tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40958081238950299212024-03-07T19:34:03.850-08:00Real LifeMessages to challenge, encourage and lead you back to your Bible. Please hold me accountable. Challenge my understanding of scripture; make me better!Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-58140843647786369552012-06-25T13:03:00.001-07:002012-06-25T13:04:04.262-07:00Please feel free to revist any of the many previous messages. I will no longer update this blog. God has led me on to other avenues.Thank you for your many weeks or years of faithful following. I appreciate you and hope you have been blessed in some way.<br />
<br />Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-61276683417817527162012-06-18T05:00:00.000-07:002012-06-18T12:26:37.976-07:00A Life of Thankfulness or a Life of Frustration?<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then God said, "Let Us make man in
Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of
the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all
the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." </span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4095808123895029921" name="en-NASB-27" rel="nofollow"></a></span><span style="font-size: large;">God created man (in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. </span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4095808123895029921" name="en-NASB-28" rel="nofollow"></a></span><span style="font-size: large;">God
blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill
the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over
the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the
earth." </span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then God said, "Behold, I have given
you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth,
and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; </span><span style="font-size: large;"> and
to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every
thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green
plant for food"; and it was so. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Imagine this setting from the first chapter of Genesis. God had
created everything for the joy and the benefit of the choicest of His
creation.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">The LORD God commanded the
man, saying, "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from
the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the
day that you eat from it you will surely die." </span> </span><span style="color: black;">Genesis 2:16</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="color: white;">
The vast forest of trees were give to man with only one single tree being set aside as unavailable to them.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">They heard the
sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and
the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God
among the trees of the garden.</span></span> <span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">Genesis 3:8</span></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="color: white;">
In addition to all of man's physical needs being met, God's presence was consistent and obviously available.</div>
<div style="color: white;">
How is it that our world has ended up where
is has when so much was provided to the advantage of maintaining the
spiritual nature of mankind?</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">Now the
serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God
had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall
not eat from any tree of the garden'?"</span></b> </span><span style="color: black;">Genesis 3:1</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: white;">
OK, so here is the real question. Adam
personally knew his Creator; had an intimate relationship with his God
but, nevertheless, listened to the liar!</div>
<div style="color: white;">
How did this happen?<br />
</div>
<div style="color: white;">
A better question perhaps is: if Adam couldn't resist what chance do I have?</div>
<div style="color: white;">
It is vitally important for us to see the
entire picture painted in the beginning chapters of the history of God's
dealing with man.</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
What do you think enabled Satan to "get a word in edgewise" with one so aware of God's presence and provision?<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
What more could Adam have wanted if totally left by himself, with no outside influence?</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Allow me to bring this home personally.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Adam had acres and acres of provision. <br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13390270799601622">
<b>How often do you thank God for the things and the people he has given you?</b>
Adam had lost his gratitude for the things and the people that he had
had. This left a huge opening for the enemy to present additional
options.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Adam had immediate and real access to the Living God on a current basis. He grew in-sensitized to the ready presence.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>When was the last time you treated your God like He was treasured and that His current presence made a difference for you?</b><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Adam listened to the enticing discussion.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>What do you listen to the most? Do you ever hear from
Him? Are the enticing invitations of fame, wealth, success, happiness,
security louder than the sweet, soft voice of the Great Lover of your
soul?</b><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Adam choose to try the tree!<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>What is your tree? God has given you acres and acres of permissible "trees" but there is always that one! </b><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I encourage you to hear His voice, walk with Him continually and offer to Him the thanksgiving due!</div>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-25036233160703181952012-06-11T05:00:00.000-07:002012-06-11T05:00:18.124-07:00Answered PrayerHe simply could not understand.<br />
<br />
For months; no, for
years now, he had been asking God to do something! His frustration with
the things he continued to see had grown unbearable. Day after day he
had prayed; day after day things grew worse.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How long, O Lord, will I call for help and You will not hear?</span></b></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I cry out to You, "violence", yet You do not save!<br />Why do You make me see iniquity and cause me to look at wickedness?<br /><br />Yes, destruction and violence are before me;<br />Strife exists and contention arises.</span></b></div>
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Therefore, the law is ignored and justice is never upheld.</span><br style="color: black;" /><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">For the wicked surround the righteous;</span><br style="color: black;" /><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">Therefore, justice is perverted.</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
Honestly
laying out his frustration brought brief relief. The intensity of the
burden was lessened even though the problem remained.<br />
<br />
The moment of peace was quickly shattered by what God had to tell him in response to his pleas!<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Look among the nations! Observe!<br />Be astonished! Wonder!<br />Because I am doing something in your days –<br />you would not believe if you were told</span></b></div>
<br />
"Finally", he thinks. Results; things are going to get done. "Stand back and watch my God at work"!<br />
<br />
God continues:<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,<br />That fierce and impetuous people<br />Who march throughout the earth<br />To seize the dwelling places which are not theirs,<br />They are dreaded and feared.<br />Their justice and authority originate with themselves.<br />All of them come for violence<br />They will sweep through like the wind and pass on.</span></div>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
Surely, I didn’t hear You correctly, he thought!<br />
<br />
D-d-d-d-d-did you say that you are bringing hordes of violent, Godless peoples to do Your will?<br />
<br />
He again prays ( a bit more timidly this time):<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Are You not from everlasting, O Lord, my God, my Holy One?</b></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We will not die.<br />Your eyes are too pure to approve of evil,<br />And You cannot look on wickedness with favor.</b></span></div>
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span><br />
Why do You look with favor on those who deal treacherously?<br />
<br />
Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up<br />
Those more righteous than they?<br />
<br />
How does this make sense?<br />
<br />
The Chaldeans are far more unrighteous than the people that You use them in judgment against.<br />
<br />
Maybe
you haven’t considered that we aren’t so bad after-all. Maybe, I was a
little hasty with my calling for You to fix the state of Your people’s
sin.<br />
<br />
This clearly wasn’t what I had in mind!<br />
<br />
God responds:<br />
<br />
<b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">…</span></b><span style="color: red;"><b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">the righteous will live by his faith.</span></b></span><br />
(Habakkuk 1 & 2)<br />
<br />
So there it is… the good news and the bad news:<br />
<br />
The good news? God answers our prayers. Yea!<br />
<br />
The bad news? He has chosen to remain God and answer our prayer His way!<br />
<br />
The bottom-line good news? He never leaves us guessing; but teaches us in the process!Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-45856358212204381662012-06-04T05:00:00.000-07:002012-06-04T05:00:05.856-07:00Sorrow or Life?<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Ps-39-1">I said, “I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue;</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Ps-39-1">I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle while the wicked are in my presence.”</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Ps-39-2" id="en-NASB-14515">I was mute and silent,</span><span class="text Ps-39-2"> I refrained even from good,</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Ps-39-2">And my sorrow grew worse. </span></b><span class="text Ps-39-2"><span style="font-size: small;">Psalm 39:1-2 </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-39-2"><span style="font-size: small;">Does this sound like most Christians today? "I will guard my mouth...while the wicked are in my presence"?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-39-2"><span style="font-size: small;">How often are we intimidated by the worldly way of those around us and fail to interject any positive comments? We have the words of hope for the world and we remain silent in the face of ignorance!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-39-2"><span style="font-size: small;">The Psalm reveals to us the results of our timidity: "My sorrow grew worse".</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-39-2"><span style="font-size: small;">Faith is fueled by facing the giants of fear and not backing down. We dwell in the routine and hum-drum of life when Jesus came to give us "life to the full." </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-39-2"><span style="font-size: small;">The choice is yours. Will you choose life or choose comfort and worldly acceptance?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-39-2"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><b><span class="text Ps-39-2"><br /></span></b></span>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-73414671044975012222012-05-28T05:00:00.000-07:002012-05-28T09:56:40.663-07:00Hidden and lost gifts!<span class="text 2Tim-1-6" id="en-NASB-29816"> .<b style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">..I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you....</span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><span class="text 2Tim-1-7" id="en-NASB-29817"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 2Tim-1-7" id="en-NASB-29817">God, has given a variety of gifts to His children. Each of us has been give at least on gift. There is a problem in the church today is that many have allowed their specific gift to be buried or diminished. The false glamor of the more evident gifts causes us to devalue the gift(s) that we have. The cascading problem with this that God has told us that until we handle properly the gifts given our spiritual growth will be stunted. This, perhaps, explains much of the state of the church today.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: white;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text 2Tim-1-7" id="en-NASB-29817">For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<span class="text 2Tim-1-7" id="en-NASB-29817">Here is the test. Do we have a boldness about our faith or are we reticent to share the greatest message that has ever been created! Freedom for the captives! </span><br />
<span class="text 2Tim-1-7" id="en-NASB-29817"> </span> <br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text 2Tim-1-8" id="en-NASB-29818">Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with <i>me</i> in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, </span><span class="text 2Tim-1-9" id="en-NASB-29819"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,</span> <span class="text 2Tim-1-10" id="en-NASB-29820"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,</span><span class="text 2Tim-1-11" id="en-NASB-29821"><sup class="versenum"> </sup> for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.</span> <span class="text 2Tim-1-12" id="en-NASB-29822"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="text 2Tim-1-12" id="en-NASB-29822">You have been saved and left here on the Earth for " His own purpose" but most of God's people have fallen into the seduction of the society around us. We have not only been "saved" but we have been "saved and called with a holy calling". The world is in rapid decline due to the church losing the vision of each members responsibilities and opportunities.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text 2Tim-1-12" id="en-NASB-29822">For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.</span> <span class="text 2Tim-1-13" id="en-NASB-29823"> Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.</span> <span class="text 2Tim-1-14" id="en-NASB-29824"> </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 2Tim-1-14" id="en-NASB-29824">Ashamed? How do most of us act? Faith is grown by testing. Most of us struggle in the area of our faith because we keep our witness hidden. We are "convinced that the world is able to keep us from witnessing" rather than being convinced that "God is able....".</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 2Tim-1-14" id="en-NASB-29824"><span style="font-size: large;">Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to <i>you</i>.</span> (From 2 Timothy 1)</span><br />
<span class="text 2Tim-1-14" id="en-NASB-29824"><br /></span><br />
<span class="text 2Tim-1-14" id="en-NASB-29824">Discover the gift or gifts that that God has give to you and then open them up to the church and the world around you. Trust that God will do the rest!</span>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-63605756720202979742012-05-21T05:00:00.000-07:002012-05-21T09:54:10.511-07:00An Invitation to intimacy!<div style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then God said, "Let Us make man in
Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of
the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all
the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." </span></b></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4095808123895029921" name="en-NASB-27" rel="nofollow"></a></span><span style="font-size: large;">God created man (in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. </span></b></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4095808123895029921" name="en-NASB-28" rel="nofollow"></a></span><span style="font-size: large;">God
blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill
the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over
the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the
earth." </span></b></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then God said, "Behold, I have given
you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth,
and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; </span><span style="font-size: large;"> and
to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every
thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green
plant for food"; and it was so. </span></b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
Imagine this setting from the first chapter of Genesis. God had
created everything for the joy and the benefit of the choicest of His
creation.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">The LORD God commanded the
man, saying, "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from
the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the
day that you eat from it you will surely die."</span> </span></b></span><span style="color: black;">Genesis 2:16</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;">The vast forest of trees were give to man with only one single tree being set aside as unavailable to them.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">They heard the
sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and
the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God
among the trees of the garden. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">Genesis 3:8</span></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;">In addition to all of man's physical needs being met, God's presence was consistent and obviously available.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;">How is it that our world has ended up where
is has when so much was provided to the advantage of maintaining the
spiritual nature of mankind?</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><b>Now the
serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God
had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall
not eat from any tree of the garden'?"</b></span> </span><span style="color: black;">Genesis 3:1</span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;">OK, so here is the real question. Adam
personally knew his Creator; had an intimate relationship with his God
but, nevertheless, listened to the liar!</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;">How did this happen?</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;">A better question perhaps is: if Adam couldn't resist what chance do I have?</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;">It is vitally important for us to see the
entire picture painted in the beginning chapters of the history of God's
dealing with man.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
What do you think enabled Satan to "get a word in edgewise" with one so aware of God's presence and provision?</div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
What more could Adam have wanted if totally left by himself, with no outside influence?</div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
Allow me to bring this home personally.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
Adam had acres and acres of provision. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<b>How often do you thank God for the things and the people he has given you?</b>
Adam had lost his gratitude for the things and the people that he had
had. This left a huge opening for the enemy to present additional
options.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
Adam had immediate and real access to the Living God on a current basis. He grew in-sensitized to the ready presence.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<b>When was the last time you treated your God like He was treasured and that His current presence made a difference for you?</b></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
Adam listened to the enticing discussion.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<b>What do you listen to the most? Do you ever hear from
Him? Are the enticing invitations of fame, wealth, success, happiness,
security louder than the sweet, soft voice of the Great Lover of your
soul?</b></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
Adam choose to try the tree!</div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1337129480646548" style="color: black;">
<b id="yui_3_2_0_1_1337129480646545">What is your tree? God has given you acres and acres of permissible "trees" but there is always that one! </b></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
I encourage you to hear His voice, walk with Him continually and offer to Him the thanksgiving due!</div>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-85231550057819874002012-05-14T05:00:00.000-07:002012-05-14T05:00:02.366-07:00Seriously,what are we really praying for?<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Neh-9-28" id="en-NASB-12540">But as soon as they had rest, they did evil again before You<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span class="text Neh-9-28" id="en-NASB-12540"><span style="font-size: small;">Nehemiah 9:28</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Neh-9-28" id="en-NASB-12540"><span style="font-size: small;">I really hope that you will take a few brief moments to read chapter 9 of the book of Nehemiah. My description is less than adequate in describing Nehemiah's prayer for his people.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Neh-9-28" id="en-NASB-12540"><span style="font-size: small;">He recounts the long history of God's redemptions which always followed the people's arrogant, selfish period of following after their own desires. In every instance, immediately after God's redemption the people turned away once again.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Neh-9-28" id="en-NASB-12540"><span style="font-size: small;">Nehemiah's statement above summarizes the problem.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Neh-9-28" id="en-NASB-12540"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, for a brief moment, consider how we most ofter pray: We ask for health, jobs, finances, peace and harmony. What do you suppose Nehemiah would say about such prayers?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Neh-9-28" id="en-NASB-12540"><span style="font-size: small;">I can't speak for anyone but myself but my pattern is not too different from the pattern that Israel followed. When the cupboards are full and spirit is empty!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Neh-9-28" id="en-NASB-12540"><span style="font-size: small;">Let's reconsider how we pray and the things that are really important.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Neh-9-28" id="en-NASB-12540"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><img alt="" class="img" height="90" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s320x320/531179_410809908940132_173640982657027_1244244_660564186_n.jpg" width="121" /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Neh-9-28" id="en-NASB-12540"><br /></span></span>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-77331947132839621582012-05-07T05:00:00.000-07:002012-05-07T05:00:19.812-07:00Just cross the stupid river!The story of the nation of Israel’s release from years of captivity
in Egypt begins in Exodus 4. The final act that “buys” their release,
the blood of the lamb, is in chapter 11.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">To
assure that this freed people would not lose their way to God's
blessings and provision, a pillar of fire in the night and a cloud
during the daylight would guide them every step of the way on their
journey. </span></span> </span>(Exodus 13:21-22).<br />
<br />
For several
generations, God had promised a specific land to Israel. Not only did
He promise the land, but He released them from their captors and guided
them directly to the place of entrance into the promised land.<br />
<br />
Israel
balked. They came right up to the point of decision and they chose not
to enter the land. ( Numbers 13). God’s reaction to Israel’s balking?:<span style="color: #ff6666; font-size: large;">
Surely, all the men who have seen My glory and My signs, which I
performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have put Me to the test
these ten times and have not listened to My voice, shall by no means see
the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who
spurned Me see it.</span> Numbers 14:22-23<br />
<br />
After the "balking" generation passed away the Nation of Israel is again at the entry point of the promised land.<br />
<br />
Deuteronomy
12:8-12 is the key section for us to understand clearly what the new
terms of their entrance would be: It explicitly states that <span style="font-size: large;">“</span><span style="color: #ff6666; font-size: large;">tomorrow</span><span style="font-size: large;">” </span>everything changes.<span style="font-size: large;"> “</span><span style="color: #ff6666; font-size: large;">you shall not do all that we are doing here today…</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span> All of the do's and don'ts of the law were being left on the wilderness side to the border.<br />
<br />
The promise is that Israel will live in rest and security provided they enter the land of promise as God intended.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately,
Hebrews 4 states that Israel NEVER entered the promised rest and
security and continues on warning us that we also might miss it if we
respond to God the way Israel did. The crowning statement is verse 19: .<span style="color: #ff6666;">.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">they were not able to enter because of unbelief’</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">.</span></span><br />
<br />
The
bottom line is that the people of Israel never entered the land of
security and rest because every step of the way they “Logic-ed” their
way through the enemies and issues. God required that they enter the
land knowing the He had given it to them and that it was He who would
clear the way and fight their enemies.<br />
<br />
The invitation
to us is the same. Cross the Jordan that separates the dominion of this
world from the kingdom of God; the world from the promised land;
drudgery and toil from rest and security. It is only by faith that we
can enter the promised land!Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-64099958208974437152012-04-30T05:00:00.000-07:002012-05-01T09:40:54.545-07:00The Heart of the issue!The Holy Spirit is such a wonderful teacher!<br />
<br />
First
let me explain how the Holy Spirit has shown me not only the message but
has punctuated the message with the deep feelings of the message.<br />
<br />
Do you remember a time when your heart hurt?<br />
<br />
This
last week Sheryl and I went to the shopping mall to do a little
shopping. As we walked down the mall she decided she wanted to stop at a
particular store to buy a gift for a friend. The store is a small, busy
store so I decided that I didn’t need to join her in the store but,
instead, would stand guard outside doing a little people watching.<br />
<br />
Little
did I know that this was the time that the Holy Spirit had in mind to
show me the depth of God’s love. As I was scanning the crowd, down the
mall walking in my direction was a father and his young daughter. My
attention was immediately drawn to them. The father was a youngish, tall
man and the girl was somewhere in the elementary school years age. She
was looking a bit unkempt; her hair was straggled and her coat was half
on and half off.<br />
<br />
As they approached my post, the father
was looking straight ahead while his daughter bounced around him trying
to earn his attention. The best way that I can describe her actions to
you, and very unfitting, is of a young puppy jumping around trying to
get the attention of its master. She skipped and hopped around on one
side of him; then quickly darted to the other side to do the same,
jabbering all of the time. NOT ONCE, did the father even look down,
smile or, in any way, acknowledge her.<br />
<br />
My heart ached for that y<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"></span>oung girl. As I write this, my heart still aches!<br />
<br />
There was a time in history when God specifically identified individuals with hurt hearts<span style="background-color: #134f5c;">: </span><span style="background-color: #134f5c; color: red; font-size: large;">Then
He cried out in my hearing with a loud voice, “Draw near, O
executioners of the city, each with his destroying weapon in hand.” And
behold, six men came from the district of the upper gate which faces
north, each with his shattering weapon in his hand; and among them was a
certain man clothed in linen at whose loins was a writing case. And
they went in and stood beside the bronze altar. Then the glory of the
God of Israel went up from the cherub on which it had been, to the
threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed in lined at
whose loins was the writing case.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>And the Lord said to him, <span style="font-size: large;">“</span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Go
through the midst of the city, even through the midst of Jerusalem, and
put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the
abominations which are being committed in its midst.” But to the others
He said, “Go through the city after him and strike; do not let your eye
have pity, and do not spare…but do not touch any man on whom is the
mark…”</span> Ezekiel 9:1-6<br />
<br />
Perhaps the saddest thing
about this history is that it only took one person to mark those whose
hearts hurt but it required six to lay out the judgment upon those whose
hearts were cold.<br />
<br />
Has there ever been a time when we
substitute judgment for hurt hearts? To hear us talk about the state of
our society one could quickly get the idea that we might be a tad
judgmental. God looks for sighing and groaning and we give him gripes
and disgust. The one dressed in linen looks for the troubled; the six
with weapons look for the comfortable.<br />
<br />
Jesus, displayed the depths of His heart one day, <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">And
when He approached the city (Jerusalem), He saw the city and wept over
it, saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which
make for peace! </span>Luke 19:41&42<br />
<br />
He said, further,<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are
sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the
way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.</span> Matthew 23:37<br />
<br />
I
can’t tell you how much I wanted to hug that young, hungry for
attention girl; or to grab the father and shake him out of his coma!<br />
<br />
Surely you have experienced the hurt of a heart.<br />
<br />
There
is no place for judgment in the hearts of those whose hearts ache!
There is only a longing for things to be set right; for peace!<br />
<br />
Jesus, Isaiah states is the,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Prince of Peace</span><span style="font-size: large;">!</span> 8:6<br />
<br />
Do you know; I mean really know that in this day, even you, the things which make for peace are contained in HIM?Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-59964968362049287192012-04-23T05:00:00.000-07:002012-04-23T05:00:38.015-07:00Deep speaks to Deep!Have you ever been in a difficult position? Of course you have, but
have you ever been in such a difficult, hopeless position that your
heart ached?<br />
<br />
I think that is where we find Hannah after
years of humiliation and failure brought her and her aching heart to
the temple whether in faith or simply in desperation we will never know.<br />
<br />
A little background might help us understand Hannah’s heart.<br />
<br />
You
see, Hannah was one of two women that her husband had taken for a wife.
As difficult as this might be ordinarily, the situation that had arisen
within this family was that one woman had children but the other, you
guessed it, Hannah did not. Well you can’t hide a problem like that for
very long. There can be no doubt as to who has the problem.<br />
<br />
The
matter was complicated by the person that scripture calls Hannah’s
rival. The woman who had children "bitterly provoked" Hannah to irritate
her.<br />
<br />
The situation had become so serious that her
husband, who and done various things to show his support and love for
Hannah, cries out in frustration to her, <span style="color: black; font-size: large;">"</span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?"</span><br />
<br />
I
sure that none of us have ever been where Hannah found herself at this
point. There is a point where the hurt can not hurt anymore, where one
just mentally "throws up his hands" or "throws in the towel"<br />
.<br />
Scripture tells us that Hannah, was "<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">greatly distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly".</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><br />
After some interaction with the priest regarding her actions Hannah explained,<span style="font-size: large;"> "</span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I poured out my soul before the Lord".</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><br />
There
are times when we stand strong in the strength of the Lord and we pray
with boldness and confidence. There are these other times which seem
somehow less valuable; less faithful.<br />
<br />
We easily
comprehend and admire the faith of a prayer offered by someone who prays
like he knows personally the One to whom he talks. To pray with someone
who prays expectantly is a wonderful experience. These opportunities
are easy and welcome and wonderful.<br />
<br />
There are things that we should not miss about the faith of the Hannah type of prayers.<br />
<br />
There
exists in a believer a level of faith that is buoyed by our
convictions, by our experiences or by our commitments. There is yet
another level of faith that we find when everything is stripped away and
all we find left is the core of one’s being. The times when all
pretensions, all suppositions, absolutely everything but one’s existence
is let go, a level of faith remains.<br />
<br />
This faith is what lies at the very core.<br />
<br />
Jesus
has written that core faith in the recesses of our hearts (Hebrews
12:2). It will never fail us nor will it ever desert us. It is the
direct connection to Him.<br />
<br />
( the story of Hannah is found in the book of I Samuel chapter 1)Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-38356106979788939942012-04-16T05:00:00.000-07:002012-04-16T10:13:25.424-07:00Too Wonderful to be fully believed.<div style="color: white;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Where can I go from Your presence?</span> the psalmist asks.</div>
<div style="color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: white;">
And continues, <span style="font-size: large;">where can I flee from Your Spirit?</span></div>
<div style="color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: white;">
Have you ever come to grips with the fact that there is absolutely nowhere you can go that God is not already there?</div>
<div style="color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: white;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If
I take the wings of the dawn; if I dwell in the remotest part of the
sea, even there Your hand will hold me, your right hand will lay hold of
me.</span></div>
<div style="color: white;">
<br />It is one thing to
mentally ascent to the fact that God is everywhere; it quite another
dimension when you understand that He holds you, even more, that His
(strong hand) right hand holds you tightly.</div>
<div style="color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: white;">
The psalmist finally proclaims, <span style="font-size: large;">such knowledge is too high for me, I simply cannot attain to it!</span></div>
<div style="color: white;">
<br />These
words of the 139th psalm are only the beginning of the description of
how tenderly and completely God cares for you. Open the 139th psalm and
hang-out there for awhile. While you are there, talk openly with the God
who loves you so incredibly even though He knows you completely!</div>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-57320735916214745392012-04-09T05:00:00.000-07:002012-04-09T05:00:15.767-07:00Milk or Solid Food?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
How long have you attended church? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What would you think of one who attended high school for that
long? Even if he/she only took one class
per week, should he reconsider his/her situation?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>...by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again
for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and
you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes <i>only</i>
of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant</b></span>. Hebrews
12-13</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are two applications to this message for you to consider:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, how successful is the current way we do church? Each week gather and each week we go home
pretty much as we arrived.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Second, isn’t it time to change something personally? Are you going to continue to just go with the
flow or are you going to do something radical.
Isn’t the “word of righteousness” worth risking?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, if you consider this message worth hearing. would you refer you friends to this blog? Maybe together we can begin to effect change of the number one consideration above. </div>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-67018931561439280592012-04-02T05:00:00.000-07:002012-04-02T06:59:39.540-07:00There is a Light!<b style="color: black;">You are the light of the world</b>….Jesus (Matthew 5:14)<br />
<br />
Think for a moment about that statement…<br />
<br />
What strikes you as you encounter this stark statement of Jesus?<br />
<br />
Did you notice that it is a rather certain statement; that He said "<span style="color: black;">we are</span>" not "<span style="color: black;">we might be</span>"?<br />
<br />
Light
is so very important . Have you noticed that it even jumps out in the
darkest night regardless of how far away it might be? The light of one
single candle will bring a warm glow and visibility in a dark cold room.<br />
<br />
The
importance of light was evidenced in the beginning when God selected
the time of light creation. The very first act within the account of
creation was God’s statement, "<b style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Let there be light</span></b>". Genesis 1:3<br />
<br />
Fascinating,
beyond comprehension is our God. Light was created on the first day of
creation but the sun and stars were not created until day four. The
power of light is beyond the vehicles that carry it.<br />
<br />
1 John 1:5 states, <span style="color: red;"><b style="color: black;">God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.</b></span><br />
You,
undoubtedly, have taken note of the continual battle between darkness
and light. Withdraw the light in any room, or in any society, and the
darkness moves in. Contrary, interject light into the dark place and the
darkness literally flees; it cannot leave fast enough.<br />
<br />
John 1:5 says, "<b style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it.</span></b><span style="color: black;">"</span><br />
There is no compromise between light and darkness. They simply cannot exist in the same place at the same time.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">You are the light of the world</span>,</b> Jesus said.<span style="color: red;">
<b><span style="color: black;">A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it
under a basket but on a lamp stand; and it gives light to all who are in
the house</span></b></span><b><span style="color: black;">.</span></b><br />
<br />
How secure is your basket? Perhaps
we all should invest some "one on one" time with Jesus seeking His
opinion on the size and security of our baskets.Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-18170889548101541902012-03-26T05:00:00.000-07:002012-03-26T07:09:25.849-07:00Abide To Thrive<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">If you abide with Me and MY words abide in you,
ask whatever you wish and it shall be done for you. By this is MY
Father glorified that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My
disciples.</span> John 15:7-8<br />
<br />
Jesus never
danced around the edges of any issue. He always hit every issue right on
the head. There is so very much in these short words about prayer; how
it glorifies God, how it evidences our faith, how it can accomplish
unlimited things.<br />
<br />
For today lets look at the "prerequisite" of abiding.<br />
<br />
A couple of definitions to "abide: are:<br />
<br />
VERB: def.<br />
<br />
To remain in a place.<br />
To continue to be sure or firm; endure. See Synonym: stay<br />
<br />
So Jesus is stating that if we want to see the power of God in our lives we must "continually remain is His word".<br />
<br />
This seems prohibitive. How can we "live" in His word.<br />
<br />
In
another setting Jesus told those listening that the things that come
our of our mouths originate in our hearts. It is the things that come
out of our mouths that indicate what is in our hearts. We can easily
determine, if we are honest with ourselves, whether or not the Word of
God is dwelling in us.<br />
<br />
The first part of the above
scripture is a bit more difficult to get a grip on however. What does He
mean about us abiding in Him? How can one continually remain in Him?<br />
<br />
Once
again if we take a look at another encounter that Jesus had with people
we might be able to better understand this opportunity.<br />
<br />
Jesus was standing by a vineyard and said to the people.<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">"I am the vine, you are the branches"</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The picture is a little more clear. If the branch is broken off from the vine it withers and dies. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>How might we know if we are separated from the vine and lacking the spiritual nourishment?<br />
<br />
Galatians 5:22-25 discusses the look of a branch that is connected to the vine by saying:<br />
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;">...the
fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, self-control....If we live by the Spirit let us also walk
by the Spirit. </span></div>
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>There is a
saying that if something walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, swims
like a duck chances are good that it is a duck. Much like determining
whether or not the Word of God dwells in us, discovering the level of
our connectedness with the vine, or "abiding" with Him is indicated by
the fruits that flow out from us.<br />
<br />
SO, we can ask whatever we want and see God glorified by the answer to our request IF we haveReal Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-23586516724379494452012-03-19T05:00:00.000-07:002012-03-19T05:00:11.627-07:00Time for a real change?Do you have any idea how much God loves you? He is crazy about you; what
else could He do to show you exactly much He cares about you? A better
car? A higher income? A better behaved family? A bigger home? An
unexpected windfall?<br /><br />There was a memorable plaque that I came
across a few weeks ago. It said, "Which is easier, for God to bring
peace out of the storm or for Him to bring peace within the storm?"<br /><br />I know that we all want the former; God prefers the latter because that is where faith sits!<br /><br />The
Kingdom of God works on a different system than the domain of this
world. The Kingdom of God works entirely on faith; the domain of this
world works on success, accomplishment, wealth, health and possessions.
There is no greater disparity than that of the two sytems!<br /><br />Maybe
it time that we reposition our minds toward the things that God prefers.
It make take some sincere repentance; for sure, it will take some
degree of faith!Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-25714664908298428612012-03-12T05:00:00.000-07:002012-03-12T08:39:31.794-07:00Flee your slavery!<div id="yiv274797981">
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I</span><span style="color: black;">t was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> </span> Galatians 5:1</span><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Freedom is not easy. Just look around the world and
you will see that freedom is not easy. Even the recent examples in our
own "freedom loving" country we quickly surrender our freedom for
security and for comfort.</span><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Yokes of slavery abound: </span><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Image of success. Wealth, Fame, preconceptions of
body types, internet traps of pornography, Twitter, email, Facebook,
LinkedIn..., Television, the mirage of happiness, perfect homes, perfect
kids, perfect spouses, perfect lives....</span><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The list is limitless. You could add a few of your own.</span><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Scripture implores us:</span><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1331155624243348">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1331155624243345" style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> <span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1331155624243342" style="font-size: medium;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1331155624243339" style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">But
now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how
is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental
things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?</span></span> </span> Galatians 4:9</span></span><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">We have become accustomed to
the "weak and worthless elemental things" of this world and have lost
the hunger for the exotic, liberating, life-giving things of God's
kingdom.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Life; true life; real vibrant life is waiting for you to let loose of the trappings.</span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">We have been invited into the greatest adventure of life. Movies pale in comparison to the gift God has prepared for us.</span><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">There is a adage that says:</span><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">It is impossible to explore distant lands while keeping your feet on solid ground.</span><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Doesn't it seem silly to ignore His invitation. We
can easily talk about the glory and the excitement of a life of faith;
but freedom is hard!</span><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Take the leap!</span></div>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-2309261482027669232012-03-05T05:00:00.000-08:002012-03-05T08:28:24.781-08:00Unveiled EyesPerhaps a quick memory, for others an introduction to a comics classic:<br />
<br />
Dennis
the Menace found himself in a familiar spot. Once again he sat on a
stool facing the corner of the kitchen. “Time out” in the corner where
he could be monitored was a common position. <br />
<br />
As he
took his place this time, while facing the corner, he was heard to
mumble: “I may be sitting down on the outside but I’m still running
around on the inside”.<br />
<br />
You know what he's saying? It's
just like that whenever I sit down to spend some quiet moments with God
and His word. I'm sitting down on the outside but things are running
around on the inside. Things may start out peacefully each day but it
doesn't take long, most days, for things to begin to unravel. I may be
driving quietly on the outside but I'm jumping up and down on the
inside. <br />
<br />
I have made this statement before. Some of
the most wonderful words in all of scripture are the words of a young
man named Elihu as he addressed the wrong thinking of an aquaintence
named Job. You can find these words in Job chapters 32 through 42. The
words of Job, upon coming to grips with the truth about God, are
insightful: He said: "<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><b style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until now) my ears have heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. I therefore despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.</span></b></span> v 5-6 <br />
<br />
We
become so easily distracted that we fail to see Jesus. Our ears give
us false comfort but it is only when we see God with our eyes that we
truely believe.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><b>"I
pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may
know the HOPE of His calling, what are the RICHES of His glory of His
inheritance in the saints (you an me)and what is the surpassing POWER
toward us who believe!" </b></span>Ephesians 1:18<br />
<br />
Agree
with me on the Ephesians prayer. Personalize it and pray it for
yourself. Write it down and pray it for yourself regularly. Life is
available if we begin to see Him!Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-1820373859565905302012-02-27T05:00:00.000-08:002012-02-27T05:00:19.633-08:00Life is in His WordPsalm 119:129-144<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Your
testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul observes them. The
unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the
simple.</span></b></div>
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>Jesus said,<span style="color: red;"> <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">"…if My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you"</span></span></b></span> John 15:7<br />
<br />
Much
of the reason why our prayers are so timid or our prayer life is so
cold is directly related to our time spent abiding in God’s word.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I opened my mouth wide and panted, For I longed for Your commandments.</span></b></div>
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">A
longing desire doesn’t come from our absence for the Word. As a matter
of fact, our longing only comes from our continued exposure of our
spirits to the Bread of Life.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">Turn to me and be gracious to me, After Your manner with those who love Your name.</span></b></span></span><br />
One can only appeal for a personal touch from someone that he knows intimately.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Establish
my footsteps in Your word, And do not let any iniquity have dominion
over me. Redeem me from the oppression of man, That I may keep Your
precepts.</span></b></div>
<br />
Establishing ones footsteps is a bit
more than skipping through, running through, or sitting down. Footsteps
are only established intentionally. The establishment of footsteps
indicates that there is a firm direction.<br />
<br />
What does
established footsteps bring? Victory over sins dominion; the heavy
handed oppression of angry people; the deep hunger to follow His lead.
How does a life like that sound?<br />
<br />
Is it worth the exploration?<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Make
Your face shine upon Your servant, And teach me Your statutes. My eyes
shed streams of water, Because they do not keep Your law.</b></span></div>
<br />
Grace
upon grace! Up to this point that prayer is saying that if one abides
in God’s word good things come about. Here we take the next step to
discover that in God’s pleasure with His tender child, He shines upon
him and warms within him the deeper desire to know more fully God’s
Word.<br />
<br />
Such is the deep, unbridled joy of the one who is
praying that a grief arises for what he sees in those who don’t know
the blessing of abiding.<br />
<br />
( Take a few moments with the
remaining thought of this wonderful message. As you drip down the
thoughts, speak to Jesus as if these words were penned by you just for
Him)<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Righteous are You, O LORD,
And upright are Your judgments. You have commanded Your testimonies in
righteousness. And exceeding faithfulness. My zeal has consumed me,
Because my adversaries have forgotten Your words. Your word is very
pure, Therefore Your servant loves it. I am small and despised, Yet I do
not forget Your precepts. Your righteousness is an everlasting
righteousness, And Your law is truth. Trouble and anguish have come upon
me, Yet Your commandments are my delight. Your testimonies are
righteous forever; Give me understanding that I may live.</b></span></div>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-13295257779614406962012-02-20T05:00:00.000-08:002012-02-20T05:00:07.544-08:00God's Call to a Higher Life!<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Now there was a man
of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror,
the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a
mighty man of valor. He had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and
handsome <i>man</i>, and there was not a more handsome person than he
among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller
than any of the people. </b></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father,
were lost. So Kish said to his son Saul, “Take now with you one of
the servants, and arise, go search for the donkeys.” He passed
through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of
Shalishah, but they did not find <i>them</i>. Then they passed
through the land of Shaalim, but <i>they were</i> not <i>there</i>.
Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not
find <i>them</i>. </b></span>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So
begins our introduction to one of the future kings of God's people,
the nation of Israel. One of the son's of an insignificant family
which was from one of the smallest least significant tribe of the
nation. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
story can be found in total by reading 1 Samuel chapters 9 & 10.
</span>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Saul
is told on one ordinary morning that his father wanted him to select
one of the family's servants and begin a search for some of the
family's donkey's that had escaped during the night.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">They
began their search in their own neighborhood and then their own town.
They found no signs to the donkeys so they traveled to the next
county. County after county their search rolled into multiple days.
Saul became concerned that his father would begin to worry about his
son far more that the missing donkeys and suggested that they should
turn back toward home.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
servant happened to remember that there was a “man of God” living
in just the next town before them and that this man of God had been
rumored to be able to tell people every detail of their lives and to
find lost things and lost people.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Saul
determined to try one last thing before turning back for home.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Here
is where everything gets interesting.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
night before Saul and his servant arrived in the town, Samuel, the
man of God, had been told by God that there would be a man coming the
next day and Samuel was to anoint this man as the King of Israel.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I
encourage yo to read the entire account. For now I want to focus on
on specific application of this story.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Saul
got up on that ordinary morning and was assigned an ordinary task.
The ordinary task became burdensome due to the difficulty in
completing his mission. The long days turned into fractured
purposes. BUT. God had a greater purpose for this ordinary story.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So
what about your ordinary day and your ordinary tasks? Would Saul
have turned around had it not been for his servant companion? </span>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I am
telling you that there is a God who has a design and purpose far
greater than you have yet discovered! Far greater than we can ask or
imagine is what the scripture says our God has in store for those who
love him!</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Don't
turn back to your ordinary day, your ordinary tasks and
responsibilities or your ordinary life! Accept God's invitation to
the greatest adventure of your life!</span></div>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-73323912040390185432012-02-13T05:00:00.000-08:002012-02-13T05:00:03.606-08:00Angels in Heaven Long To See What God Has Done For Us<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">You may recall what the Word of God says about the fall of the angels who rebelled, along with Lucifer, against the Almighty God.</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that <i>would come</i> to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.
It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you,
in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 Peter 1: 10-12</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grace is a deep fascination and mystery to the angels. The only thing that the angles have seen is that wrath of our God toward those who rebel. The mystery deepens with the totality of what our God has done for us. It is wildly out of every expectation in the heavenly realms.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">God bridged such a huge gulf in His gift to mankind.</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lovingkindness and truth have met together; <br />Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Psalm 85:10</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The bare truth is that we too have rebelled. The gulf between our rebellion and God's love is astronomical. Scripture compares our righteousness or filth, stinky rages yet God has joined together righteousness and His peace. He has connected, in the heavenly realms, truth and His love. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Things so foreign to each other yet God found a way to meld the disparity together. This mystery is confounding to the created beings that surround God's throne.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> But Jesus said, “ The things that are impossible</b><b> with people are possible with God.”</b></span> Luke 18:27<br />
<br />
Jesus told us that God does impossible things. We just fail to believe Him!<br />
<br />
Sunday after Sunday, week after week, year after year God's redeemed gather together each week for what we call "worship services". Do you think, from what you experience each week, that God's people really understand the deep, deep mystery of what even the angels long to understand?<br />
<br />
Our worship should be wild! We should be blown away about our God to the point that we couldn't stand sterile singing called "worship" and passionless messages called the "good news"!<br />
<br />
We have little control over others but we do have control over ourselves. Allow God to open up His marvelous mysteries to you and prepare yourself to go before His throne!<br />
<br />Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-19038934450856207992012-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:002012-02-06T05:00:14.775-08:00Kingdom of Heaven is Not What Many SupposeJesus never said, "someday when you leave this earth you have heaven waiting for you". Contrary, He painted quite another picture:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">He (Jesus) presented another parable to them, saying, </span><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;">“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field;</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;">and this is smaller than all <i>other</i> seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR come and NEST IN ITS BRANCHES.”</span></b> <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">He spoke another parable to them, </span><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;">“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.” <span style="font-size: small;">Matthew 13-31-35</span></span></b><br />
<br />
Heaven is pictured as a growing or expanding thing for each individual. Further, He directly addressed the issue of heaven when religious leader tried the challenge Him.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, </span><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;">“The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed;</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;">nor will they say, ‘Look, here <i>it is</i>!’ or, ‘There <i>it is</i>!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”<span style="font-size: small;"> Luke 17:20-21</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
<span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I </span></span><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">am currently reading a book by A.W. Tozer </span></span><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">title "Knowledge of the Holy". He makes the following statement that I can't get off of my mind. "the true God is everywhere </span></span><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">and He is nowhere"</span></span><b><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
<span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Omnipresent</span></span><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> is a word that has been used to illustrate the everywhere present concept. Unfortunately the message delivered with the modern day message of omnipresence is that God is in our "everywhere". This world is not His. This world has yet to be redeemed and, therefore, is unholy. Furthermore, this world and this universe is His creation and like a carpenter creating a bench to sit on that carpenter is never a part of that bench (his creation). He remains above and separate form his creation. Likewise, our God is</span></span><b><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">above and separate </span></span><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">from His creation. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is critical for us to link these thought together at this point. Jesus said, heaven is in your midst. God is everywhere present in heaven and heaven is everywhere that the created universe is not! Like the carpenter, He has effect and influence on His creation but is not influenced or bound by it!</span></span><br />
<span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="woj" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you are redeemed, it is now your choice where you choose to dwell. You may continue to dwell within His creation and be pressed upon on every side or you may choose to live, by faith, within His kingdom. The blood of Jesus qualifies us for citizenship. As a matter of fact, scripture tell us that we have been (past tense) with Jesus in the heavenly places. It is now simply left for us to choose where we will live!</span></span>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-61600138704127105852012-01-30T05:00:00.001-08:002012-01-30T05:00:07.442-08:00When a cup is more than a simple cup.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Something has been a question for quite some time for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was never a serious question, just
one that was “there” and left unanswered until last week.</div>
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<br /></div>
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You will remember the scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was the night before the crucifixion of Jesus and He was in the
Garden of Gethsemane praying: “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Father, if it is possible, let
this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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So my question was this: “what cup”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
would Jesus use the word “cup” in describing what lay before Him that night?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scourging; the questioning; the carrying
of the cross; the nails; the spear in the side?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The pain of the cross?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
horribly significant but none could be thought of as a “cup”.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If anyone worships the beast and his image,
and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of
God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be
tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the
presence of the Lamb.</span></b> Revelation 14:10</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The great city was split into three
parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered
before God, to give her the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath.</span></b>
Revelation 16:19</div>
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A “cup” of God’s wrath is impossible to imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus knew the price for my sin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That night in the garden He repulsed against
the high cost that He was about to pay.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The next day His repulsion was realized: <b>“MY GOD, MY GOD, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">WHY</span> HAVE YOU <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">FORSAKEN</span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ME</span>?</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">”</b><span class="keywordresultextras"><b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27:45-47&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a> </b>Matthew 27:47</span></div>
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<span class="keywordresultextras"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="keywordresultextras">How do Christians simply sit
on their chairs and feebly sing on Sundays?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why has the message of the high price of their sin not gotten
through?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our worship should be lifting
the roof every day and much more on Sundays when we come together!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="keywordresultextras">Take a few moment every day
this week to reflect on the gift of Jesus and thank Him for taking on your “cup”.</span></div>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-1621111221577157442012-01-23T05:00:00.001-08:002012-01-23T07:11:17.963-08:00The Kindness of God Leads!<b><span style="font-size: large;">Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Romans 2:4</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I was seeking God out today about what He wanted me to know this scripture was the one that grabbed me. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Why is it that most sermons and teachings we hear are centered around us making a decision to change? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">What scripture seems to state emphatically is that change does not come through determination or effort. We are dysfunctional and will lose those battles continually.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Truly knowing the richness of God's mercy and His unfathomable love for each of us is what "leads us" to change. Nothing else will ever work! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fall in love with Jesus! Allow Him to show You His great love for you and that love will create a hunger and thirst for righteousness that will dissolve your conflicting desires! There is simply no other way to freedom!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cease striving and know I am God! </span></b>Psalm 46:10</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">He will change what you can't!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-83167165613572046542012-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-16T05:00:07.814-08:00Trust the Trustworthy! It Ain't You!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, <br />
And He who formed you, O Israel, <br />
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; <br />
I have called you by name; you are Mine! </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What more noble name can you be
called except “little Christ”, Christian?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our gracious God claims you as His own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How is it possible to be down or have a “bad day” when He not only has
redeemed us but proudly claims us as His own?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just in case you don’t quite get it
yet:<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Since you are precious in My sight, <br />
<i>Since</i> you are honored and I love you, </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You are precious and honored by
God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that not totally unbelievable?
He treasures you, He celebrates you, He brags about you and it is your picture
on His desk!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
I will give <i>other</i> men in your place and <i>other</i> peoples in exchange
for your life. <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do not fear, for I am with you; <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He is willing the throw everything and
everybody else away to save you!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How is it that you do not trust Him?
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">we don’t trust Him with our finances</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">we don’t rust Hi with our families</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">we don’t trust Him with our careers</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">we don’t trust Him is His ability to
keep all of His promises to us!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The list goes on and on</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
is yet hope for even us who don’t totally trust!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Bring
out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes, <br />
And the deaf, even though they have ears. <br />
All the nations have gathered together <br />
So that the peoples may be assembled. <br />
Who among them can declare this <br />
And proclaim to us the former things? <br />
Let them present their witnesses that they may be justified, <br />
Or let them hear and say, “It is true.” <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are My witnesses,” declares the
LORD, <br />
“And My servant whom I have chosen, <br />
So that you may know and believe Me </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Even from eternity I am He, <br />
And there is none who can deliver out of My hand; <br />
I act and who can reverse it?” </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 5;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is that a guarantee that you can live with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What else could He do to convince you to
trust Him?</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus says the LORD, </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Who makes a way through the sea <br />
And a path through the mighty waters, <br />
Who brings forth the chariot and the horse, <br />
The army and the mighty man <br />
(They will lie down together <i>and</i> not rise again; <br />
They have been quenched <i>and</i> extinguished like a wick):</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
absolutely nothing that can deter Him from coming to your rescue and your
protection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Okay, here is His offer to you
today:</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Do not call to mind the former things, <br />
Or ponder things of the past. <br />
“Behold, I will do something new, <br />
Now it will spring forth; <br />
Will you not be aware of it? <br />
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, <br />
Rivers in the desert. <br />
“The beasts of the field will glorify Me, <br />
The jackals and the ostriches, <br />
Because I have given waters in the wilderness <br />
And rivers in the desert, <br />
To give drink to My chosen people. <br />
“The people whom I formed for Myself <br />
Will declare My praise. </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Will you now lay your trust fully on Him and desert
your ideas, your agendas and your plans?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We must live by faith if we are to meet Him where He
stands at the ready to redeem us from this fallen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>world and its false wisdom!</span></div>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095808123895029921.post-47253598695851210322012-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-09T05:00:02.956-08:00Surrender Brings Freedom<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29521"></sup> For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Notice that this scripture uses the past tense in referring to the redeemed as having been raised up with Jesus. We needn't needn't wait for our earthly deaths to find the kingdom of heaven. Jesus already did that for us. We must now only die to ourselves and be born again to enter His kingdom.</span><b><br /></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29525f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]"></sup>in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, <i>and</i> abusive speech from your mouth. <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29527g" title="See footnote g">g</a>]"></sup>Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its <i>evil</i> practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— <i>a renewal</i> in which there is no <i>distinction between</i> Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once again the text uses the past tense is stating that we have "laid aside the old self and have put on a new self". It is this "new self" that seeks righteousness and see then worldly things as insignificant and valueless. </span><b><br /></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29530k" title="See footnote k">k</a>]"></sup>patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things <i>put on</i> love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms <i>and</i> hymns <i>and</i> spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, <i>do</i> all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">We now turn to a couple of things what fall to us and our faith. "put on a heart of compassion" and "put on love" are our responsibility. We can only approach this responsibility by faith and allow the Holy Spirit to create the urge within us to be compassionate and loving. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally, we are next instructed to get ourselves and our life-learned desires out of the way to make room for the "peace of God" and the "word of God" to infuse our hearts. We will know when this happens because no circumstance, no problem, no challenge will ever effect our hearts that sing out to our God continually.</span></span><br />
<br />
Surrender to know the fullness of His release of the captives!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b><br /></b></span>Real Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17616312399478893074noreply@blogger.com0