 7:18).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><u>Gratitude</u></i>- I’m sure you’ve seen all of the thankfulness directed towards the healthcare staff, truck drivers, grocers, delivery personnel, etc. for doing the “essential” work that is keeping the world going. But, many have been forced out of work, or had hours cut, giving all of us a new perspective on our livelihood. We’ve learned to appreciate all we had taken previously for granted: jobs, food/goods availability, school, time with friends and distant family… (Psalm 100:4; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 4:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 12:28; Hebrews 13:15).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><u>Seeking God</u></i>- More time is being spent in prayer—if for no other reason than begging for this to disappear and we get our lives back. But I think even if our prayers begin with that request, we tend to continue the conversation with God. More time is spent studying His Word (1 Chronicles 16:11; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 63:1; Jeremiah 29:13; Luke 11:9-10; Acts 17:27; . I’ve heard many people talk about how they’re getting to read their Bible daily because they have more time; or watching/listening to sermons online they wouldn’t normally seek out. I’ve even seen that people are seeking Scriptures for clues to End Times because of this virus. And then there’s those that, as they are forced to look at their own mortality through this viral threat, are looking for meaning of life, and where it originated, etc. (Deuteronomy 4:29-31; Psalm 14:2; Psalm 27:4; Psalm 40:16; Proverbs 8:17; Isaiah 55:6-7; Hebrews 11: 6). [I would love to know how many people develop a relationship or renew their former one with Jesus because of this.] Truthfully, if something as unprecedented as this in our modern times doesn’t start a revival, then I fear our society is beyond lost (Psalm 80:18; Psalm 85:6; Habakkuk 3:2; 2 Timothy 4:3-4).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><u>Rest</u></i>- Many of us are finding we have more time on our hands now. Late nights at work are non-existent. School and extra-curricular activities are cancelled. Even most entertainment outlets are closed. We’ve been halted to anything that isn’t “essential’ to living. And with all of this extra time, we can find time to rest. We’d become a society that filled our waking days and nights with constant going and doing. And now that our days and nights are now filled with “staying”, we can take the newly found time to rest our perpetually exhausted bodies. Rest is good for us (Exodus 33:14; Psalm 4:8; Psalm 127:2; Mark 6:31). God rested on day seven of Creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and He commanded us to honor the sabbath (Exodus 20:8-10; Exodus 23:12; Mark 2:27; Hebrews 4:9-11). He never meant for us to fill our lives with anything but Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><u>Loving Others</u></i>- One of the first suggestions that came out when this all started, was to assist our neighbors, family, etc. that are elderly or had health conditions/are immunocompromised. We were told to look out for each other and their needs, not just our own. Many restaurants opened doors to help feed kids that would be missing school meals. Younger family members started grocery shopping for their parents and grandparents. Neighbors started helping neighbors (Proverbs 21:13; Matthew 25:40; Mark 10:45; Luke 3:11; Philippians 2:4; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Timothy 5:8; Hebrews 13:16; 1 John 3:17). By reaching out to those around us to meet their needs, we’re fulfilling God’s commands and showing them Who He Is (Matthew 22:36-39; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:27; John 13:34-35; John 15:25; Galatians 6:2). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This virus, if nothing else, has shown us just how fragile and temporary life is (Psalm 90:10-14; Psalm 102:11; Psalm 144:4; 2 Samuel 14:14; Job 8:9; Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:24; James 4:14). Life is short; earth is temporary; Jesus is eternal. Even though predictions are that this virus could rear its’ head in the fall/winter again, or potentially be something we deal with annually like the flu; it, too, is only <i>temporary</i>. We don’t need to fear this unknown. We just need to remember/think/ponder these blessings to get through this hardship. “Recalling God’s actions in our lives will help to cultivate a grateful heart.” (Tony Evans, <a frameborder="0" height:240px="" href="http://<iframe style=" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sdthomascwc-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0805499423&asins=0805499423&linkId=3a01bbe0492b3a9b80d841c569b99163&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" width:120px=""></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3b2mf0L" target="_blank">The Tony Evan’s Bible Commentary</a>). God is on the other side of this; He will deliver us through it soon enough (Deuteronomy 31:8). God sent the Israelites into exile more than once to bring them back to Him. Let’s learn from them. Use this time to restore your relationship with Jesus. Reprioritize your life to realign with Him. </span><o:p></o:p>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">List some of the blessings you’ve seen through this trial. Send us some encouragement!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-59877190920198404482020-04-01T04:30:00.000-04:002020-04-01T04:30:03.532-04:00Fear Not and Follow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This past weekend, President Trump announced essentially another month of self-distancing to get us through this coronavirus pandemic. And I don’t know about your newsfeed on social media, but mine is all over the place. From people calling this fear-mongering, to people referring to it as a stay-cation. People are panicking that we’ll be quarantined/given shelter-in-place orders and unable to access necessities. Others are panicking that the lock-downs aren’t tight enough. Some people are posting ingenious ways they’re staying active and busy—and others are posting how bored they are… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I wouldn’t be surprised if Noah was in heaven rolling his eyes at our inability or unwillingness to self-distance. He and his immediate family were ‘quarantined’ on an ark with thousands of animals. [Can you imagine that smell?!?] He was stuck on that ship for almost an entire year! (We can be stuck in our homes for a month and a half.) [Though I’d venture to guess some of you are fighting a smell in your house with so many bodies home all the time…] Thanks to technology, and essential and life-sustaining businesses still being open, most of us are able to “only” be inconvenienced throughout this. [Though I will side-note here that my heart sympathizes with those that are alone throughout this, especially those that fall in the high-risk categories.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">But I feel impressed to remind you that regardless of which side of the fence you fall during these mandates, that unless the government tells you to directly disobey God, we are obligated (by God) to be obedient to our governing authorities (Romans 13:1-2; Hebrews 13:17; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Our actions, as His Disciples, are to be done in love for God and others above ourselves. Therefore, if you feel healthy or are that you are of no risk to others, yet you carelessly ignore the mandates/requests, etc. from the government, putting others lives at risk, you are being selfish, not selfless (1 Corinthians 10:24; Mark 12: 30-31; John 15:13; Philippians 2:3; 2 Peter 1:5-7). Stay home as much as possible. Avoid contact with others outside of your home as much as possible. Social distancing, while annoying, is necessary to combat this disease. [Have you noticed every day the statistics change, and they find out new information regarding the disease? They don’t know it completely, and until they do, we can’t be completely safe from it.] <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The greatest thing we can do right now is pray for God’s Mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The greatest thing we can do right now is pray for God’s Mercy. Seek for our people, our nation, <i>our world</i>, peace and welfare (2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 26:20; Jeremiah 29:7) that can only be found in Jesus Christ (John 16:33; Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15). Personally, I am relying on Psalm 91:9-10. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I again want to stress that throughout this pandemic, whether we are self-distancing and quarantined to home, or are part of the essential employed still going to work, please try not to worry or panic over this situation. Nothing going on in this world right now is a surprise to God (Psalm 139:16; Isaiah 42:9; Matthew 6:34). Take heart in knowing God is in control (Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 41:10; Luke 12:22-26; Philippians 4:6-7). Do not fear (Psalm 34:4; Psalm 46:1-3, 10; Psalm 94:19; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Peter 5:6-7; 1 John 4:18). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">*For a great study on anxiety and fear, Max Lucado’s </span><a href="applewebdata://2AACF14F-895B-4634-A7A6-D9F40A693E0E/%3ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sdthomascwc-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0718096126&asins=0718096126&linkId=2457e08a32639fd79b5e362d58edf108&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff%22%3e%20%20%20%20%20%3c/iframe%3e" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Anxious for Nothing</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> is fabulous!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">*Another good study on fear and anxiety is Tony Evans’ <a href="https://amzn.to/2wRi3Tx" style="color: #954f72;">Let It Go.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">[There’s a reason the Bible says “Fear not” 365 times (meditate on one for each day).] [And don’t get too down on yourself for having to remind yourself that God is in control. Look at how many variations God reinforced Joshua with “Be strong and courageous”…]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">*If there’s anything I can pray about for you, please leave me a comment or send me a message. We all could use some extra prayers during this time. God bless you. May He give you peace during this pandemic. And may you be strong and courageous.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 48pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-30499482920131521382020-03-04T04:30:00.000-05:002020-03-04T04:30:04.707-05:00Planning Ahead- Be Ready<br />
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<i>“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” –</i>Benjamin Franklin<o:p></o:p></div>
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This will be a little different than my usual posts. And I want to preface it with the fact that I am <b><i><u>not</u></i></b> a conspiracy theorist or fear-monger, nor do I think we need to be overly concerned with the potential of pandemic with this <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus" style="color: #954f72;">coronavirus</a> outbreak. But I am a realist and I do believe in being prepared for an emergency situation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The community in which I live, over the last ten years has faced a few of its own emergency situations where we lost a major utility for over a week. (And you may know from following me, that my neighborhood seems to especially attract a utility breakdown almost monthly). Due to a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derecho" style="color: #954f72;">derecho</a> that came through, we lost power for over a week. Generators were impossible to get (we’re talking zero within hundreds of miles). For days, gas and supplies were hard to obtain because stores didn’t have power either. Just a year and a half later, we had a local chemical leak into our water system just upstream from our water provider. We were without use of usable water for over a week. Bottled water flew off the shelves. The water was contaminated that we couldn’t shower, wash dishes/laundry, or even flush toilets (for fear the chemical would corrode pipes). We “joke” that our town keeps us on our toes in preparation of the apocalypse. (It’s not even slightly funny when we lose our utilities so frequent anymore). <o:p></o:p></div>
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But these emergencies set our household into motion of stocking and keeping supplies on hand, should a need arise (again). With the current coronavirus outbreak, we have upped our supplies. Not just in case of a potential quarantine, but also due to the possibility of lack of supplies (whether it be from imported goods backlogged, public fear if/when things get worse, etc.) [<i>See the </i><a href="https://www.ready.gov/kit" style="color: #954f72;"><i>Department of Homeland Security</i></a><i> for a basic disaster supply kit and access to other links for a </i><a href="https://www.ready.gov/plan" style="color: #954f72;"><i>Plan</i></a><i>.</i>] Again, the point of this post is to be helpful and get your mind into preparing for an emergency scenario.<o:p></o:p></div>
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[Preparing is a verb and requires action. You can’t passively prepare and you shouldn’t ignore the potential risk around you. These tips linked are for you to use to be proactive and preventative—not to cause panic or fear.]<o:p></o:p></div>
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First and foremost, the most important thing we can prepare is our hearts. Living in this world—pandemic/disaster or not—is nothing without Jesus. We should be praying for His intercession of this disease. Only He that creates can contain and destroy this if it be His will. [Though I don’t think we should discount that this disease is a warning or sign of future tribulations. But that is <i>not</i> what this post is about, so I digress.] <u>Don’t allow this talk of pandemic consume your thoughts and bring you fear or anxiety</u> (1 Peter 5:7). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>There is a fine line between being compulsive and being constructive.</i></div>
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Second, don’t think that making preparations for emergencies is the same as not trusting God. We can trust God to care for us and others, but we also have to trust that He knows more than we can comprehend. This disease, or any emergency situation could be Him interrupting our lives for His purpose. Trusting God and having supplies on hand in an emergency situation aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, God tells us to be prepared. (Proverbs 21:5). He calls us <i>simple</i> and <i>fools</i> if we don’t make such preparations (Proverbs 22:3; Proverbs 27:12). God wants us to anticipate and prepare for our future needs (Proverbs 20:4). Any preparation is useless without God, but we still must do our part and prepare (Proverbs 21:31).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Third, the Bible highlights the ant (Proverbs 6:6-11) and how it prepares for future seasons (Proverbs 30:25). Granted, the ant example is regarding hard work and not being sluggish, however, you can also take into account the wisdom by gathering food in the summer for the winter. (To me, they are a disgusting creature, but if you read about ants, you can see just how incredibly responsible and organized they are!). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Fourth, Jesus told the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)—a parable depicting preparing oneself for His return. In the parable, five [wise] bridesmaids/virgins had enough oil to keep their lamps lit for the duration, five [foolish] bridesmaids/virgins did not and ran out of oil. While this parable is about being spiritually prepared for <i>the </i>tribulation, it’s also a reminder not to wait until the last minute to prepare for <i>any</i> tribulation. [It also serves as a reminder not to wait until last minute to be spiritually committed to God—but again, that’s not what this post is about]. His ending words essentially were “Be alert!” and that message isn’t just for tribulation prep—it’s timeless.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fifth, and my final point of preparation, in John 14:2-3, Jesus states that He was going to [Heaven] to ‘<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G2090&t=KJV" style="color: #954f72;">prepare</a> a place for [us].’ Jesus, God incarnate, was leaving this world in order to ‘prepare’ our eternal home for us. If He had to take time to make preparations for our home, why do we think we don’t? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Again, I can’t stress enough that this isn’t meant to cause any fear, (or even any eye rolling). This post isn’t necessarily contingent upon preparations for a pandemic or disaster. It’s just time fitting for what is being discussed in the news and what is going on worldwide, and the fear it’s already sparked. Be prepared. Be smart about your preparations. But in order to prepare for anything, you must first prepare your heart—or the rest is futile.</div>
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<i>Be prepared. Be smart about your preparations. But in order to prepare for anything, you must first prepare your heart—or the rest is futile.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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**See CDC resources regarding the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html" style="color: #954f72;">coronavirus</a> and <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/" style="color: #954f72;">emergency preparations</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-57176924061989673132020-01-02T04:30:00.000-05:002020-01-02T04:30:34.046-05:00God is Faithful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3Zf3TK7LrBLPeNkcsvR_j8FmGw6o9Iem0AsEzwaJakTLYZs9hFC79j3CdcKuuEVg-zbuOk26q699WIy_GidPh5auVAxsbI7PCIxIr86mHNad7A9-8-ZnTfJbIyAeGJRSCyiI9rg9VJ4/s1600/sustain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3Zf3TK7LrBLPeNkcsvR_j8FmGw6o9Iem0AsEzwaJakTLYZs9hFC79j3CdcKuuEVg-zbuOk26q699WIy_GidPh5auVAxsbI7PCIxIr86mHNad7A9-8-ZnTfJbIyAeGJRSCyiI9rg9VJ4/s400/sustain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">2019.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"> I was over it right after it began. For me, it was a year of testing my patience, pushing my control issues, and showing my lack of trust. I spent more time frustrated, bitter and stressed—in emotional and physical pain—than peaceful and joyful about anything. And I wanted it to end. I knew God was testing me. And I knew I was failing His tests. [And the worst part was a portion of me didn’t care that I was failing. I just wanted the test to end. I gave up. I quit trying. I did just enough to get me through.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">I began the year reading “<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sdthomascwc-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1622454561&asins=1622454561&linkId=bc090214a152ec514e25f52ff74cf790&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066C0&bg_color=FFFFFF%22%3E%20%20%20%20%20%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">How to Study the Bible</a>”, by D.L. Moody. It motivated me, inspired me and filled me with zeal to jump into my Bible with purpose. My incentive was to learn all that I could about God’s Word—and not waste any time doing it. Except, in that thought process, I had no real plan. Therefore, just as quickly as the fire in me ignited, so it extinguished. I wasted so much time trying to come up with a plan, that I never got around to execution. I did a few studies, read some devotionals, and spent time in prayer, but I never really dove into His Word. And this is where I pinpoint the beginning of the end of my 2019. I tried to <i>control</i> how God’s Word would fit in my life, that I never put my life in His Word. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">I wasted so much time trying to come up with a plan, that I never got around to executing…I tried to <i>control</i>how God’s Word would fit in my life, that I never put my life in His Word… Instead of it being a year filled with God, it was a year filled with doubt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Instead of it being a year filled with God, it was a year filled with doubt. The uncertainties and instability I faced in my health, with my job (which caused marital and financial stress), and unfairness of life around me took its toll. Instead of turning to His Word for guidance, encouragement and sustenance, I sunk into myself and focused on all the crud around me. I was miserable and made those around me miserable. I knew I was doing it, but I couldn’t (and truthfully—didn’t want to) stop it. [Misery loves company, right?!?] <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">I watched good, godly people get hurt. I watched them struggle with injustice, disease and grief. <u>And I questioned God.</u> I watched people around me (in the real world and my digital world) get things I had prayed for. Had hoped for. Had believed God would deliver. And He hasn’t, never did, never will. <u>And I questioned God.</u> I struggled to exist most days, let alone find any joy in anything. <u>And I questioned God.</u> The ironic thing of it all, is that in all my questions, I never sought the answers… (Matthew 7:7-8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">I questioned God.</span></u><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"> The ironic thing of it all, is that in all my questions, I never sought the answers…</span></div>
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<a href="https://ctt.ac/9Fc1M" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s1600/twitter.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">I allowed my self-pity and doubt question my faithfulness to God. And then I began to question His faithfulness to me. I was trying to follow God’s Word, His Plan, His guidance—knowing I falter (a lot)—but I was <i>trying</i>. Where were <i>my</i> rewards? Where were <i>my</i> blessings? Can I tell you the bitterness that will creep in and settle when you begin to focus on all that you don’t have instead of all that you do have? Satan made Eve forget all that God had given her and instead, focus on what God had forbidden. (Genesis 3:1-6) We, too, will fall into trouble when we dwell on what God forbids rather than on the blessings and promises God has given us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">We fall into trouble when we dwell on what God forbids us rather than on the blessings and promises God has given us. (Genesis 3:1-6)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">So many things have gone wrong this past year. And as the year came to a close, the frequency increased. It seemed everything I touched was doomed. It honestly made me question why I bother with anything. At all. But one day it hit me. I was tired of being tired. I was angry at my anger. I was bitter about my bitterness. I questioned all my questions. And I was reminded of John the Baptist. [You can read a past blog on him (and you) <a href="http://www.coffeewithchrist.net/2014/06/being-john-baptist-to-start-off-im-not.html" style="color: #954f72;">here</a>.] He knew who Jesus was. He grew up with Him. He proceeded Him. He pointed people to Him. But in his deepest despair, <b><i><u>after a year of imprisonment</u></i></b>, He questioned if everything he knew about Jesus was true. (Matthew 11:3, Luke 7:19). Can you relate?!? [Spoiler alert: I sure can!] <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">We’re coming to the end of the season where we just reflected on the birth of Jesus and what it meant to mankind. It’s also the time where we vow to begin fresh, anew…[To recap: Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins. He was the sacrificial Lamb. [Quick side note: Passover—which foreshadowed the coming of Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:7)—took place the first month of the Jewish calendar year (Exodus 12:1-2) at midnight. {Timing perfectly here with our New Year’s holiday} It symbolized a new beginning we have in Jesus, our sacrificial Lamb)]. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Jesus came to save sinners. And we are all sinners. <b><i>But</i></b>, thankfully, He is merciful and filled with grace for us. (Titus 3:3-7) His patience for us knows no bounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Sometimes God will take you to a place where there is nothing left that will give you any joy or purpose. Everything you do fails, and you have no more hope or desire—you just exist. He does it to show you that everything is futile without Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">When we lack the patience and the trust in Him, His faithfulness never fails (1 Corinthians 1:9)—even when we do. Sometimes God will take you to a place where there is nothing left that will give you any joy or purpose. Everything you do fails, and you have no more hope or desire—you just exist. He does it to show you that everything is futile without Him. (Ecclesiastes 1:2; James 1:2-3; Matthew 4:4; Galatians 6:3; Romans 8:18-2) When it seems like you have nothing, and all else fails, where do you turn? Do you turn to God for answers? Or do you turn to the world?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Don’t give up on God when everything seems to fall apart. Perhaps He’s breaking it [you], to fix it [you]. Out with the old, in with the new, right?!? (Isaiah 43:19) He’s working when you don’t see Him; when you don’t feel Him; and when you ignore Him. He never leaves you. (Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10-13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">My problem this past year wasn’t that I was asking tough questions. It was that I wasn’t listening for the tough answers. The answers were there, I just ignored the prodding. (Revelation 3:19-20) Have you felt like God isn’t faithful to you? That no matter what you do, nothing is good enough for His rewards? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Spoiler Alert: If you believe in Jesus Christ, you’ve already received the greatest reward. (Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 3:24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-21284634417734220702019-12-18T04:00:00.000-05:002019-12-18T04:00:01.092-05:00How to find joy in your irrelevance.<div class="XzvDs _208Ie _1dH_e blog-post-text-font blog-post-text-color _2QAo- _25MYV _3ZX8L _1dH_e" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); direction: ltr; font-family: basic, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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Have you ever struggled with what your purpose in life may be? Or what your identity in this world is? Surely there’s got to be more than getting up, going to work, coming home, running errands, doing chores, and [fill in the blank]. There’s got to be a greater meaning and purpose than the mundane existence you call ‘life’. Right?!?</div>
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Maybe you question it daily. Maybe you’re constantly feeling inadequate, irrelevant and insecure. Maybe you’re lost and lonely. Or maybe you’re just trying to find some joy in your otherwise boring life.</div>
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<a href="https://ctt.ac/G7Cb0" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s1600/twitter.png" title="" /></a><span id="goog_192430839"></span><span id="goog_192430840"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When you shift your focus to one of unselfishness, a sense of fulfillment depletes the emptiness inside.</span></span></h3>
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When you stop concentrating on yourself (your insecurities, your failures, your hopelessness) and start concentrating on others, your sense of ‘me’ disappears. (Philippians 2:2-4) When you shift your focus to one of unselfishness, a sense of fulfillment depletes the emptiness inside.</div>
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We’re called to be servants to others. We each have a special gift to be used to help others. (1 Peter 4:10, Galatians 5:13-14) When we only use our gift for our own selfish gain, we will never feel complete. A part of us will always feel deficient and unhappy. When we surrender our pride for someone else’s gain, our desire to be relevant is quenched.</div>
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<h3 class="_3tkn1 _208Ie blog-post-header-three-font blog-post-header-three-color _2QAo- _1XrpH _1ucUg _1dH_e" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); direction: ltr; font-family: bree-w01-thin-oblique, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: center !important; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<a href="https://ctt.ac/Bl_de" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHopYZVRb75MVb7NQXIusNWleLIgxsTh5LrwYT6VSpasrlTUj2GoIU6JY7losd5Nugy37wzc2bs4c0sywDueAC5oRHQHZkbdwembMRc8atmw-yKMu25aIP9dY75WsaWwLHxGS70bjC4/s1600/twitter.png" /></a><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When we surrender our pride for someone else’s gain, our desire to be relevant is quenched.</span></h3>
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If you want to find your identity, you must be willing to let go and lose yourself. (Matthew 10:39, Mark 9:35) Your purpose in this world is to serve and help others. (Matthew 5:16, John 13:12-14, Acts 20:35, Galatians 5:14) What you do in this world to help those in need will erase your need for relevance. It is by what you do for others, that you will find your peace and joy with yourself. (Ecclesiastes 3:12, Galatians 6:9)</div>
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<h3 class="_3tkn1 _208Ie blog-post-header-three-font blog-post-header-three-color _2QAo- _1XrpH _1ucUg _1dH_e" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); direction: ltr; font-family: bree-w01-thin-oblique, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 30px; padding: 0px; text-align: center !important; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">By the work one knows the workman. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">– Jean do La Fontaine</span></span></h3>
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Can you think of a time when helping someone else ended up helping you? A time when you put your own stuff aside for the sake of others? How did you feel once you were finished? </div>
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-55575819294343136312019-11-30T05:30:00.000-05:002020-01-01T20:43:30.819-05:00Renewed and Reborn!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijd9TgcyHrLxAg2n0rg8Te9w7RSGHibMlS3ypR5kaDdzMMeRLdMbAxqLSrSBYevwwQ_pJHnqS_cmSdTbrdMBjWpoVMIzNnqUDiewTGJ266tXG5xzRU7oygKdJjrg27PF9lNNWZ0zYAwhU/s1600/Being+confident+of+this%252C+that+he+who+began+a+good+work+in+you+will+carry+it+on+to+completion+until+the+day+of+Christ+Jesus..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijd9TgcyHrLxAg2n0rg8Te9w7RSGHibMlS3ypR5kaDdzMMeRLdMbAxqLSrSBYevwwQ_pJHnqS_cmSdTbrdMBjWpoVMIzNnqUDiewTGJ266tXG5xzRU7oygKdJjrg27PF9lNNWZ0zYAwhU/s320/Being+confident+of+this%252C+that+he+who+began+a+good+work+in+you+will+carry+it+on+to+completion+until+the+day+of+Christ+Jesus..png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know it's been a while since you've seen an update. So, let me start by apologizing for the abandonment/hiatus. Our only excuse is that life got in the way... Because of your loyalty, I feel like I owe you an explanation as to what has happened...<br />
I published two young/new adult Christian romance novels (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sdthomascwc-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1640086919&asins=1640086919&linkId=a5e2305c58aaa4773fa631d418bd0d39&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff%22%3E%20%20%20%20%20%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Anticipation</a><span id="goog_175755892"></span><span id="goog_175755893"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1329097548"></span><span id="goog_1329097549"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sdthomascwc-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=164440091X&asins=164440091X&linkId=7de2b4f7391ee126e051fb05f8d936a9&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff%22%3E%20%20%20%20%20%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Proclamation</a>) in my Anticipation Trilogy, and am working [procrastinating] on the third (Redemption). Ginny had family obligations come up that she needed to tend to. Because of these obligations, she has stepped down from contributing to the blog.<br />
With these changes, the site and the blog (along with the social media pages) have been revamped. [Take a look around when you get a chance].<br />
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Now, to get real honest with you, my <i>life</i> has never been busier, so making the time to get back to blog writing is going to be exhausting. Allowing myself to step back from it was a (temporary) relief. But, God... He never really let me feel a peace about it. And the longer my time away from blogging, the harder my<i> life</i> seems to be. Everything𑁋and that's really not much of an exaggeration𑁋seems to go wrong. A simple task takes twice as long as it should. [You know the type of things...you throw a load of laundry in, the water shuts off. You finally decide to vacuum the house because the dog hair is overwhelming, and the power shuts off. (I promise, I pay my bills𑁋our neighborhood is just really good at prepping us for the apocalypse𑁋but that's another story😑). You break down and decide to upgrade your cell phone, and, not only does the store not have it in stock and they have it delivered to you, once it arrives, it malfunctions.] I realize these (recent) examples are certainly first-world problems𑁋but they are the type of frustrating things that <i>get to me</i>. They will make me lose my mind. <u>They are the things the devil uses to distract me.</u><br />
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We all have certain <i>things</i> that <i>distract</i> us. Distract us from our purpose. Distract us from our joy. Distract us from our God. And when we allow these distractions to interrupt our minds and our lives, we lose sight of Jesus. It's so easy [at least for me] to allow these frustrations to steal my joy in life and my joy in God. I get caught up in wallowing in the things that have gone wrong, that I forget to rejoice in all that has gone right. Let alone rejoice in those <i>wrong</i> things, too! (Romans 5:3-5, Colossians 1:11, James 1:2). [Need I mention that the 'happiest' book in the Bible is Philippians𑁋the book Paul wrote while he was in prison!] [And my sufferings certainly can't compare to imprisonment!] [<b><i style="text-decoration: underline;">I</i> </b><i>need to read that again...</i>]<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://ctt.ac/mXs6t" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAbM7Cq9HePvi6skI9mfWJqEciYPqRpIBs9lzdEb-QSPzSctgbeMGRH-uXW1lqcyC2c8fYZy_T9aDTEetZW4EPXYVsLrP5psZ0HTI5dsBUPn3E2paiwry8TSUvHfVjbzrFS7IepaxgJ4/s1600/twitter.png" title="" /></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"><b>We all have certain <i>things</i> that <i>distract</i> us. Distract us from our purpose. Distract us from our joy. Distract us from our God. And when we allow these distractions to interrupt our minds and our lives, we lose sight of Jesus. </b></span><br />
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Here's the thing about me: this year I've struggled with finding joy in <i>anything</i>, let alone in my sufferings... And it may sound cliché, or trite, or if you're a skeptic𑁋even as a scapegoat𑁋but I'm pretty sure I can pin my lack of joy in the fact that I've spent more time in my <i>life</i> this year, than I have in His Word. I have wandered aimlessly this entire year feeling lost; without purpose; without direction; without, quite frankly, God. And it pains me to confess that to you, to myself, and to God. [But He already knew it. And He's probably allowed𑁋or even put these <i>distractions</i>𑁋in my life to draw me back to Him.] (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20, Isaiah 45:7).<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://ctt.ac/2MN53" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1m29KP1TsI6__EhciQ4vG14b6b-GurNuc2vIxsEQo1X0B7kwJxAjhQpVHrEwVvCpRGR0NYQ1bfMf3mYNp1coAPHPb_Li-RpiYKDiytXaa8oKOaLf79lnWgO82vOjo5vDCcf5EiSqlr5Y/s1600/twitter.png" /></a><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">If He's pursued you, He's pursued you for a purpose. </span></b></blockquote>
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But here's the thing about God: He forgives!🙌 No matter what I've done [or not done], He will forgive and forget. (He'll do it for you, too!) Life always has a way of getting in the way. It has a way of distracting us from what really matters. But God... If He's pursued you, He's pursued you for a purpose. And maybe you've wandered away from Him at times, but He's never wandered from you. Repent and renew. (Acts 2:38) Jesus came to take away our sins. He came to make a better way for us. He came to release us from the sufferings of this world. He came for you. [And me].<br />
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Wherever you're at in your walk, in your faith, in this <i>life</i>... don't get distracted from Whom your life is for. But don't be so disheartened at where you're at, that you allow yourself to be stuck there. Take it from me, I've spent the better part of this year <i>stuck</i>. Accept His mercy and move on. Start over. From this moment on, live for Him, as He died for you. (Titus 3:3-7).<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Have you ever found yourself distracted? Stuck? What did you do to refocus and renew your mind? </blockquote>
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-72222492943966116122019-11-23T12:39:00.000-05:002019-11-23T12:39:19.651-05:00Love to Serve, Serve to Love<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuplD7IMwMEP5f8aS5VjD62H9b8SlRBXjTRyUqbHfQFw0ysVBTtKAJT9o26XvDcjPBj-nWMZHJkQfkV0hS8zeaARuey6_MeilTgE_gRVGZoTENCY-mtz_iMwHJ3l9SQlT_fhmB_U-MG8g/s1600/Love+to+Serve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuplD7IMwMEP5f8aS5VjD62H9b8SlRBXjTRyUqbHfQFw0ysVBTtKAJT9o26XvDcjPBj-nWMZHJkQfkV0hS8zeaARuey6_MeilTgE_gRVGZoTENCY-mtz_iMwHJ3l9SQlT_fhmB_U-MG8g/s1600/Love+to+Serve.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This was a missionary message to me. Let me explain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have always been insecure and felt inadequate around most
people. Those feelings didn't disappear when I began doing work for the Lord.
While I am much more confident than I used to be, I still question and second
guess myself frequently. I feel like I have so much to learn yet where Jesus is
concerned. I don't have all of the answers. I don't even know all of the
questions to ask. I haven't even read the Bible in its entirety- so how am I
qualified to teach anyone about God when I don't know all of the facts myself? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I struggled with this when God put it on my heart to
write my church newsletter, and again a few years later about starting this
blog. (And I won't even begin to tell you my struggles when He told me write young adult novels!) I just don't feel qualified to 'teach' anyone. I still have so many
questions, so many uncertainties, so many doubts. One of my biggest fears is
that I’ll push someone further from Christ because of my lack of knowledge. I
don't want to lose someone when I can't answer their questions. And I fear
they'll lose interest if I tell them I need to look it up and get back to them.
(You have no idea how many hours I spend looking things up for my writings
before I publish them. I don't have that luxury of time in a face to face
conversation.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Therefore, this verse speaks to me that it's okay not to
know it all. (And no one really knows it all but God anyway). (Job 21:22, Isaiah
40:13-14, Romans 11:33-34, 1 Corinthians 2:16, 1 John 3:20) But holding myself
back from telling others of Him isn't being like Him; which is what we are
called to be. What it all boils down to (and by 'all'- I mean quite literally
'all': this life, this world, the people surrounding us and our Walk with
Christ) is Love. You see, love is more important than knowledge. (Check your
Bible- the Word doesn't tell us to learn all we can; It tells us to love all we
can). True wisdom is measured by a person’s character, not by their knowledge.
(James 3:13, 17) and what greater character trait is there to have than being a
person filled with love? (1 John 4:7-8) The entire Bible is about, exemplifies
and commands love. (Matthew 22:37, 39; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9; - the verses are
virtually endless) From the beginning, God is Love. (1 John 3:11) His greatest
commandment of us is to love. (Matthew 22:37-40) It is through our Love for
God, that we are to love others, and we will serve them. Serving others can be
done through a multitude of outlets. Obviously it can be an act of service
(volunteering at a shelter or food bank). It can be through teaching (Bible
studies and Sunday school classes (and blogs)). It can be through counseling
(letting someone vent and cry). It can be done with many, and with few. And
even, I think, can be done alone. Praying for someone, in your time alone with God
is serving. (I personally have no doubt that because others prayed for me- when
I wasn't present- has saved and grown me in many ways). (After all, we don't
serve for recognition, so doing it without witnesses is a large sacrifice for
our pride). (Matthew 6:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Is it important to know all we can about the Lord?
Absolutely. But is it necessary to have all knowledge to serve Him and love
others? Absolutely not. (Proverbs 3:1-4). (Acts 20:35) We are on this earth for
a reason, and each person has their own specific calling from God. (Jeremiah
29:11, 2 Thessalonians 1:11, 1 Peter 4:10-11) Just because you aren't involved
in a big overseas mission to help spread His Word, doesn't mean your mission isn't
just as important. If God has placed something on your heart, there's a reason
for it; and He sees the need and urgency when we don't. You may not feel like
you're the most qualified person to do the job. You may not feel like you're
even in the top 90%. But God does. Remember, He doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies
the called. (James 2:5) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">His whole Law can be fulfilled by ‘Love’. (Galatians
5:13-14) Our whole reason for existing is to Love, God and others. And what
better way to love God, than to love His children? And to show our love for
both, is to serve them. (James 2:14-17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We are Christians, Christ-like. And what better way to be
like Christ, than to love those He loves (everyone) and to serve them? If Jesus
came to this world to serve, we should follow His lead. (Matthew 10:44-45, Mark
10:45, Philippians 2:1-8) (Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 2:2) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We needn’t worry about how much we know, we should worry
about how much love we show. (1 Timothy 3:13) (Hebrews 10:24) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-71866911488653964072017-12-23T06:21:00.000-05:002017-12-23T06:21:45.441-05:00The Greatest Gift...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWdYoBz4xXFAT7gF0AwSTEnL2t6z7HSPkoV1yXsVCWkE2gFZsH3nTDSf8rYUuYUJGy7JM84wq132FnqlbKq-ccTE8EhyjU-1ziuBaka3ifpIboF4JDncJgeNH0dDEPUZIUDchg_2nxNA/s1600/gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWdYoBz4xXFAT7gF0AwSTEnL2t6z7HSPkoV1yXsVCWkE2gFZsH3nTDSf8rYUuYUJGy7JM84wq132FnqlbKq-ccTE8EhyjU-1ziuBaka3ifpIboF4JDncJgeNH0dDEPUZIUDchg_2nxNA/s320/gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Christmas is the season for giving—to let others know that
you care. It’s the season where generosity and love spread farther than any
other time of the year. The purpose of the holiday is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;">love</span></i>. The purpose behind each
gift we buy is to show an appreciation for the person; to let them know that we
care and that they are in our heart. It’s about love. The Love that God showed
when He sent His Son to be born to us, and eventually die for us. It’s about
the love that encompasses us all when we’re thinking about those that we shop
and cook for, and the time we spend visiting others. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No matter religious (or nonreligious) beliefs, it seems that
almost everyone gives of themselves during this holiday, and typically, in ways
that they don’t throughout the other eleven months. And that is what it’s
about. What better way to show our Christ to people than to give; time, gifts, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">love</i>? But let us not forget that He is
the reason we do any of this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is it about Christmastime? It’s that we allow ourselves
to embrace the Christmas Spirit; His Spirit. We give, we share, we do; for this
short holiday season, we do what we’re supposed to do all year through: we love
as Christ loves. It’s Christmastime that we embody our namesake—Christ. It’s
Christmastime that we share the love. It’s Christmastime that we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">believe</i></b>.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
What if our problem throughout the year is that we don’t
really believe that Jesus <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Is</i></b> everything He Is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We doubt, we make excuses, we wander… God’s
promises never fail (Hebrews 6:18). God never fails us; we fail Him. We easily
celebrate Him at Christmastime, but what if we celebrated Him all year through?
It’s not God that disappears when Christmas is over, it’s us—our faith, our
trust, our love, our belief. Belief that He still remains. Belief that He still
promises. Belief that He still loves. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The greatest gift we could ever receive, we’ve already been
given. His Presence is our present. Jesus loves us so much that He gave up His
seat in Heaven to guarantee that we will have one. He gave up His throne, to be
born a man, to give His entire life to serve others, to die sacrificially for
us. There is no greater love. (John 3:16; John 15:13) <o:p></o:p></div>
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-53302468645259592172017-09-05T20:04:00.000-04:002017-09-11T20:05:18.856-04:00Patience in Trouble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf_WYxx1HvL7WDynhaur8tCvAoVkfQciwOGxazRrwbsF3SyqrVZuHe5BSWS1mAOssw12o6un3VzAnqCgAs8SjYjiSoGNePZx4B_lJ_a-dCeNLbwSxFkeC0IUYp2ZX-hLfI-cMxPXdvh0/s1600/Patient+in+Trouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf_WYxx1HvL7WDynhaur8tCvAoVkfQciwOGxazRrwbsF3SyqrVZuHe5BSWS1mAOssw12o6un3VzAnqCgAs8SjYjiSoGNePZx4B_lJ_a-dCeNLbwSxFkeC0IUYp2ZX-hLfI-cMxPXdvh0/s320/Patient+in+Trouble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The struggle is real. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all have struggles in life. Whether it’s at work, in our
marriage, with the kids, in our Spiritual life… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life</i> can just be overwhelming at times.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve, as of late, been struggling with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">balance</i>. Balancing being a wife, a friend, an employee, a newly
self-published author and a disciple of Christ. And if I’m being honest, I don’t
think I’m faring well. I feel like every part of my life is only getting a
subpar effort. And I’m exhausted. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What do you do when you feel like a failure and are
completely overwhelmed? Remain steadfast in your trust of the Lord (Psalm
119:31). No one is perfect. [Amen!] We all stumble at times. We may have full
seasons of stumbling, or we may just have a few moments. It may seem like all
we do is stumble—but the Lord holds our hands and keeps us from falling (Psalm
37:23-24). Ground your feet, and keep going (Psalm 24:16a). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take heart that God’s mercy never ends (Lamentations
3:22-23). We are typically our worst critics. But if God—the Creator, the
All-Mighty Judge—forgives us and takes mercy on us, why can’t we? Be patient
with yourself, as God is patient with you (Hebrews 10:35-36). Seek His counsel
(Number 32:23) to show you how to do/be better. Trust His Word. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me, I acknowledge the perspective of the ‘real world’
problems: poverty, hunger/starvation, threat of war, natural disasters, etc. These
are the things that make me feel insignificant and selfish. But as I watch the news
reports today bombarding me with reminders of 9/11 sixteen years ago and
hurricane damage, I am grateful for the struggles I have. Yes, there are people
that have it much worse than my very blessed life. But, it’s more than that. Our
struggles shape us. We are a work in progress (some days, we see more work than
progress) (Romans 5:3-5). When I feel like an utter failure at times, I gird my
feet and allow Him to fill in where I fail.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Romans 12:12: Be patient in trouble, and keep on
praying. [Amen!]</span><!--EndFragment-->
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-27761502718919882732017-08-09T06:00:00.000-04:002017-08-09T06:00:46.039-04:00Breathe In, Breathe Out...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih115LVkg4DMJQhyphenhyphen4-normhpUqxlzljHCoTHBxu8XXi5K7WmlBgivkuGFTBB_H7Ix5Ro9vgoT5kYeeCFZovbRRg-9x9ADgswYSSK1lj-4z9Fpit8y-wmmF8_8IcwntuasP007L6miAhl4/s1600/Breathe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih115LVkg4DMJQhyphenhyphen4-normhpUqxlzljHCoTHBxu8XXi5K7WmlBgivkuGFTBB_H7Ix5Ro9vgoT5kYeeCFZovbRRg-9x9ADgswYSSK1lj-4z9Fpit8y-wmmF8_8IcwntuasP007L6miAhl4/s320/Breathe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take a deep breath before you read: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>You will never be worthy
of Jesus’ love. You will never deserve His mercy and grace.</em></strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There, now that that’s out in the open, let go of the guilt
of never measuring up. Because the beauty of His sacrifice is that you don’t
have to. God’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). God’s grace is
omniscient (Psalm 147:5). God’s grace is circumferential (Psalm 34:18). God’s grace has made you worthy (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).
There is nothing you can do to earn it—it is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now take a deep breath and accept that you are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">enough</i>. You were created in the image of
God (Genesis 1:27) [Breathe that in for a moment]. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are not a failure because you failed. Nothing you have
ever done or will ever do will keep Him from loving you (Romans 8:29). God
created you on purpose, for a purpose (Psalm 139:13; Jeremiah 1:5). You don’t
surprise Him with who you are. <strong><em>You were intentional</em></strong>. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carrying the weight of guilt and shame leaves you feeling
exposed—naked—on display for the world to see. But you are not to be concerned with
what the world sees, you only need to concern yourself with what the Lord sees;
and He sees your heart (Luke 16:15). Don’t let the devil mislead you to believe
that you can’t have the best of what God has to offer (Genesis 3:1). He is a
liar and a manipulator (2 Corinthians 11:14). “Who told you that you were
naked?” (Genesis 3:11) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember when the disciples were in the boat and a storm raged
around them (right after Jesus fed the 5000)? (Mark 6:47-52) </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20170808T0709; mso-comment-reference: ST_1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They</span></a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
were “</span><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G928&t=KJV"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">toiling</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">”
among the storm. This word translated in Greek is “torment, test, pain,
torturous”. How many times have you felt tormented by your shame and guilt? But
notice what happened in the midst of the storm: Jesus <em>met</em> them (miraculously by
walking on water). But when the disciples saw Him, they were afraid. Even
though they’d <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just</i> witnessed His
miracle of feeding 5000, seeing Him walking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">on
water</i> towards them, they </span><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G349&t=KJV"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">cried
out</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> in fear. The translation is “to raise a cry from the depth of the throat.”
Have you ever been there? Have you ever been so fearful of what Jesus may think of
you that you didn’t realize He came out to meet you amidst your storm, too? Notice
His response: “Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid.” Not only did He comfort
them through words, <em><strong>He got into the boat with them</strong></em>. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sweet friends, let Jesus into your boat and into your heart.
Let go of that guilt and shame you’re carrying around. Exhale it all out. Jesus
carried it to the Cross, and with His last breath, He let it go (Hebrews
12:2-3). You can, too. Your sins are </span><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G863&t=KJV"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">forgiven</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
(Luke 7:48-49). The Greek translation of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">forgiven</i>
is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aphiemi</i>; it is also used for the
English word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">suffer</i>. We are forgiven
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aphiemi</i>) because Christ suffered (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aphiemi</i>). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We are <em>One</em> with Jesus</b> (John 17:21; 1 Corinthians 6:17; Galatians
3:28).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Allow that thought to sink into the depths of your soul. Allow yourself to forgive yourself, just as He has forgiven you. Allow yourself to <em>breathe</em>...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Timothy 1:9: <span style="background: white; color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not
because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. ”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--></span>S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-67229757051121378082017-07-17T12:02:00.001-04:002019-11-23T18:33:35.723-05:00Winning the Battle Against the Enemy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVofxMotFVRdcWPmlf3VpOBAgK-ltssutMJjCdbicyWN9G6LbT67fNVobYWoHfnwpVVmY1PbNLMKHAduLMVwCsWtUEHkcBkAoSs7uz60gtcZv3f-WPPd3XeKxLCys9vvHRty5dntl2-o/s1600/CwC.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Engaging in warfare against the enemy. " border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVofxMotFVRdcWPmlf3VpOBAgK-ltssutMJjCdbicyWN9G6LbT67fNVobYWoHfnwpVVmY1PbNLMKHAduLMVwCsWtUEHkcBkAoSs7uz60gtcZv3f-WPPd3XeKxLCys9vvHRty5dntl2-o/s320/CwC.jpg" title="Engage in Warfare" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“The devil made me do it.” It’s a tale as old as time (see
Genesis 3:13). When bad things happen, we quickly blame the devil. We use him
as a scapegoat, but in actuality, the bad things <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> from him. He is in constant battle against God for our souls. Not
because he cares for us so much (or at all really) but because he hates God
that much. When you have those moments—those days that everything seems to go
wrong—can <span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: black; padding: 0in;">I offer you a bit of insight?
Don't take it too personally. Satan isn't after you, per se. He's after God. He
knows the love that the Father has for us, and that the only way to hurt our
All Mighty God, is to hurt our relationship with Him. And he does that by
attacking us in our daily lives. (Ephesians 6:12)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’m not typically one to jump on the ship of blaming the enemy.
Mostly because I don’t want to give him the credit—I don’t want him to feel
that important or to think that he’s affected me that much. But unfortunately, yesterday
was not one of those times. He managed to deflate my excitement in a quick
moment. The conversation went from elation to deflation in less than three
seconds. It took all I had not to cry. And as soon as I got alone, that’s
exactly what I did: cry. I hate those moments. I hate giving in to his deceit. And
that’s what it is: deceit. (see Genesis 3:1- the serpent was the most
[cunning, shrewdest, crafty, subtle, skilled in deceit]) </span><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; padding: 0in;">He is a liar and a thief. (John
8:44; John 10:10) He seeks to destroy God by destroying us. Don't allow
him the satisfaction. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The enemy
will attempt to deceive you, tempt you and accuse you. To help protect yourself
from the enemy’s attacks, read more about the Armor of God to prepare yourself
for the battle. (Ephesians 6:10-18). Gird your waist with </span><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G225&t=KJV" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">truth</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:
this means to have a true heart, unwavering resolve/allegiance [Side note: the
belt was the last piece of armor attached by the Roman soldier—it symbolizes
that having a pure heart for God will hold the rest of the armor together]. Put
on the breastplate of </span><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G1343&t=KJV" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">righteousness</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:
this means integrity, acting and thinking in purity to guard our heart. Shod
your feet with the preparation of the gospel of </span><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G1515&t=KJV" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">peace</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:
the Word of God is to be our footwear—it will keep you grounded and protect you—it
will be your foundation. (Matthew 7:24-25). Take the shield of </span><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G4102&t=KJV" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">faith</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">…to
quench all the fiery darts: when we are drenched in faith, the shield will stop
the devil’s fire from spreading when we get hit with a ‘dart’. [Soldiers would
light the arrows on fire before firing them- Roman soldiers would douse their
shields in flame retardant material to keep their shields (and themselves) from
catching fire]. Take the helmet of </span><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G4992&t=KJV" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">salvation</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:
keeping your mind focused on your promised eternity will remind you that you
are not (and never will be) alone in this battle (Deuteronomy 31:6). And the
sword of the </span><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G4151&t=KJV" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spirit</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">,
which is the </span><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G4487&t=KJV" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Word</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
of God: [the only offensive piece of the armor] that represents the individual
passages (not Bible as a whole). The Bible is full of many different weapons,
depending on the need: it is not one weapon, but an arsenal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My </span><a href="http://www.wordoflightcc.com/our-volunteers.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> summed up
the Armor perfectly last Sunday as:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 59.3pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Stand</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> in undivided devotion... Belt of
truth<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 59.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Live</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> righteously against sin... Breastplate of Righteousness<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 59.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Walk</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> in sureness and boldness... Shoes of Gospel of Peace<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 59.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Guard</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> every thought and give it to God, before it inflames... Shield of
Faith<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 59.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Know</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> you are His, know every work counts eternally... Helmet of
Salvation<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 59.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Learn</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> your weapons of war with each Word of God... Sword of the Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Staying
grounded in God’s Word will help you fight the deception. It will also help you
grow in your walk with Him, which will help you overcome his traps of
temptation. (Matthew 26:41, James 4:7) Having God’s Word written on our hearts
and in our minds will help fend off the accusations (lies). His condemnation is
futile when you have accepted Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:17) The war is raging
around us. In order to gain victory with Jesus, we must engage and suit up in our
armor. (2 Timothy 2:3-4). </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-88214452612729021192017-07-03T10:34:00.003-04:002017-07-03T10:34:51.762-04:00Let Freedom Ring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYB36_Cp-gqsTqgfm4iGrSGmQN3qvS2CuhTUpdMAx_rVMDTTeiYlqjxdkU1dJUBJ4nV-olzrBSdZTwYxlYQdqBsH1QhyphenhyphenQcJVgBIZ7WLPuDz79y9diFWmyvKttvhgpnrgTmrJ_mhuJ_9Q/s1600/Let+Freedom+Ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="711" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYB36_Cp-gqsTqgfm4iGrSGmQN3qvS2CuhTUpdMAx_rVMDTTeiYlqjxdkU1dJUBJ4nV-olzrBSdZTwYxlYQdqBsH1QhyphenhyphenQcJVgBIZ7WLPuDz79y9diFWmyvKttvhgpnrgTmrJ_mhuJ_9Q/s400/Let+Freedom+Ring.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a long holiday weekend for many. [It’s been an even
longer ‘holiday’ for me, as I’ve been on a five-week hiatus from my ‘day job’
to pursue my writing.] This holiday is about celebrating America’s birthday—our
Independence Day; our freedoms—life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. [The
irony for me is that my ‘independence’ ends Wednesday. I go back to ‘real life’.
But—that doesn’t mean my life, liberty and pursuit of happiness in Jesus ends.]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you realize this country was founded on Biblical values? I’m
not looking for a debate regarding whether the founding fathers were
Christians, or how many times the Declaration of Independence mentions a ‘Creator’,
the display of the Ten Commandments to shape our laws, the fact that
legislature and government didn’t count/work Sundays, etc. I’m talking about
looking at the mere principle—the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one</i></b> thing America prides itself on,
both sides of the political aisle spout, and what causes terrorist nations to
hate us: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Freedom</i></b>. Do you ever think about how the Creator of the
Universe, the One that spoke it into creation, gave <u>us</u> humans (created
in His image) the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">choice</i> to love Him?
The One who can do anything, refuses to force us to love Him? He gives us free
will—the power of choice. Adam and Eve had a choice in the garden—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i> have a choice now. (Deuteronomy
30:19-20) Not to mention, Jesus came to save the world (John 3:17)—to break (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">free</i>) our chains from the bondage of
sin. (Romans 6:15-23)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And just as many (most) Americans take our freedom for
granted in this nation, so do we Christians in Jesus. We allow our sins (we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> have them) to keep us bound to this
world. (Romans 12:2) We are to be showing others Who Jesus is, yet all we
manage to do is show them that we fail at being Christ-like daily—not just in
the things we do and say, but also in the things we don’t do and say… We are to
be Jesus to the world, with our lives. (Ephesians 5:1-2). Everything that we
have (our time, our tools, our gifts, our money) are to be used for His good—not
our own. Jesus gave up His will for our Father’s—why would we think we are any
different? (Matthew 26:39, John 4:34, 5:19, 6:38). We need to stop focusing on
ourselves, and focus on God and others. (Matthew 22:36-40, Mark 12:30-31) This
world needs Jesus—but it has <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i></b>… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i></b> are responsible for
showing them Who He Is. Being a Christian doesn’t just mean you get to sit back
and receive His grace and do nothing else. It means you get out there and do—you
show others Who Jesus Is. Galatians 5:13: You were not saved to sit; you were
saved to serve. If Jesus gave up everything to come to this Earth to serve us,
and we claim to be Christians, who are we to think we don’t have to follow His
lead and reciprocate? (Matthew 20:27-28; Mark 10:45; Hebrews 9:14)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes—we are free to choose whether or not we believe (and
want to follow) God… But, as a true believer in Christ, our choice is whether
to believe Jesus was/is Who He claimed/s to be. Once we choose to follow Him, we
accept not only our Salvation from Him, but also our duties. (Matthew 16:24-26,
Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23; John 12:26; James 2:17). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We should be spreading the ideals of life, liberty and
pursuit of happiness—in Jesus—across the Earth…Let Freedom Ring! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVVbSXz7jaU">Let
Freedom Ring: Gaither Band</a><o:p></o:p></div>
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-64702925486620810432017-05-30T19:30:00.000-04:002017-05-23T18:56:04.592-04:00(Un)Answered Prayers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmAe0pWGjQyc7VVCPoxPWygz-a1rr93Wap-JLU3LM6kuArQ_NNqBL796P72FtVBMQQWmJW5-lnfpFLoA7CXJDeURWxpWcQIUN_U65Zia1PyRmsb52Fd6eAzQILny0v7Z8dumuQ-hytoM/s1600/prayer+journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmAe0pWGjQyc7VVCPoxPWygz-a1rr93Wap-JLU3LM6kuArQ_NNqBL796P72FtVBMQQWmJW5-lnfpFLoA7CXJDeURWxpWcQIUN_U65Zia1PyRmsb52Fd6eAzQILny0v7Z8dumuQ-hytoM/s640/prayer+journal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was going back through some old Bible study notes the
other day, looking for a specific quote for a friend, and while I paged through
my book with all my notes, I came across multiple pages of prayer requests that
I had written down during my studies. Ashamedly, I was amazed at the multiple
requests that God had answered; and saddened at the reminder of some that He
didn’t, at least to our desire, answer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Have you ever gone back through past memories, notes, prayer
journals, etc. that you poured your heart out to God over and compared the
answers He gave to your requests? It’s amazing when you take the time to see
that He does listen to each prayer you take to Him. I was overwhelmed when I saw
a loved one’s name that we prayed for for their Salvation and quit taking drugs;
and now he’s saved, drug free and working on repairing his marriage. God is so
Good! And then there were requests that didn’t go the way we’d hoped— divorce, disease,
death—heartaches. And there are some that we’ve been praying over for years…
Why the inconsistency? Why the silence? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We may never understand why God seems to answer our prayers,
and seems to ignore others. But we are reminded that His thoughts are not our
thoughts; His ways are not our ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9) He sees things in a
different way than we do. (Psalm 147-:5, 1 John 3:19-20) <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God is not
locked in time like we are. Don’t lock Him in that box. </span>God is eternal,
infinite, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. We’ll never fully understand
the “why’s” of the evil around us; but we can trust He does. (Job 13:15)<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Remember
Job? Wow- can you imagine? His life was everything he could have ever asked
for; and it was suddenly taken away from Him (his children, his wife, his
possessions, his health…). Naturally he questioned God; he was angry; hurt;
bewildered… but he NEVER lost faith in the Lord. </span>(<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Job 1:21)<span class="text"> ‘Bad’ things don’t mean that God is “indifferent, uncaring, unjust
or powerless to protect us. Bad things happen because we live in a fallen
world, where both believers and unbelievers are hit with the tragic
consequences of sin. God allows evil for a time although He turns it around for
our good. (Romans 8:28)” (Tyndale Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation;
footnote Job 42:17)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">So now, taking into account the ‘bad’ things
in this world; how much worse would they be without Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine when you are lost; distraught;
grieving- where would you be; what would you have; without Him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is there with us through the pain. (Isaiah
43:2) God loves us. (John 3:16, Romans 5:8) We can’t, at least I can’t, truly
comprehend the Love He had for you and me, to do this. Christ gave His Life,
for the ‘language’ I spew; for the lies I’ve told; for the anger and bitterness
and pride I hold in my heart; for every bad decision I have made, and sadly,
will continue to make. How? Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, maybe we shouldn’t constantly question why
He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lets </i>‘bad’ things happen. Maybe we
should praise Him for the ‘good’ He does allow. We deserve all the evil that
comes down to us. We deserve to be condemned to Hell. (Romans 3:10-18)</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Thank God He doesn’t give us
what we deserve. Thank God He forgives. Thank God He IS! Question Him no more. Thank
Him; trust Him; Love Him. And praise Him for the prayers He does answer to our
desire. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and
lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He
will make your paths straight.” John 16:33 (NLT) <span class="text">“<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup></span><span class="woj">I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on
earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have
overcome the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span class="woj"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">May I ask you to take a moment and reflect on
your prayers, and see where God has answered? Then take a moment to thank Him
and praise Him for His faithfulness. If you’re comfortable enough, we’d love to
hear those answered prayers. We all need a little reminder and encouragement of
how good God is.</span></span></span></div>
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-68906641646091562622017-03-14T02:30:00.000-04:002017-03-14T02:30:07.472-04:00"Church"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIvyklcG4brVDAXnfRdcAhfgJPXuDjCibp9gXzyNYD-v11G5XeWI2dGoff4oggkIMqXaLeClz0lG_YF5pNZ-x5kQ5rOZbXb4_SsRGXJB4pTCzStIUWYZMmCYERruaxegBc8pMNac_cao/s1600/Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIvyklcG4brVDAXnfRdcAhfgJPXuDjCibp9gXzyNYD-v11G5XeWI2dGoff4oggkIMqXaLeClz0lG_YF5pNZ-x5kQ5rOZbXb4_SsRGXJB4pTCzStIUWYZMmCYERruaxegBc8pMNac_cao/s400/Moon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Daylight
saving time began this weekend; we just had a full moon; </span>my church is currently
only having night services; I have anxieties about driving at night—especially
in weather elements; I’ve had a minor illness that basically sidelined me from
many activities: these are all details you need to understand the following
entry… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I [finally] went to church Sunday night; my first time at a
service since Christmas Eve (and just to be clear—I was a regular attendee
prior to the holiday). Why am I telling you this? Because I think it’s
important to stress the need for church attendance and fellowship with other
Christians. Truthfully, most, if not all of us could list the many reasons (excuses)
we can’t/don’t/won’t attend church. I know I can (and I did list a couple up
above). But do we really consider the reasons of why we should be going to
church?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Church is a place where believers can come together to
worship (Hebrews 12:28), hear His Word (Acts 2:42) and be encouraged (and
encourage others) (Hebrews 3:13), be of service (Galatians 5:13). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hebrews 10:25) We need each other, and
consequently, others need us. (Hebrews 10:24, 1 Corinthians 12:12-29).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can tell you that for me, I need “church”. I need the
discipline. I need to fellowship (this coming from someone that isn’t too fond
of people!). I need it all. For the weeks I was inactive in church, I wasn’t
necessarily inactive with God. I continued to pray; I read His Word; I tried to
follow Him. But… Those weeks were weary and dreary. I stopped hearing Him. I
lost the desire to read my Bible habitually. My prayers were more routine than
anything. My craving to continue my ministry (you haven’t read a CWC in a
while, have you?) diminished. My marriage went deep into a valley. And I contracted
my virus. Did these things happen because I wasn’t going to church? Maybe;
maybe not. We all have spells where our studies and prayers suffer; our
marriages and relationships are hard; our calling seems distant; illnesses
creep in. But… I truly think that some of this was brought on because I lacked
the discipline and fellowship of church. I felt like I was on the brink of a
nervous breakdown. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then…”church”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not saying that God worked a complete miracle in one
sermon, though He could complete a miracle in less time. My Pastor joked that
once daylight saving time came, and the days were longer, he expected to see me
at church again. I prayed—how can I proclaim to love and trust Jesus with my
life, but not my driving? And so I went to church. It was daylight for my
entire drive there. The sermon was the beginning of a series on marriage;
obviously a message still relevant in my life considering the valley my husband
and I were climbing out of recently. I spent some time before and after service
talking with fellow believers. And my drive home, at 8:30pm? Lit up like a
night light guiding me home was the moon. (I love how God works; and winks.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not saying the anxieties are at bay and the stress is
gone, but I will tell you I have a little more peace today than I have had in a
long time. And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>that</u></i></b> I can promise is because of “church”; and the
faithful Witness in the sky…<o:p></o:p></div>
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-3832491910892348212016-12-14T04:00:00.000-05:002016-12-14T04:00:12.631-05:00It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year All Year...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmpxADxJ_2T4QgFVcqsb5nMl8-whefOHf-mIoy-gPaie6ZID044APl1ueP_l6B9NRZVfeDvcaNZBDusI210HgKGsKZ58uLrPkxp5rxjNfNCdCOvHuzV6yZ8mW0_aeEKX3JhPb53o1068/s1600/jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmpxADxJ_2T4QgFVcqsb5nMl8-whefOHf-mIoy-gPaie6ZID044APl1ueP_l6B9NRZVfeDvcaNZBDusI210HgKGsKZ58uLrPkxp5rxjNfNCdCOvHuzV6yZ8mW0_aeEKX3JhPb53o1068/s320/jesus.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #300404;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">it’s almost
Christmas. Can you believe it?!?! I love this time of year. The caroling, the
gift-giving, the baking, the movies… I want to take time off work to just
Fa-La-La! I wait all year long for this holiday. This is the holiday we, as
Christians, should be preparing for the entire year. Not in the decorating,
baking and shopping, but in the serving and loving. But are we? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #300404;">I recently spoke with
the Director of a local charitable organization about the number of children
and families they assist in my town. It broke my heart. 150 families are fed by
them monthly. This year, 61 children were signed up on their Christmas blessing
list (similar to Salvation Army’s Angel Tree). Another 60+ were signed up
through Secret Santa in our town. That’s almost 130 kids that weren’t going to
have much on Christmas morning to open. Yes, I know, that’s not what Christmas
is about…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">but</i></span><span style="color: #300404;">… How does that not touch
you in some way? Thankfully, they were fully sponsored. His office was filled
with garbage bags loaded with presents. There were bags of coats, candy and
blankets scattered throughout. I saw three bikes in the mix. It’s these moments
that truly do make it feel like the most wonderful time of the year…But what
about after Christmas? Unfortunately, those families don’t simply overcome
their need. Those children inevitably need more than the few clothes they
received from the strangers that purchased them. Where are we Christians after
Christmas? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #300404;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">It's these thoughts
that cause my emotions to run rampant this time of year. I think of the senior
citizens that have no family that come to visit them. I think of the people
that will spend the holiday alone; the children that won’t get any gifts; the
people that won’t get a special dinner (if they even get a dinner); the animals
in the shelters; the children waiting for foster or adopted parents…sadly, the
list goes on… <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #300404;">Jesus is the reason we
celebrate this season, but there’s a reason for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i></b></span><span style="color: #300404;"> after the season. God
placed all of us here for a reason. (Jeremiah 29:11) Do you know what your
reason is? If you have a song, sing it; if you have a gift, give it; if you
have a prayer, pray it. (1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Peter 4:10)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #300404;">Last month’s holiday [should
have] humbled us by our blessings and filled us with gratitude; now is the time
to be a blessing and fill others with gratitude. But don’t just stop on
December 25. Continue into the New Year and beyond. It’s about the love of <i>Christ</i></span><span style="color: #300404;">,
</span><i><span style="color: #300404;">Christ</span></i><span style="color: #300404;">ians, at </span><i><span style="color: #300404;">Christ</span></i><span style="color: #300404;">mas…<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Philippians
2:1-18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Be
Like Christ<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation
of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love,
united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty
conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than
yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also
for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also
in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard
equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form
of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in
appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of
death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him,
and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name
of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under
the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
the glory of God the Father.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">12
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence
only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and
trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for
His good pleasure.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">14
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove
yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the
midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in
the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I
will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. 17
But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and
service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge
you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-90110856023792118152016-11-23T03:30:00.000-05:002016-11-22T15:29:32.306-05:00Happy Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv1FCKjqCOeTHku78GOwTIV1N-towWZ1o95uJhdjxlpqQQWZLmmoJC2MC8mPGJMGersunioM-Q77bIlakiYgZbOhgfr2kQ5lNQeqezkRRww0PvIawxBRd7g5djmZpi9EwryRPZHqGrmE/s1600/xgiv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv1FCKjqCOeTHku78GOwTIV1N-towWZ1o95uJhdjxlpqQQWZLmmoJC2MC8mPGJMGersunioM-Q77bIlakiYgZbOhgfr2kQ5lNQeqezkRRww0PvIawxBRd7g5djmZpi9EwryRPZHqGrmE/s320/xgiv.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">With this being the Thanksgiving holiday, I honestly have to
say that I am most thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I apologize for the cliché,
and the triteness of how that sounds, but when I look around at this fallen
world, I am so incredibly thankful that it is temporary and it is not the
ultimate end. I honestly don’t know how non-Christians can crawl out of bed
every day with all that goes on around us. My hats off to them for being able
to go through this life, but my heart breaks for them for all that they are
missing. Obviously, being a Christian doesn’t guarantee an easy life (typically
quite the opposite) (John 16:33), however it offers so much hope for what waits for us and
gives us such a peace with our surroundings that it makes it a little bit
easier to accept this world, as is, for now; knowing that it is only temporary,
and the pain, no matter how great, is nothing compared to the greatness of what’s
coming. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I attended a funeral the other day; and many of the family in
mourning are not Saved. The heaviness I felt in that room was smothering. I
felt such a burden on my heart for their pain and emptiness. It’s moments like
these that overwhelm me with gratitude that I won’t ever have that engulfing
emptiness that they were feeling. I know that no matter what loss I face, I will
still never be alone. (Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:13, Hebrews 13:5) That’s
what I’m most thankful for. Jesus took all of my sin; my suffering, my pain,
and in complete and total emptiness and loneliness, He made me free and saved
me from the wickedness of this world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I ask that, before you enjoy your holiday meal, you give thanks to God for His Salvation, His
Grace and His Mercy. And I ask that you take an extra moment to pray for those
that don’t understand or know of all that He has to offer. And then open your eyes,
ears, heart and mind to see where you can help introduce them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We are beyond blessed with all of the treasures that we
have. But most importantly, we are beyond blessed for our greatest treasure of
all: Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">1 Chronicles 16:34, Psalm 7:17, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 95:10, Psalm
100:4, Psalm 106:1-2, Colossians 3:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I pray you have a wonderful, filling, blessed Thanksgiving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-83811667576921253942016-11-15T10:46:00.002-05:002016-11-15T10:46:38.177-05:00Blood Ballot
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oEKvTYSSPEZzat-673cJODnDX8La1_ChU-wsBLkwT_AFbopohV9CUZkE2jaUU8p6uSvnoe0vL4rAbCXetviBBV2kti-Xyr7Lfas4VXjCXLt5PNDEwk_bC47lCxeSu_RIlC9s1GEw7s4/s1600/BloodBallot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oEKvTYSSPEZzat-673cJODnDX8La1_ChU-wsBLkwT_AFbopohV9CUZkE2jaUU8p6uSvnoe0vL4rAbCXetviBBV2kti-Xyr7Lfas4VXjCXLt5PNDEwk_bC47lCxeSu_RIlC9s1GEw7s4/s320/BloodBallot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a week since our ballots were cast. It’s been a
long, exhausting election cycle. We’re all tired, of it all. Keep that in mind
in the next few months through this transition and the current turmoil.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With all of this unrest in our Nation, we need to find our
peace in Jesus. Regardless of our political views, we need to remember the big
picture: people need Jesus. We need to face this disunity in the United States
with the only thing that’s important: showing the love of Christ and getting
them to the Cross. Your political views mean nothing—you represent Who Jesus
Christ is to the world, unashamed. That is your sole (soul) mission. What is
coming for eternity is more important than any ruler in the next four years.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are they seeing Him by the way you’re acting, or have acted,
through this election cycle? In your support for one candidate over
another—have you done so in love? Our Nation has been divided over the past few
years (many could argue it’s always been divided); which side of the argument
are you? I don’t mean politically or socially—I mean spiritually. Because if
you’re letting any anger or bitterness in the outcome take hold, you’re not
winning anyone to Christ. And that’s the real (and only) objective. We could
all be called Home tomorrow, is this (or any) argument worth leaving people
behind or even you being left behind? “Let God deal with the things they do,
because hate in your heart will consume you, too.” (Thank you Will Smith) [1
John 3:15]</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I dare say that the extremists on either side of the
political aisle don’t represent the majority of the actual people that voted
that way. But the one thing they all have in common is that they are in
desperate need of Jesus. Jesus flipped tables (Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-18)
because of the disrespect of the Temple; He didn’t flip people. He loved
people. We’re missing the whole point. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember, we are blessed to live in the United States of
America. Many people across the world would love to have a choice in their
leaders. They would love to be able to speak out and assemble against their
leaders. They would love to be able to speak out about their beliefs in Christ.
We take our freedoms for granted. We ARE ‘One Nation under God, indivisible…’
we best remember that united we stand, or divided we will fall. When you look
back on our country’s history, we have been through 57 (I think I counted that
right) Presidential elections, and we’ve made it through each of them. We will
make it through this one as well. We’ve made it through war, disease, civil
liberties and social justice; we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i>
get through this period, too. Your neighbor, coworker, friend, family member
that voted differently from you is also a child of God, your brother/sister in
Christ; and above all else, that is more important than the ballot they cast. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Regardless for whom you voted, please continue to pray for each
of our leaders: for protection like Daniel, guidance like Moses, wisdom like
Solomon and love like David. And remember that no matter who our President is,
Jesus is our King; our one true Ruler. (Psalm 22:28, Psalm 103:19) So pray that
President-Elect Trump allows Jesus to reign. Then we’ll all win. (Romans 13:7,
1 Timothy 2:1-3)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Verses to Remember and Study:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Judgment:</b>
Matthew 7:1-5, Luke 6:37-42, John 8:1-8, Romans 2:1-3, James 4:11-12 <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Love:</b> Matthew
22:39, John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 13:13, Ephesians 4:2, 1 Peter 4:8,1 John 4:7-8<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Loving your enemy:
</b>Proverbs 10:12, Matthew 5:44-47, Mark 12:31, Luke 6:27, Luke 6:31-36, Romans
12:14 <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Government:</b>
Romans 13:1-7, Titus 3:1, 1 Peter 2:13-17<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Unity:</b> Mark 3:24,
1Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 6:12<o:p></o:p></span><br />
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725957504100123566.post-68216413478896859122016-11-01T02:30:00.000-04:002016-11-01T02:30:03.787-04:00Questioning the Unquestionable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is it wrong to question God when bad things happen? It’s so
easy to sit on our self-built pedestal and shake our fist at God when these
things happen to us, or others around us. We ask Him “Why me/them?”, “How could
you allow this to happen?”, “If you’re so loving, why didn’t you stop this
pain?” In His Omniscience (Psalm 147:5, 1 John 3:20) He knew what would happen;
in His Omnipotence (Job 9:4-10, Isaiah 40:28), He could’ve done something about
it. But He chooses to use these times to grow us, and draw us closer to Him. (</span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/James%201.2-4" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">James 1:2-4</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,
</span><a data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Rom 5.3-5" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Rom%205.3-5" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Romans 5:3-5</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,
</span><a data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1 Pet 5.10-11" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/1%20Pet%205.10-11" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Peter
5:10-11</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span><a data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="James 1.12" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/James%201.12" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">James 1:12</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span><a data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="2 Cor 12.9-10" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/2%20Cor%2012.9-10" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Corinthians
12:9-10</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span><a data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1 Pet 1.6-7" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/1%20Pet%201.6-7" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Peter 1:6-7</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">). Character and strength
have never formed without struggle, risk, sacrifice, and even loss and
suffering. Our weakness and desperation have caused many of us to abandon
ourselves, in search of the only One who can save us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we question
God’s actions, and why He has allowed things to occur as they have in our
lives, it is understood and even appreciated by Jesus, who has been there as
well. He is hurting with you—but when we accuse God in bitterness and unbelief,
when we hold Him accountable, and question His very Character, we have now
crossed the line, in our own self-righteousness and sin. For reasons we may or
may not understand on this earth, He has chosen a path that is exactly what we
need.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Job (Job 13:3,</span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Job 23:3-4, Job 24:1), Habakkuk
(Habakkuk 1:2-3), even John the Baptist (Luke 7:20) questioned Him. </span>We
can question Him; cry out to Him; complain to Him—but never attack His heart or
character. In our questioning, let us not forget that He is also Omnipresent (Psalm
139:7-10, Proverbs 15:3) and Omnibenevolent (Psalm 106:1, Mark 10:18). We’re
not alone in our tough times—He is always with us. (Matthew 28:20) And
everything we go through is for a greater good for us, and others. He will use
it to our and His benefit. (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
S.D. Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341581989328919976noreply@blogger.com0