tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51844094486095354252023-11-15T11:19:48.574-07:00Daily DevotionsDaily Devotions from Pastor Doug--normally follow a continuous pattern--chapter by chapter through a book of the Bible or sometimes a portion of a chapter on a daily basis (weekdays only).
At times an additional article is added such as a movie review or other current issue.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-27546549667493720792015-07-07T15:34:00.001-06:002015-07-07T15:34:15.538-06:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Christianity has a big problem in the US. On the rare occasion we lead someone to Christ we seem to usually seem to end up with a convert that really has little signs of a daily radical walk with Jesus Christ, but they are thankful for the fire insurance they think they now have for the afterlife. This struggle seems to in part come from two big issues in the US</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> (1) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">W</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">e don’t teach radical
commitment to Christ</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> and (2) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">W</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">e don’t reach non-Christians well</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> So what do we do
about these crisis points?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Why we have such a problem with radical Christianity. It
seems one reason we don’t have a larger percentage of passionate Christians is
we don’t really ever start new Christians out with a calling to be passionate.
I have observed many churches use some sort of easy fix Christian prayer. It
goes something like, “I am a sinner</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> and Jesus</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> I want to be a Christian.” That sound</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">s</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> good, but as it is currently presented</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> it seems to be more like a five year old being asked to
say the magic word</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> — </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">“Please.” Christianity has not taught w</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">h</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> giving our lives to Christ means. We
have made it all about Christ forgiving our sin</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">s,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> which is only
half of the message. The other half of the message is “Converting” to
God’s plan for our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">Converting is easy in that Christ accepts our honest heart effort instantly. True, radical commitment also means we are making a lifetime commitment to learn to
live God’s way. It is not something we should present to a non-Christian lightly but
with authenticity. The church has a strong tendency to understate the reality
that deciding to commit to Christ literally it means “dying to self". It means we are choosing to let God replace our self-serving life with His will. Do any of us
completely do this the day we become Christians? No, that is why we have grace, but understanding at least at some level the radical commitment "conversion" means should be a given.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Commitment is something
that should be taught at the pre-Christian level because what people believe
they are committing to naturally produces the result of expectation. Do couples
getting married normally understand what a lifetime of radical commitment to
one another means? No, but we definitely communicate to the best of our ability
what it means and set the standards at a high level. Many couples choose to
rise to the standard set forth. If we said, “All you have to do is say, ‘I do’
and you are good</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> what would be the natural outcome? Would
we have more affairs, less commitment, etc. Of course! <b><u>Why does the church feel
the need to undersell what commi</u></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><b><u>t</u></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><b><u>ment to Christ means?</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">The church in the U.S.
starts out with a half</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">truth about what following Christ means and
then believes we somehow will accomplish two things down the road. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">(</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">1</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> We will “disciple” the person and sort
of correct our lowered “bait and switch” description of Christianity. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">(</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">2</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> We believe the person who signed up for
one thing will naturally somehow want to jump into another camp. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">To make the conversion
process even more confusing</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> many churches don’t even have a real
plan to walk with a new Christian. They consider discipleship to be a fast
four</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">meeting plan of church membership</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> or something to that level</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> effective. For
some reason</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> the last of the four session</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">s</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> almost always involves tithing</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> which we failed to mention when we talked about
commitment. Further, we tell the new convert they should get into a “small
group</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">” even though that is not their culture and
history</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> and then tell them the small group can
solve their problems and teach them everything else. Is it a surprise we have
produced Christians who simply have no idea what radically giving their li</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">v</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">e</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">s</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> to Christ involves? Why do I bring up
the discipleship point on top of the conversion issue? Well, they kind of go
hand-in-hand. We fail to present commitment to Christ to the pre-Christian and
then fail to teach it to a new Christian and then we wonder why our convert
factory produces such low standards in our fruit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">In closing today</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> realize this i</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">s</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> part of a multi</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">day series and I will offer answers</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">not just criticism. Still, maybe the question
for today is, “What did we sign</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">up for?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> Are we
interested in radical faith? What is it and does it look like our commitment to
Christ?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-31036709964500365432015-07-06T14:16:00.001-06:002015-07-06T14:16:31.824-06:00<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I have not been posting for a long time. Essentially, my neck has just been too sore to justify extra time on the computer. However, with surgery in 14 days I can risk taking pain medicine that I normally avoid--don't want to become addicted. For the next week I really wanted to post some observations and research on "the church." Hope you enjoy these and find them helpful over the next week!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through the years the "Evangelical Church" has often been defined by three traits:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Commitment to the truth of the Bible.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Commitment to personal salvation through a deliberate conversion to Christ.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Commitment to reaching others for Christ — usually described as "the lost."<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do not have a struggle with these basic goals, but in practice I perceive another agenda. I think it often looks like this:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Personal commitment to Christ that involves admitting sin, but doesn’t mean absolute rejection of our personal goals and radical commitment to Christ.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Find a church that presents a self-satisfying worship format and an encouraging message.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Little commitment to the lost, but significant voice service to the same.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Willingness to point out why others need to admit their sins — especially the ones we find offensive — and radically change or at least have them say a prayer to ensure they do not burn in hell.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does my list sound like reality? Does it somehow raise some questions in your mind? Is it possible that despite our desire to obey and honor God's word, we have, in fact, created a self-serving narcissistic U.S. Christian church that is failing to show Christ to the world and is failing to actually live for Him?<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently in the U.S, it seems about 12% of our nation is in church on a non-holiday weekend, despite almost 70% of our nation claiming to be Christian “in general."<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently about 2% of our nation’s Christian churches are growing by "conversion growth” versus transfer from other churches. <br clear="all" /><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Less than 1/3 of our Christian churches saw a convert last year, and many say the number is much lower. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of the 2% of the Christian churches that are growing by "conversion growth," I see a huge push for "conversion" but a very low priority on converting to the “way of Christ” to the point that our lives are totally rerouted in a new direction.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would suggest we need to re-examine Scriptures and ask, "What would our lives look like if we totally sold out to Christ? How could we effectively show that walk with Christ to the world?"</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-3358612972527116842015-01-12T11:33:00.000-07:002015-01-12T11:33:58.098-07:00Proverbs 12:10<i style="background-color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Prov-12-10" id="en-NIV-16730" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">The righteous care for the needs of their animals,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16730K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16730K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-12-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.</span></span></i><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Prov-12-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #cc0000; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Prov-12-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">This is a really interesting Proverb. Animals are rarely used in context with theology or God. The question is, "Why did this verse make the Bible?"</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> I think it points out several key thoughts about God. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">1). He cares about the smallest needs and in our world animals at some level represent those needs. We serve a very loving God and if we want to mimic him than we too must show love </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">2). This verse probably has some implications as to how God wants us to view his creation. Perhaps Christians spend too much time thinking of ourselves as having "rights" in God's creation and too little time thinking of ourselves as being charged with "taking care of God's creation."</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-75444119890365592112014-11-12T10:04:00.001-07:002014-11-12T10:04:14.921-07:00Please pray this over Restoring Hope and your life today!--And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. I Chronicles 4:10Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-38496239843877547652014-10-27T07:58:00.004-06:002014-10-27T08:00:07.926-06:00Heb 11:16<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">While I continue to recover from surgery Mike Lucas has agreed to do my devotional blog. Here is day 1's devotional</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">HEB11:16</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Ponder This a moment and ask yourself a question--"Do I believe in God?" Most of you probably are saying, "Yes, I believe in God." Next, do I believe He has all power? Most definitely! Now here comes the hard part. Do I believe He will do for me what you are asking? This is where Christians become shaky. We discount the eternal love of God and we also struggle with dealing with our past mistakes. We assume that our past deserves the right to control our future. However, your future belong to God and God alone! Your past has no claim over the blessing of God in your future!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">As we look further into this scripture consider the words "...</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">he rewards those who earnestly seek him</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">." How can we focus on earnestly seeking Him daily? I pray, I go to church, am I earnestly seeking Him? When seeking after a relationship with someone how do you attempt to woo them? Regardless of the answer your base goal is to spend time with them. The time you spend is spent trying to please the other person you pursuit of them. In turn (ideally) the other person is enjoying "your company" and further hopefully they try and show you the best they have to offer. The fruit of this labor is the relationship that is built. Now, relationship with people return temporal rewards, but relationship with God yields blessing, promotion, protection, peace, love and much more. So seek God earnestly ( consistently, and with passion) and with an understanding He will do it for you because he loves you.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">On a side note, when you pray keep in mind God answers all prayers. He knows what is best and may say no because He knows what we need and what is best for us. Also remember God honors His word more than anything else so check and reflect to yourself--Are my prayers in line with His will? We take a lot for granted, a lot of Old Testament prayer started by knowing the future is not promised. Instead of worrying about the future. Try starting " God willing, or If it is in your will bless me with ....." Always have faith, not just that He can, but that He will, and He will for you.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-33140797056750437012014-10-02T08:55:00.002-06:002014-10-02T08:55:31.234-06:00Proverbs 2Because of the severe pain in my neck I have not been doing my blog. I thought maybe for a few weeks while it heals I will just cut a paste the scripture that is speaking to me for the day. Sorry I am not adding more comments for a bit, but I am trying to keep my sitting time very small!<br />
<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">Proverbs 2:10-12</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;"><span class="text Prov-2-10" id="en-NKJV-16444" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>When wisdom enters your heart,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Prov-2-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Prov-2-11" id="en-NKJV-16445" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>Discretion will preserve you;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Prov-2-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Understanding will keep you,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Prov-2-12" id="en-NKJV-16446" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>To deliver you from the way of evil,</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-10686645570115699312014-09-11T09:12:00.001-06:002014-09-11T10:02:41.588-06:00Psalm 41 on 9/11<span style="background-color: #cc0000;">Psalm 41 begins with an interesting note regarding those who are facing harm — whether they are in the World Trade Center, Benghazi, Iraq, or just in a classroom like Columbine.</span><br />
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Psalm 41</span><br />
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</span><em><span style="background-color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Ps-41-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Blessed<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14544A" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14544A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> are those who have regard for the weak;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14544B" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14544B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-41-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> delivers them in times of trouble.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14544C" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14544C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span></span></span></span></em><span class="text Ps-41-2" id="en-NIV-14545" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="background-color: #cc0000; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><em>2 </em></span><em><span style="background-color: #cc0000;">The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> protects<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14545D" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14545D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> and preserves them —<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14545E" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14545E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span></span></em></span><br />
<em><span style="background-color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-41-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">they are counted among the blessed in the land —<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14545F" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14545F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-41-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.</span></span></span></em><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Ps-41-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #cc0000;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-41-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">What does the above Scripture imply? Obviously, it does not mean we are always physically protected, though I know of many times we have been. It does not always mean evil people are forbidden to hurt the innocent, as we are especially aware of on 9/11. It does mean that God has a special place of blessing and protection for those who face persecution. "What?!!!", you may say. Well, I am not nuts, but I have learned that protection and blessing can come even during great pain and hurt — even death.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-41-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #cc0000;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-41-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I have faced death on quite a number of occasions. Each time I have experienced a special touch or awareness of God's love. On several occasions, I figured I would not be alive long, but in each case I also felt a deep peace — almost joy! How could that be? Well, I am not sure I can explain it except to say I believe these verses because I have experienced them in "real time" and "real life."</span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-41-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #cc0000;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-41-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Paul wrote in Romans 8:38-49: </span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-41-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #cc0000;">
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
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<i><span class="text Rom-8-38" id="en-NIV-28155" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">38 </span>For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28155A" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28155A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> nor any powers,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28155B" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28155B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-NIV-28156" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">39 </span>neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28156C" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28156C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</span></i></span></h1>
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<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: #cc0000;">I believe in a place called "Calvary." I believe in "eternity." I believe that with Christ hope always exists! I also believe that God is always on the side of good — even when we can't see it. No matter how dark a day, God's love is still present. Corrie Ten Boom, a famous Nazi concentration camp survivor, described the lesson she learned while being tortured and starved in Germany as "<i>No matter how deep the pit, God's love is deeper."</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: #cc0000;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-color: #cc0000; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Today as we mourn the great loss in this world of the victims of 9/11 and Benghazi, as we consider people being killed in Iraq and Syria by ISIS as I write this, as we read of Saudi Arabia arresting all known Christians within its borders yesterday, as we look at North Korea with one concentration camp having over 100,000 residents — including children, as we consider school and theater shootings and bombs going off at the Boston Marathon and more, let us simply pray two prayers.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: #cc0000;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-color: #cc0000; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">1. Pray for those facing great crisis in their lives today — survivors, friends and loved ones of the events described above, and our own fears and crisis. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: #cc0000;">2. Pray that we will learn to accept the absolute power and hope of Christ as described in Psalm 41 and Romans 8:38-39.</span> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-59741650079452475572014-09-05T10:25:00.000-06:002014-09-05T10:25:20.941-06:00Psalms 34:5<span class="text Ps-34-5" id="en-NIV-14394" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-34-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #990000; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">My neck is too sore to sit at the computer long so I am not writing my full devotional today, but I am posting a verse that has really speaking to me. Consider this verse and what it looks like to others when we look at Christ.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-34-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #990000; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><br /></span>
<span class="text Ps-34-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #990000; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><br /></span>
<span class="text Ps-34-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #990000; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Psalms 34:5</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-34-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #990000; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #990000;">Those who look to him are radiant;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14394I" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14394I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span></span><span style="background-color: #990000;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">their faces are never covered with shame.</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-82276008013545643252014-09-02T10:40:00.004-06:002014-09-02T10:42:39.411-06:00<div class="MsoNormal">
Hebrews 1:14 --- What about Guardian Angels <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #660000;"><b><sup><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">14 </span></sup></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are not all angels ministering spirits<span class="apple-converted-space"> sent
to serve those who will inherit</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> salvation?</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #660000;">This verse above begs all kinds of questions. It is clear
angels are on this earth and that they are specifically sent to minister to the
saved. After that we know very little.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Are
angels assigned to specific people or churches, etc.? We don’t know. Traditions
out of some churches describe “guardian angels” whom those churches believe are
assigned to individuals. This thought does not contradict scripture, but it is
extra-scriptural (not in the Bible). We do have some references of angels working
with specific churches in the Bible. It seems logical that God probably does
assign angels to individuals or groups because relationships are such a key
part of the very nature of God, but we don’t know for sure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">How
do angels minister to us? Again, we are not sure and it probably varies on a
case by case basis. We have instances in the Bible of angels appearing in human
form to warn people of concerns (see Abraham). We even have a special promise
in the Bible that those who serve the unfortunate. It states that as we give to
people in need we have at times “served angels without knowing it”. Still, for
the most part the Bible is pretty quiet about how these angels serve us. It
just promises they do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> So what do we do with this vague verse?
Well, first let’s take it in context. The entire book of Hebrews is written to
stop bad “theology.” People were worshiping angels and elevating them to great
status. Essentially, by pointing out angels are sent to minister to mankind the
author instantly places angels in a slightly different role—certainly not one
of deity. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We don’t know a great deal about
angels. We know they do exist to worship and serve God and we do know many have
been assigned to minister to us. This implies that as Christians we have beings
serving us that we don’t even know about. Do they keep us physically safe?
Probably at times. Do they laugh and cry with us when good and bad things
happen? Probably. Perhaps their greatest service is they know about spiritual
battles going on around us that we are unaware of and fight for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
Though the most important “theological”
point of Hebrews 1:14 is the clear attempt to make sure the reader would see
angels as “ministering spirits” and not God,” for many of us today, the most
exciting point, is simply knowing that we have someone God sent carrying for us
today. Who know what arrows the evil one has already sent at us in the last
moments that our angels have deflected. God loves us enough to send us a team
of “ministering spirits.” He is good!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-13672653755843664422014-08-27T10:29:00.005-06:002014-08-27T10:29:34.932-06:00Hebrews 1:10-11 The Loooooong Haul<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hebrews 1:10-11</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Life is busy. Most of us work hard to
build careers, raise families, maybe buy a car or a house. The sad
part is much of our labor may be for not. Say, “What?” It is
worth asking, “What in my life can stand the test of time? Read the
following verses from Hebrews 1:10-11</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.1in;">
<a href="" name="en-NIV-29974"></a>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><b>10 </b></span></span>He
also says,</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="" name="en-NIV-29975"></a>
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In
the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,<br /> and
the heavens are the work of your hands.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><b>11
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">They
will perish, but you remain; </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> they
will all wear out like a garment.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In
truth even God's creation of the the earth according to scripture
have a finite life expectancy, but God is eternal. That means
anything we build on this earth will not last, but anything we store
in heaven is forever. So what do I want to store in heaven? Well, my
wife, kids, friends, neighbors—people. Are we living our lives for
the eternal today?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Update
News:</span></span></span></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This
Sunday we have a breakfast for everyone at 10—come at 9:45 if you
can. Our worship service this Sunday is a concert of prayer with no
preaching. If you can bring a fruit dish or some pastry. </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Mike
Lucas has agreed to start posting a Sat. devotional for me in a few
weeks so the daily devotional is expanding to 6 days a week. I am
trying to get him to wait a few weeks since he has badly hurt his
back and should not be sitting for a few weeks—at the computer:).</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This
coming Tuesday night we are going to have free “all-you-can-eat
chili” at Wendy's by the church before Core time. If people want
drinks or sandwiches that is on them, but we thought it would be a
fun change up and you are invited!</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-76815339997840167482014-08-26T11:01:00.000-06:002014-08-26T11:07:43.991-06:00Hebrews 1:8-9 Ever worry about the future? Ever wish God would give you joy? Hebrews 1:8-9<div class="im" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #500050;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Ever worry about the future? Ever wish God would give you joy? Read this passage: <u></u><u></u>Hebrews 1:8-9 (shown below).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">8 But about the Son he says,“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. <sup>9 </sup>You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><u></u></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">To consider the above Scripture, realize that “the Son” was Jesus Christ. This Scripture serves to assure us that putting our trust in God means we have Jesus to trust for eternity and that no matter how tough the circumstances God will win!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Second, it is interesting to note that while He was on Earth, Jesus was a man. When describing Jesus’ time on Earth, this passage points out: “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.” What a peculiar description of Jesus! Perhaps we take this for granted, but we also need to realize that Jesus served as an example to all of us. Notice that after this description, God the Father rewards Jesus by setting Him “above [His] companions by anointing [Him] with the oil of joy.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">The implication of this scripture is two things. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">One, we can trust Jesus. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Two, as we are like Jesus, we enjoy the same rewards when we serve God. Sometimes we are too good at setting Jesus aside as God, and we need to realize that He was human while He was on Earth and then ask, “What did He demonstrate for me?” In this case He demonstrated that God honors those who serve Him. What honor is God placing on you today? If you are serving Him, He is proud of you and He really does give us <b><u>joy</u></b>!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-45060907954717058912014-08-25T08:57:00.002-06:002014-08-25T09:09:02.093-06:00I am back -- Hebrews 1:1-4<span style="background-color: #990000;">After taking some time off to allow my neck to heal from a tough period of it hurting to sit I am back — plus the kids are back in school:)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hebrews 1: 1-4 In the
past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times
and in various ways, </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">2 </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but in
these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed
heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">3 </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and
the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his
powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at
the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">4 </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So he
became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior
to theirs.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This book
offers some of the best insights into how to best understand a vast variety
of Christian issues in a contemporary way. It is generally
attributed to Paul, but we don't really know that since unlike Paul's epistles,
it is not a clear letter from him to a group of people. Some claim it was
either a sermon or collection of messages Paul spoke, but even that is not
fact. The early church seems to have totally accepted this writing as a clear
message from God, but seems to have shown little concession as to
whom the author was. Sadly, the King James version added words that
implied this Scripture was for sure from Paul.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>So who cares?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Well, first, adding to the Bible
or implying fact that is not certain is a dangerous pattern with
Scripture as in the end it is God's words. The real concern is that this is a
letter that was written to the church in Rome from someone who was, at the
least, a close associate of Paul. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Rome was a very remote small church at the time this letter was written. Key
beliefs were not accurately making the voyage to Rome and the
church seems to have been heavily influenced by other groups including the
Jewish church, Roman beliefs, Hellenistic beliefs (Greek), and
emerging cults from various groups including Christian offshoots such as
the Gnostic movement. Hebrews clearly is written with the intention to
say, "<b>Wait a minute! These is the true teachings of God</b>."
That makes this a very important scripture for Christians to study as this
document literally exists to teach us<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>key
beliefs of Christianity</b>. Perhaps it would best be labeled a
"systematic theology book." Really, the church of Rome was
much like the church today--it was under attack from all sides. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So what does that have to do
with today's Scripture? Well, the first four verses of the book simply seek to
clarify that Jesus is God, above the angels, and is eternal. Most importantly
it stresses we can trust Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 13.5pt;">Today, simply ask yourself one simple thought. Am I trusting
anything besides Jesus with my life?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #990000;"> .</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-25534823587445997962014-06-19T08:30:00.000-06:002014-06-19T08:30:18.346-06:00Psalm 19I have not been doing my daily blog while we get my new office ready, but this verse really spoke to me today so I thought I would at least post it. God talks to us all the time in so many ways--are we listening today?<br />
<br />
Psalm 19<br />
<br />
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;<br />
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.<br />
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;<br />
night after night they reveal knowledge.<br />
3 They have no speech, they use no words;<br />
no sound is heard from them.<br />
<br />
<br />
The New International Version. 2011 (Ps 19:1–3). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-72002444398661022282014-06-12T08:15:00.003-06:002014-06-12T08:15:51.499-06:00Proverbs 12After not writing for a week I feel so much better so I am back at it. Today's thought is not long, but it is powerful! It is from Proverbs 12.<br />
<br />
2 Good people obtain favor from the LORD,<br />
but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.<br />
<br />
When the Bible says, we gain "favor" it is an absolute truth! Favor, means God especially blesses, loves, and cares for those who serve him. Does it mean financial blessings? It can, but "favor" also means God loves us so much that he blesses us in the ways that best bless us and our children. Sometimes, that even means tough periods. Further, we can never forget the importance of the "big picture"--heaven is the ultimate favor! Still, I have learned that everyday I get to enjoy God's blessings in a supernatural way and I really do see his favor over and over.<br />
<br />
Today, choose to serve the Lord because you love him, but also remember as you serve him he loves you and you are a child he loves to pour his favor on!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-4170786933306948192014-05-29T14:32:00.000-06:002014-05-29T14:32:00.535-06:00Malachi 6a--Obedience = love<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today, we look at another
confusing verse in Malachi 1:6a. Read the verses below and ask yourself what in
the world is the bible talking about slavery for? Don’t panic I have a
commentary that follows the verses that I hope will clarify some of the
questions that might come up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt;">Malachi 1:6a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
last Old Testament prophet, Malachi faced a nation that had grown indifferent
toward God. He preached to stir their hearts, to turn them from apathy and
renew their commitment to the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">6 </span></sup></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If
I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the
respect due me?” says the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
Almighty.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">These verses
have been used completely out of context or their intent to somehow justify
slavery in some situations today regarding slavery. That is nonsense! This has
nothing to do with endorsing slavery, etc. This is strictly being used as an
example of a lifestyle choice of obedience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So what is this
implying about obedience ? Well, think of the verses as an examples. A slave obeys
his master. Secondly, the example of us being children and God being a Father
is used. Both are word pictures of our relationship with God. Essentially the
passage is implying a key to relationship with God is understanding he is in
charge and we are not!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If one looks
back to verse 2 one sees God’s reminder that he “loves” us. Now in these verses
he is clarifying that love of us does not make us in charge. A father loves his
son, but the father is the authority. I am not too certain about a slave master
loving his slaves, but I am sure the concept of who is in charge comes through.
Malachi is a message from God and though the book will proceed with many other examples
of obedience and love these two point are the trust of the book. God loves us
and us obeying him is the second key to the book of Malachi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes if our
modern world the only time we feel inspired by God’s word is when we read
something like “God’s blessing” or a “miracle,” etc. However, God says one way
we show love is by obeying him. In other words, these two concepts of God
loving us and us obeying him clarify our roles, but also confirm our love of
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How much do you
love God today? Are you willing to obey him in every instance? Could you make
your act of worship of God today be your obeying him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-19687813655668982612014-05-28T12:34:00.002-06:002014-05-28T12:34:46.049-06:00Malachi 1:2-4 I've read the back of the book and we win!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today, we look at a really
confusing set of verses in Malachi 1:2-5. Read the verses below and ask yourself
what in the world is this about</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">? Don’t panic I
have a commentary that follows the verses that I hope will clarify some of the
questions that might come up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt;">Malachi 1:2-4</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
last Old Testament prophet, Malachi faced a nation that had grown indifferent
toward God. He preached to stir their hearts, to turn them from apathy and
renew their commitment to the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 </span></sup></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I have loved you,” says the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But you ask,
‘How have you loved us?’ <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Was not Esau
Jacob’s brother?” declares the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.
“Yet I have loved Jacob, <sup>3 </sup>but Esau I have hated, and I have
turned his hill country into a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert
jackals.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4 </span></sup></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Edom may say, “Though we have been crushed, we will
rebuild the ruins.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But this is what
the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> Almighty says: “They may
build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people
always under the wrath of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.
<sup>5 </sup>You will see it with your own eyes and say, ‘Great is the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>—even beyond the borders of Israel!’
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></sup></b><!--[endif]--></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ok, what is up with
loving and hating twins?!!!!! Well, I am pretty sure based on many other
scriptures God did not just “decide to hate someone.” I think this story needs
to be seen as an example of two very different lifestyle choices these two sons
made. The exact story of Jacob and Esau is actually found in Genesis. God
prophesies the destiny of both twins. Sometimes we mistake God stating the
future as God stating his plan. Knowing how someone will choose to behave does
not mean it what we want for them. I am certain God would have preferred Esau
and his descendants choose to serve him always. I can promise you today that if I shake my dogs’
food dish the dogs will come running, but I am not the one deciding they will
run to eat the food, but I do know the future or at least the 30 seconds after I
shake the dog’s dish</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">. In the Old
Testament I believe we often assume when God states the future he is deciding
the future. However, the Bible is full of other points about God that makes it
clear we decide to accept or reject his plan—not God. In this case two twins
choose very different destinies. God has the power to decide anything, but he
gives us that choice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So what are the
two destinies of these twins and what do they mean? Jacob, the twin God loves,
chose to serve God and he becomes the ancient ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus.
God loves those who chose to serve him and in truth our destiny reveals to Messiah
to future generations. Note: Jacob’s life was also full of moments of great
sin, but God forgives when we come to him and in the end Jacob did just that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On the other
hand, Esau become a great leader like Jacob , but the father of a nation or
group of people known for evil called the Edomites or Edom. Edom was a strong
enemy of God and was known for many horrible atrocities including human
sacrifice, sexual debauchery (particularly homosexuality), and they worshiped
an idol who was in reality a front for satanic worship. God hated the evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With the above
two descriptions of the two destinies of these twins and their descendants why
do we care? Well, two key points come out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God
loves and rewards those who choose to serve him. Most of us want to leave a
heritage or something for our children. In another point, the promise of how
God loved Jacob’s descendants is described in a more direct way for all who
served God6, (extreme paraphrase) “God’s blessing sits our children’s children
to the 50<sup>th</sup> generation.” What an incredible thing to realize that as
we serve God he is so pleased he blesses our descendants because he loves our
obedience so much!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
live in a world that has evil. Sometimes it feels like evil wins too often.
Well, that is how the fight with Edom seemed to the Hebrew people, but reread
the following: <sup>4 </sup>Edom may say, “Though we have been crushed, we
will rebuild the ruins.” But this is what the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
Almighty says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the
Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
waste so much time as Christians worrying about evil instead of just living in
God’s blessing. Edom symbolized all evil—Relax—God’s got this—evil will lose—another
way of putting it is this, “I’ve read the back of the book and we win!” You are
under a sure plan to victory as your serve God and those who oppose God will
lose eventually! You are a winner!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a> <i>The New International Version</i>. 2011 (Mal
1:2–5). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-87549173609315854552014-05-27T11:50:00.002-06:002014-05-27T11:50:34.678-06:00Malachi--A message from God. <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today, we start a new book in our
devotional series—Malachi. Why? Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament.
God put it there for a special reason—It is one of the most practical and
easily applied books in the Old Testament! I believe this book summarizes most
of the major challenges we face as Christians and it is especially applicable
in today’s world. Ironically, Malachi is written to a group of people who were going
through much of what we face today—casual faith, turning from obedience to God
to self-rule, priest deciding the knew more than God, etc. It is a book of
hope, warning, and a reminder that God loves us too much to just let us fail. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I believe it is very important to
note that to really understand Malachi the first message from God in this book
is the authors’ name. Malachi means “message from God.” Malachi’s major job was
to give the people a special message or letter “from God.” Some scholars even
have asked if Malachi was the prophet’s name or an assumed name to clarify the
importance of what was being said. We don’t know the answer to that because the
Bible does not tell us. We do know what the name meant. We know why it was
important to the people of the past and why it is still important to us.
Really, to put the title of the book into modern understanding the book should
just be called—“A message from God.” Wow, that clarifies why this books is so
important!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first, message is the series
of message from God in Malachi is found in the first two verses. Read verse one
and two below and realize that all the messages God gives us through this book,
must be seen in light of verse two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt;">Malachi</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
last Old Testament prophet, Malachi faced a nation that had grown indifferent
toward God. He preached to stir their hearts, to turn them from apathy and
renew their commitment to the Lord.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.25in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> A prophecy: The word of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> to Israel through Malachi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.25in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Israel Doubts God’s Love</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I have loved
you,” says the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With verse two
in mind I encourage you to try two things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One: Try to
remind yourself all day “That God has loved you, does love you, and will love
you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Two: Consider
reading the entire book of Malachi every day for seven days. It is a very short
book and can be read easily in one setting. Always read it reminding yourself
of verse twoe and that this book is a direct message from God!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a> <i>The New International Version</i>. 2011
(Mal). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-82767783120980108322014-05-19T11:25:00.003-06:002014-05-19T11:25:33.659-06:00Pslam 139<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Two things grab me in Psalm 139:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
love verse 14b “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I
know that full well. “ The world and especially the devil always want to
discredit God’s creation. Don’t let life to that to you—it insults God who created you. Sure
admit your failures, but don’t be afraid to say was I am wonderfully created and is why--it good as gives glory to
God</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Verse
13 raises a perplexing and important theological question. The bible teaches
that deliberately damaging or destroying God’s creation is insulting too him.
It like spitting on a artist </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">painting</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"> since God is the creator. Read verse 13 Verse </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> "</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">For
you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Think about w</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">hat </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">destroying</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"> what God is creating in the womb says about abortion. God’s
rights as the creator, always trump our rights. This means we don’t have a legitimate case to
say it is a “Woman’s right to choose!!!” Choosing against what God creates in the
womb insults the creator.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.25in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 139</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You have
searched me, <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and you know me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You know when I
sit and when I rise; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">you perceive my thoughts from afar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You discern my
going out and my lying down; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">you are familiar with all my ways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Before a word is
on my tongue <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">you, <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,
know it completely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You hem me in
behind and before, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and you lay your hand upon me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">6 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Such knowledge
is too wonderful for me, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">too lofty for me to attain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">7 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Where can I go
from your Spirit? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Where can I flee from your presence? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">8 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If I go up to
the heavens, you are there; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">if I make my bed in the depths, you are
there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">9 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If I rise on the
wings of the dawn, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">if I settle on the far side of the sea, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">10 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">even there your
hand will guide me, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">your right hand will hold me fast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">11 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If I say,
“Surely the darkness will hide me <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and the light become night around me,” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">12 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">even the
darkness will not be dark to you; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the night will shine like the day, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">for darkness is as light to you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">13 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For you created
my inmost being; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">you knit me together in my mother’s
womb. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">14 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I praise you because
I am fearfully and wonderfully made; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">your works are wonderful, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I know that full well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">15 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My frame was not
hidden from you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">when I was made in the secret place, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">when I was woven together in the depths
of the earth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">16 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your eyes saw my
unformed body; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">all the days ordained for me were
written in your book <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">before one of them came to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">17 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How precious to
me are your thoughts, <sup>e</sup> God! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How vast is the sum of them! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">18 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Were I to count
them, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">they would outnumber the grains of sand—
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">when I awake, I am still with you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">19 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If only you,
God, would slay the wicked! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">20 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They speak of
you with evil intent; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">your adversaries misuse your name. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">21 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do I not hate
those who hate you, <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and abhor those who are in rebellion
against you? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">22 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have nothing
but hatred for them; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I count them my enemies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">23 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Search me, God,
and know my heart; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">test me and know my anxious thoughts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">24 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">See if there is
any offensive way in me, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and lead me in the way everlasting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
sfasrg<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-83151374404547668602014-05-16T09:18:00.001-06:002014-05-16T09:18:07.875-06:00Psalm 136No comment today. Just read this as a prayer and live in God's love!<br />
<br />
Psalm 136<br />
<br />
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
<br />
4 to him who alone does great wonders,<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
7 who made the great lights—<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
8 the sun to govern the day,<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
<br />
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
11 and brought Israel out from among them<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
<br />
13 to him who divided the Red Sea w asunder<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
<br />
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness;<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
<br />
17 to him who struck down great kings,<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
18 and killed mighty kings—<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
19 Sihon king of the Amorites<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
20 and Og king of Bashan—<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
22 an inheritance to his servant Israel.<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
<br />
23 He remembered us in our low estate<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
24 and freed us from our enemies.<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
25 He gives food to every creature.<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
<br />
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.<br />
His love endures forever.<br />
<br />
<br />
The New International Version. 2011 (Ps 136). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-43764453234961085012014-05-14T10:45:00.005-06:002014-05-14T11:02:10.777-06:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.25in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Wow, Psalm
134 is short. Ever wonder why some Psalms are so short? Often it is the power
of a single thought that can be carried best! Consider praying this Psalm, but ask
God to help you consider this Psalm all day long. This one has two point—Read
verse 1-2 as your promise to God and verse 3 separately. Remember with verse three the blessing was
prayed by David for you as the reader. God does not put a time limit on
prayers. This blessing is your blessing for today! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.25in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.25in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 134</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A song of ascents. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Praise the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, all you servants of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">who minister by night in the house of
the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lift up your
hands in the sanctuary <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and praise the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">May the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> bless you from Zion, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<br />
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a> <i>The New International Version</i>. 2011 (Ps
134). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-18520674473761805532014-05-09T12:56:00.006-06:002014-05-09T12:56:50.195-06:00Psalm 129<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 129: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Psalm 129 raises all kinds of questions that we
rarely explore. First, realize the writer is talking about a literal event, but
the Psalm also has a spiritual side. For example, the Psalmist wrote, about
being “oppressed from my youth.” We know David did endure oppression from
others—primarily his brother. However, we all endure a spiritual oppression
because from the moment we are born the devil desires to harm and destroy. Besides the devil we might as well be honest and say all of us have to deal with some people who are just jerks and seek to harm us, our name, etc. We all encounter oppression in life!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Psalmist makes two key points in his response to evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">1. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Victory has not been gained over
him—God has delivered! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">2. The Psalmist begins to</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> pronounce judgment on those who performed evil. Maybe instead of the word judgement we should just say the Psalmist is stating God’s will for those who attempt to harm those serving God. On a side note, consider the word “Zion” in this Psalm to not
only represent the country of Israel, but those who are in God’s kingdom. The Psalmist also asks God to harm those who attempt to oppress "Zion" or God's kingdom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Read Psalm 129 below and consider verse 4 and 5. Ask
how we can use this prayer in our modern world.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.25in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 129</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A song of ascents. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“They have
greatly oppressed me from my youth,” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">let Israel say; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“they have
greatly oppressed me from my youth, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">but they have not gained the victory
over me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Plowmen have
plowed my back <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and made their furrows long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is righteous; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">he has cut me free from the cords of the
wicked.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">May all who hate
Zion <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">be turned back in shame. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">6 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">May they be like
grass on the roof, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">which withers before it can grow; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">7 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">a reaper cannot
fill his hands with it, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">nor one who gathers fill his arms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">8 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">May those who
pass by not say to them, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The blessing of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> be on you; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">we bless you in the name of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.” <sup><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></sup></a></sup></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Psalmist began to pray two key
prayers---deliverance and punishment. The Psalmist prayed he would be delivered
from evil. We need to pray the same. However, he took it further and actually
asked that God deal severely with those who desire to harm him (the
Psalmist), or God’s kingdom. Sometimes, we need to recognize God’s power
to impose justice and trust it. Sometimes, we are too quick to try to solve
issues and too slow to say God, “Please stop this evil.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Do we have points in our life that we need to ask
for God’s protection?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Do we know of points of evil that we need to place
in God’s care and ask his help in dealing them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a> <i>The New International Version</i>. 2011 (Ps
129). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-76725199346301892272014-05-08T11:14:00.006-06:002014-05-08T11:15:56.114-06:00Psalms 128<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 128: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Before writing a few thoughts on today’s scripture I
want to apologize my blog devotionals have been so on and off recently. I am
trying to work full-time, but the medications I am taking after my hospital
visit are very harsh. I am needing close to 15 hours of sleep a day—I know
it is a burden, but I take it on gladly</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">. Actually, I hate being so tired and can’t wait to
finish this regiment in less than a week. On a side, note my biopsy did not
work yesterday as they could not get into the tumor. The Dr. will decide
Monday whether to proceed with surgery or wait eight weeks and try the biopsy again. We may try the biopsy part again next week as well so we will see. The point is this
blog may stay inconsistent for a few more weeks. The good news is I am 100% confident I will live to see "my children's children," and this health issue is just a temporary slowdown. I will keep you up-to-date as so many of you have sent messages wanting to know what is going on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Now to the subject at hand—Psalm 128! Often Psalms
build around one key verse. I usually read a Psalm until I spot a key verse and
then enjoy seeing all the side points that come from the verse. This Psalm has
two verses that create a cause and effect relationship. Most of the rest of the
Psalm continues to develop the cause and effect. Read verse 1 looking for
cause. Read verse 2 look for the "effect."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 128 builds from verses 1-2 and simply shows examples of verse two's effects until the last of the Psalm when King David prays for you---"Yes, he prayed for us!" In the last two verses hear a special blessing pronounced
on you as the reader by King David as you “fear the Lord.” By the way don’t
underestimate the importance of David’s prayer for you. God described him as a
man “after God’s own heart.” David prayed for his readers about 3,000 years
ago, but God is eternal and every time we read David’s prayer it still is valid! Reading David's prayer initiates the blessing, because he was praying for his readers and God keeps his promises and listened to David--enjoy a blessing today!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">After reading this Psalm consider my final thoughts
that I write on “What does it mean to fear the Lord?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.25in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 128</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A song of ascents. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Blessed are all
who fear the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">who walk in obedience to him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You will eat the
fruit of your labor; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">blessings and prosperity will be yours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your wife will
be like a fruitful vine <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">within your house; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">your children will be like olive shoots <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">around your table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes, this will
be the blessing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">for the man who fears the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">May the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> bless you from Zion; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">all the days of your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">6 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">May you live to
see your children’s children— <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In some contexts fear does not mean being “scared of
someone” which is how in the modern world we think of the word. Instead "fear" can mean </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">having great respect for someone and even giving allegiance and
obedience to the person we respect. In other words, in </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">the bible “fear” often is a statement of obedience out
of complete trust for God. The </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">promise of this Psalm is that if we place this kind
of trust in God he will bless us—our</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">children and our family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Tell God you desire to serve him
today—ask him to help you “fear him” and enjoy his blessing!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-17189913045927649942014-05-02T13:12:00.000-06:002014-05-02T15:55:41.263-06:00Psalms 122--Pray for yourself and the church<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, I want to apologize I have not been maintaining this
blog this week. I had an infection and was in the hospital until yesterday, but
I am back to work and having fun! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find Psalms 122 to be incredibly fascinating. However, it
takes a bit of translating to really realize how powerful and prophetic this
Psalm is. First, realize that prior to the cross the temple was “the place to
meet God personally” and “Jerusalem” symbolized “the Church.” In this Psalm the words, "house of the Lord" are substituted for the word temple which is easier to understand because our hearts are "the house of the Lord"--that is because of the cross,
the "temple" is "within us" is we have a personal relationships with Christ and “the church” has no geographic boundaries.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What does the above definitions have to do with Psalms 122?
Well, the Psalm points out the importance of the temple (house of the Lord) and Jerusalem (church as whole). The real kicker when the
Psalmist ask us to pray. He wrote,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">6 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pray
for the peace of Jerusalem: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“May those who love you be secure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">7 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">May there be
peace within your walls <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and security within your citadels.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The above quote was prophetic. Later, Jesus advised his
disciples to pray for few things, but one of the key items he stated was, “Unity.”
Jesus knew the church would always struggle to make our faith about Jesus and
to stand together—the Psalmist knew it as well. Now read all of Psalm 122 as a
prayer, but substitute the words “Personal relationships with God’ for “temple” or "house of the Lord" and “the church and my local church” for “Jerusalem.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.25in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 122</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A song of ascents. Of David. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I rejoiced with
those who said to me, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Let us go to the house of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our feet are
standing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">in your gates, Jerusalem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jerusalem is
built like a city <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">that is closely compacted together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That is where
the tribes go up— <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the tribes of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>— <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">to praise the name of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">according to the statute given to
Israel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There stand the
thrones for judgment, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the thrones of the house of David. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">6 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pray for the
peace of Jerusalem: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“May those who love you be secure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">7 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">May there be
peace within your walls <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and security within your citadels.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">8 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For the sake of
my family and friends, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will say, “Peace be within you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">9 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For the sake of
the house of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> our God, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will seek your prosperity. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<br />
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a> <i>The New International Version</i>. 2011 (Ps
122). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-42396780972302702542014-04-25T10:15:00.003-06:002014-04-25T10:15:38.648-06:00Psalms 115 -- May our live be a credit to you God. <div class="MsoNormal">
Psalms 115<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Psalmist makes a promise—well, more than a promise—a commitment! My life is about you God! Read this Psalm and notice how from the first verse on
the Psalmist tips his hand to the purpose of this prayer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Not to us, <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, not to us <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">but to your name be the glory, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">because of your love and faithfulness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why do the
nations say, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Where is their God?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our God is in
heaven; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">he does whatever pleases him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But their idols
are silver and gold, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">made by human hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They have
mouths, but cannot speak, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">eyes, but cannot see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">6 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They have ears,
but cannot hear, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">noses, but cannot smell. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">7 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They have hands,
but cannot feel, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">feet, but cannot walk, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">nor can they utter a sound with their
throats. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">8 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Those who make
them will be like them, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and so will all who trust in them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">9 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">All you
Israelites, trust in the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>— <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">he is their help and shield. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">10 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">House of Aaron,
trust in the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>— <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">he is their help and shield. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">11 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You who fear
him, trust in the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>— <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">he is their help and shield. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">12 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> remembers us and will bless us: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He will bless his people Israel, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">he will bless the house of Aaron, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">13 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">he will bless
those who fear the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>— <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">small and great alike. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">14 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">May the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> cause you to flourish, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">both you and your children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">15 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">May you be
blessed by the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the Maker of heaven and earth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">16 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The highest
heavens belong to the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">but the earth he has given to mankind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">17 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is not the
dead who praise the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">those who go down to the place of
silence; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">18 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">it is we who
extol the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">both now and forevermore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Praise the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. <sup>g</sup> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
I wonder if I can with
integrity make the complete promise of verse one—<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Not to us, <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, not to us but to your name be the glory”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
I know this verse is my deep
desire. When I accepted Christ as my personal savior I promised him my <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
life, but do I keep that
promise? I suspect that in truth I am rarely 100% committed to dying to self, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
but I want God to know I am
trying to learn to be totally about him. He is worthy of all glory!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
Today God may I make my life
totally about you and may you receive all the glory!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a> <i>The New International Version</i>. 2011 (Ps
115:1–18). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214613428195981417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184409448609535425.post-47062779844209938602014-04-23T10:45:00.003-06:002014-04-23T10:45:51.339-06:00Psalms 113 Why Praise God<div class="MsoNormal">
Psalms 113<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Psalm raises an amazing question and a command. The
question is “Why is praise of God so important?” The command is, “Praise the
Lord.” Read the Psalm below paying special attention to verses 2 and 3.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Praise the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. <sup>n</sup> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Praise the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, you his servants; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">praise the name of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let the name of
the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> be praised, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">both now and forevermore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">From the rising
of the sun to the place where it sets, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the name of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is to be praised. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is exalted over all the nations, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">his glory above the heavens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Who is like the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> our God, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the One who sits enthroned on high, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">6 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">who stoops down
to look <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">on the heavens and the earth? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">7 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He raises the
poor from the dust <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and lifts the needy from the ash heap; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">8 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">he seats them
with princes, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">with the princes of his people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">9 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He settles the
childless woman in her home <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">as a happy mother of children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Praise the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Now reread just verses 2 & 3<o:p></o:p></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let the name of
the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> be praised, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">both now and forevermore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">From the rising
of the sun to the place where it sets, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the name of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is to be praised. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Obviously, one reason we praise the Lord is because he
deserves it! However, I believe something else happens when we praise God—we naturally
begin to fall in love with him more and serve him more earnestly. It is a
simple concept because what we think about we do. If we spend all day “<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">From
the rising of the sun to the place where it sets</span>” we are going to
naturally fall in love with God. I think perhaps these verses are listed a
command not only to bless God, but also us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What can we praise God for today?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5184409448609535425#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a> <i>The New International Version</i>. 2011 (Ps
113:1–9). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<o:p></o:p></div>
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