tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898599681359234512024-02-19T23:03:52.737-06:00Holy Women of OldFor after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands--1 Peter 3:5Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-88351918149917325292023-11-01T23:51:00.000-05:002023-11-01T23:51:04.298-05:00Is God Far From You?<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 9pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfYHbLI-_4fsUS6Rzzlro-ynZewBnFEki_O9DJYr8OqqoPmDx7RORRiWoUfSb9Kg2e2jd3d2zqeUaSOKDeaNEuHBJWmBfjegY5kRwJQFaqMsHrFyCZdd7is3ysSG1qT66qx9iOqZK81iDNHlh6yVC_zmVSMMCimRPf2wPSjBB8jyu1kZFHQ3THB_khO9i/s480/04_FB_BTBM_Mary_Perfume_Thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfYHbLI-_4fsUS6Rzzlro-ynZewBnFEki_O9DJYr8OqqoPmDx7RORRiWoUfSb9Kg2e2jd3d2zqeUaSOKDeaNEuHBJWmBfjegY5kRwJQFaqMsHrFyCZdd7is3ysSG1qT66qx9iOqZK81iDNHlh6yVC_zmVSMMCimRPf2wPSjBB8jyu1kZFHQ3THB_khO9i/s320/04_FB_BTBM_Mary_Perfume_Thumbnail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Morning Musing: March 31, 2019</span></u></b></span></div><br />All you who sorrow and sigh for the many griefs in our time I sigh with you.<br /><br />The rebellion among professed Christians, the hypocrisy, and politics in the "churches" the donuts and coffee and vain chatter the irreverent children...<br /><br />Oh AWAKE, AWAKE, AWAKE to righteousness, and sin not!!!!!!<br /><br />How long will wisdom cry in the streets and so many keep their fingers in their ears or buck like wild horses when those who fear God cry unto them!<br /><br />Friends, how long!!!! My heart breaks to see my friends indulging in worldliness, sensuality, no fear of God to awaken their senses of right and wrong while they attend "church" on Sunday.<br /><br />Did you know I called myself a Christian when I partied and drank myself into a fool!<br /><br />When I paraded my half-naked body around like a whore!!<br /><br />But guess what?!!<br /><br />I showed up to "church" on Sunday like a "good Christian"<br /><br />I was naked and blind in chains and fetters of darkness!<br /><br />But I called myself a Christian.<br /><br />God is not mocked. You may have a warm fuzzy feeling at the name of Jesus and call Him your Lord but when you delight in what grieves Him He is FAR FROM YOU!!!<br /><br />This distance is what finally broke me and brought me to my knees and the deep realization that I was a wicked person before a Just, a Righteous, a Holy and blameless God! Like the woman that wept and anointed the feet of Christ I wept over my sinful deeds that broke the Holy heart of Christ. <br /><br />God is not to be blamed my friends.<br /><br />God is not to be blamed for the problems you suffer in your life.<br /><br />He is not to be blamed for world hunger and lack of clean water for those in need.<br /><br />He is not to be blamed for the inhumanity of His creation, the men/women that He created in His likeness who act quite the opposite of Him.<br /><br />Those who love darkness more than light are to be blamed and all of us have been there and done that; and to my deep sorrow, many continue, though they claim His name to cleave to the darkness.<br /><br />Time is short.<br /><br />Don't wait to evaluate your Christian walk, compare your life to the life of Christ, and don't be deceived to think your life can't look like His. He calls us to be Holy as He is Holy, and Perfect as the Father in heaven is perfect.<br /><br />What does that perfect look like?<br /><br />What does that holy look like?<br /><br />Are you even at all striving to reflect it in your life?<br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">Luke 13:24</span><br />"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."<br /><br />If you think it has nothing to do with what you and your children wear, think again. For the heart is reflected in the actions, buying clothes and putting them on are actions.<br /><br />If you think the Messiah would buy tight jeans and a tight T-shirt to wear today you are de-sensitized!!<br /><br />If you think the holy women of old would wear by choice today: skinny jeans, spandex pants, cleavage-revealing tops, fitted clothes you are under a strong delusion.<br /><br />My heart cries for you to turn from Vanity-Fare from the deceitful lusts to AWAKE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS AND SIN NOT.<br /><br />And my heart breaks at the fear that my words will fall on deaf ears...<br /><br />...On hearts hardened that think they are safe and sound in the arms of the Lord and imagine me to be a self-righteous Pharisee while they themselves are filled with the Spirit and secure in their salvation though they wallow in the filth of this world.<br /><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom friends, it will steer you onto the narrow path that leads to life. Where you will be a true reflection both inward and outward of one disciplined by the teachings and example of Christ. I have my imperfections I am working on, but if we are not broken by our own shortcomings and if we are not striving for the things of eternity we need to REPENT TODAY!<br /><br />TOMORROW IS NOT A DEFINITE, SOME NEVER SEE IT.<br /><br />I can't fully express my burden here...somehow I hope these words draw those who read them to a deeper longing to prioritize their relationship with God and forsake the foolish to live for Him and His will.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 9pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 5pt;"><br /></div></div>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-11138700395303781762023-07-23T08:48:00.003-05:002023-07-23T08:53:05.700-05:00You Choose!<p> <b style="color: #1d2129; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Morning Musing: December 19, 2018</span></u></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCILwgA9zL192t0juBO8L8GR5E1I2-YfOMWUSuBoQnQQlap-LcIrs55wUQCji7w-Otfau_c4nKRfpjcDUZYaOpyzbdQ8LcQgzVqJavJNwdWqYDmnjNfPFkZy-Be9nqS9IGQRhGLofHOXKkwByGd4IPPhnfkAN8nS78pJX08BtOpXSylTshDcCFdvvHt4o/s640/apple-g21f024c9c_640.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCILwgA9zL192t0juBO8L8GR5E1I2-YfOMWUSuBoQnQQlap-LcIrs55wUQCji7w-Otfau_c4nKRfpjcDUZYaOpyzbdQ8LcQgzVqJavJNwdWqYDmnjNfPFkZy-Be9nqS9IGQRhGLofHOXKkwByGd4IPPhnfkAN8nS78pJX08BtOpXSylTshDcCFdvvHt4o/s320/apple-g21f024c9c_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can choose to bring forth good fruit or bad.</td></tr></tbody></table><b style="color: #1d2129; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b><p></p><br /><b>We were not created depraved and helpless</b>...God is our help and His grace teaches us His righteous ways. But He created us with the power to choose. Had He not He would be to blame for the many evils; and we would be blameless for having no choice in what we do.<br /><br />It seems to me people have created theologies that point to this idea that we can not do any good and some would perhaps say we can not do any bad. But <b>what do the Scriptures sa</b>y:<br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">Isaiah 7:15</span><br />Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">Isaiah 7:16</span><br />For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">Deuteronomy 30:19</span><br />I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:<br /><span style="background-color: yellow;"><br />Joshua 24:15</span><br />And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.<br /><br />The power to choose enables real love to exist. Otherwise what people do would be rather meaningless since they have no choice as if God alone controls them...He enables us to choose to serve Him, to choose to do good, or to choose to serve our own desires. This means His judgment is just. He would have all men to come to repentance, He is long-suffering towards us, patiently waiting for us to choose to love & serve Him of our own free will.<br /><br />So don't wait for God to make you choose what is right....it doesn't work that way. Yes, we need His help...and He will help us by allowing us to suffer the consequences of our bad decisions to help us see it isn't worth it to choose our own deceitful lusts. But if we love Him (we have the choice to love Him) we will keep His commandments.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">John 14:15</span><br />If ye love me, keep my commandments.<br /><br />Being a Believer means:<br />because we believe what Christ taught we make choices accordingly....we keep His commandments because we believe His warnings of what will happen if we do not. Otherwise, we are just make-believers.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">John 3:18-21</span> He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.<br />And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.<br />For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.<br />But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.<div><br /></div><div>*Photo courtesy of : <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/varjag-3211970/" target="_blank">varjag</a></div>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-5943561214895735222023-07-23T08:34:00.000-05:002023-07-23T08:34:04.412-05:00Wasting time?<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLksjFeq5gH07JwH8cSh9x8VoGNfxFkndIh-d9ublPGOVgwjECWx1ZATtAc3IwMLuZDB3bymWom7UdCeqpuHhObwYgTzZYbQjivRxAsTsF2xDtZfkzIbQ01lSTkKqdDw1DY9GhtB3_YH3jc_AGvLnb_sMI-49zVZsL2z-ZCIuCZTirxCYk2gpiVbeMqYeG/s4032/IMG_20200209_121444101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLksjFeq5gH07JwH8cSh9x8VoGNfxFkndIh-d9ublPGOVgwjECWx1ZATtAc3IwMLuZDB3bymWom7UdCeqpuHhObwYgTzZYbQjivRxAsTsF2xDtZfkzIbQ01lSTkKqdDw1DY9GhtB3_YH3jc_AGvLnb_sMI-49zVZsL2z-ZCIuCZTirxCYk2gpiVbeMqYeG/s320/IMG_20200209_121444101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 5pt;"><span face="" style="color: #1d2129; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Morning Musing December 3, 2018</span></b></u></span></div><br />Waking up with a burden this morning...don't know if I can say these things Loud enough so please hear me...<br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">2 Peter 3:9</span><br />[9]The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.<br /><br />El Señor no retarda su promesa, según algunos la tienen por tardanza, sino que es paciente para con nosotros, no queriendo que ninguno perezca, sino que todos procedan al arrepentimiento.<br /><br />His LONG-SUFFERING IS SO AMAZING! You know why?<br /><br />There are things going on that many of us could not stand if we saw or heard of them...we already see and hear through social media a small portion of the ABOMINATIONS people daily commit....what some of us do know about the evil makes us feel physically ill and we have to war against fears & /or depression &/or losing our minds! We have to forget about the evils we know or have seen or heard so we can go on with our lives.<br /><br />But God sees and hears all of what we know and an extreme amount more.<br /><br />An abomination is a thing that causes disgust or hatred.<br /><br />DISGUST/HATRED is what we feel when we hear certain evils people do to children or animals or Each other.<br /><br />God is Longsuffering, He is holding back His anger not only towards those who are committing such like abominations but to US also...because He wants to see us perfected in His image. He is NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE!!!<br /><br />What are some of you doing while He is so patiently holding back His righteous anger?<br /><br />I have seen some of you on FB treading on His mercy; wasting the precious time He is giving to bring us to complete repentance.<br /><br />Some of you are taking precious time to post foolishness; whether it is jokes about passing gas or lusting after certain foods or certain like things...some of you even dare use Scripture and spiritual things to make jokes!! Friends, anyone with a God-honoring/fearing mind is not laughing with you but grieving for you...God is grieving also....stop turning to jest & light-heartedness to cope with reality.<br /><span style="background-color: yellow;"><br />James 4:8-10</span></div><div>[8]Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded.<br />[9]Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.<br />[10]Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.<br /><br />We don't want to be numbered with the abominable...our time here is short and there is more JOY to be had in forsaking the foolish to live for the will of God than any jesting could ever give you.<br /><br />Look what the Proverb says (this is wisdom that is becoming extinct...please pass it on to children and be an example of it)<br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">Proverbs 9:6</span><br />[6]Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.<br /><br />Notice it says, "And LIVE" because there is no LIFE abiding in a fool...God is life and He doesn't dwell with a fool. If you want that true peace and fullness of joy Forsake the foolish... and go in the way of understanding.<br /><br />Do we really lay to heart and understand that this world is about to be utterly destroyed and the inhabitants have made themselves worthy of this destruction with all their abominable lusts & deeds?<br /><br />Then why are some wasting their time as in the days of Noah carrying on like the world isn't coming to desolation?<br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">1 Peter 3:20</span><br />[20]Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.<br /><br />FEW WERE SAVED....don't think that because you "got saved" you have a special ticket to heaven...Heaven is reserved for those who love what God loves and hate what He hates; for those who don't waste precious time but diligently seek Him (He is a rewarder of such) and allow His grace to work in their lives...causing them to deny ungodliness & worldly lusts and to live righteously and soberly in this present evil world.<span style="background-color: yellow;"> (Titus 2:11-12)</span><br /><br />Some may not realize that biblical sobriety is not about not drinking alcohol to excess, (although it would not be sober to do so)<br /><br />but about having a sound mind...having that gravity of mind that gives you the wisdom to make sound judgments; to discern what thoughts to cast down and never let come out your mouth and/or never let lead you.<br /><br />Friends...I simply want to see more of you take being a follower of Christ; Being called a Christian more seriously. God is waiting so patiently...be broken about the mistakes you have made and get up and go forward making the right choices for His name's sake.<br /><br />Feel for God knowing He is seeing and hearing all these abominations as He waits for YOUR full surrender...your life of surrender... He LOVES YOU SO MUCH HE IS WILLING TO BEAR WITH ALL THE ABOMINATIONS GOING ON UNTIL YOU REPENT AND LIVE ACCORDING TO HIS WILL....but time is short & today is the day to turn to Him with your whole heart; We are not promised tomorrow.<br /><br />Being "saved" is not something we experience at one time and then go on doing the things this world does. God turns our reality upside down and shakes out all the stuff we shouldn't be holding on to until our reality is made new so much that people we know wonder: why don't you watch these movies with me anymore?<br /><br />Why don't you dress like us anymore?<br /><br />Why don't you laugh when we laugh?<br /><br />Why do you seem so serious?<br /><br />Why do you read the Bible so much?<br /><br />Why don't you go to the ball game anymore?<br /><br />Why don't you...<br /><br />Let them ask and give them a good reason...<br /><br />Did Christ suffer to redeem you from destruction...is God suffering Long even now?<br /><br /><br />Will you not suffer yourself to be as Christ in this world... He was about His Father's business, (are you?) unentangled with the cares of this life (are you?)...He cared for others...He gave His time & energy to serve the physical & spiritual needs of others (are you?). He wasn't sitting around watching sports games or thinking how He could beautify His living space by purchasing ornaments to decorate His house, He wasn't coming up with jestful sayings to get His friends to laugh (are you?)...<br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">Philippians 4:8-9</span><br />[8]Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.<br />[9]Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.<br /><br /><br /></div>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-6957976602540702602022-12-28T20:47:00.002-06:002022-12-28T20:47:38.885-06:00Peace & Rest<p> <u style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre;"><b>November 19th, 2018 Morning Musing:</b></u></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECIzjF9chLJHvOZw2YfD9KLrkQV71hLnN0kjEUHgH5TDl7igExpi1JxgpBxXncwMqbwiftB_nTPiTOWF8v2Zo0oDPTikTNZQno0f4oFcdLsX8GCnXwfMWAfEJUeNGu4Ej--QlIEp-UdBSXRdpngYB0XqnIWxjWk39DjB7X3y7ssCVVlQJFglA_BQwUg/s2928/IMG_20210215_115539599~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="2928" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECIzjF9chLJHvOZw2YfD9KLrkQV71hLnN0kjEUHgH5TDl7igExpi1JxgpBxXncwMqbwiftB_nTPiTOWF8v2Zo0oDPTikTNZQno0f4oFcdLsX8GCnXwfMWAfEJUeNGu4Ej--QlIEp-UdBSXRdpngYB0XqnIWxjWk39DjB7X3y7ssCVVlQJFglA_BQwUg/w551-h148/IMG_20210215_115539599~2.jpg" width="551" /></a></div><br />How do you have peace & rest in your soul when you feel the weight<br /><br />of many burdens, many cares of this life?<br /><br />Burdens that bind you in stress & anxiety & fear & doubts, in haste:<br /><br />Keep Christ as your first love, look to Him, talk with Him, acknowledge Him in all your ways, keep His WORD in your thoughts, let His words protect you, correct you, direct you, break you, heal you, comfort you. Surrender your understanding,<br /><br />your sense of control, your will, your fears, your doubts, your stress,<br /><br />your anxiety, your haste,<br /><br /><br />let go & let God give you rest.<br /><br /><br />When He matters more than any earthly matter, when being near to Him means<br /><br /><br />more to you than anything else; when it means more than what you may lose to<br /><br /><br />gain him---what you lose doesn't really matter if you have His peace &<br /><br /><br />rest in your soul.<br /><br /><br />He is all we really need.<br /><br /><br />The only control you have is over your own thoughts and actions.<br /><br /><br />STOP everything...<br /><br /><br />And seek His face & His grace...<br /><br /><br />To cultivate His peace & rest...to walk in it, even when all around you demands your<br /><br /><br />care & your<br /><br /><br />concern.<br /><br /><br />Stay focused on the Big Picture...God's plan for your life isn't to let you die under the cares & burdens of this life. But He will let<br /><br /><br />those cares<br /><br /><br />& burdens bring us to our knees, He will give us the opportunity to turn to Him, to<br /><br /><br />surrender to Him, to have hope in His mercy, to pray & see His power to intervene.<br /><br /><br />These struggles we face are meant to perfect that which is lacking in us, to mold<br /><br /><br />us into the image of Christ.<br /><br /><br />Are we seeing The Big Picture?<br /><br /><br />Are we allowing life's difficulties to mold us into the nature of Christ?<br /><br /><br />Or are we responding in the flesh: Fearful, doubtful, anxious, stressed out?<br /><br /><br />Lay it ALL DOWN.<br /><br /><br />PICK UP THE CROSS. DIE TO SELF AND REJOICE IN THE SPIRIT & GRACE<br /><br /><br />OF CHRIST.<br /><br /><br />We don't have to respond in the flesh...if we watch and pray & hold fast to the<br /><br /><br />peace He offers we can be as Him in this present evil world!</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">John 14:27<br />"[27]Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />La paz os dejo, mi paz os doy; yo no os la doy como el mundo la da. No se turbe<br /><br />vuestro corazón, ni tenga miedo.</span><br /><br /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-40997865727655608152022-07-01T12:18:00.001-05:002022-07-01T12:18:31.822-05:00Train up a Child<p><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 588px; overflow: hidden; width: 441px;"><img height="588" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Bxu9zwpJkL9oNEDGk_g7dTyGEl5eYsBzxU_IFrBztBmJ-neorZXP0OYRUWaqBvrxgEzuSnulHYdIKbt8euOna3U2G16p3LK5g-rxi4cSyHh9i5IFpqR33OJg1IMFeRdJK_y3VGOOpZXhFLm6Sw" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="441" /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Proverbs 22:6 </span> "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-fed518eb-7fff-a8b0-8205-db86d113dfc3"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5999599999999998; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dear friends, please seriously consider the above verse...this society is defiling and spoiling the youth, making them lazy, entitled, effeminate, selfish, cry babies and that is what much of the grown-up society is now made up of. Children do not need to be entertained, they do not need constant excitement and pleasure....when you run yourself weary trying to provide such things for your children you ruin yourself and them...they grow up not knowing what it means to be a responsible, self-capable adult....they think they need "adult" entertainment and "adult" pleasure and many think the government should give them free housing and groceries and medical....They don't want to work for their own food, shelter, or basic needs....they want mommy and daddy to continue to support their leisurely lifestyle. And if not their parents then they will find boyfriends or girlfriends to work & provide for them or the government.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5999599999999998; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Back in the day, a family unit was a team that worked together to put the daily bread on the table, everyone had their part, the young helped care for the animals and weeded in the field, hand-washed the dishes, and helped cook and clean...they were not taught to be idle, lazy or self-pleasing....a hard-working society was produced when they came of age....then something happened...modern conveniences made less physical labor, which gave birth to fullness of bread and idleness and as it was in Sodom so it is now....an idle, full-bellied effeminate society on the rise....seeking new ways to entertain themselves, seeking pleasure in perversion, so bored out of their minds sitting in cities stuck behind 4 walls without a care in the world, pampered and spoiled by parents who are deceived to believe it is cruel to have a 5-year-old wash dishes by hand or have a 10 year old wash their own clothes or mow the lawn....I could go on & on....My concern is many claiming Christ have yet to realize that children prosper when they are taught that life is work, not play....and children (before they get spoiled) want to help do the things they see mama do like dishes, cleaning, etc and the things dad does, yard work, car work etc, CHILDREN DON'T NEED TABLETS, FIDGET TOYS THAT REINFORCE IDLENESS....they need parents that invest in them and teach them how to care for themselves and others how to get food on the table.... give them a taste of the reality that life is work....they will love and respect you so much more than if you buy them entertainment sit them in a room alone while you do your own thing. You work against the will of God and the well-being of your children when you teach them money is well spent on amusement parks and vain useless hobbies....how about cultivating the God-given gifts in your children to raise money for orphans or reach out to the thousands of children in foster care, show them money is well spent when it is spent on the NEEDS OF THE NEEDY.....I could say more....God work in your hearts and wash away the American ideal...may God's will be plainly seen that Christians are on earth for one purpose, to glorify God in all they do....teach your children the will of God that when they are of age they will walk in it...Hypocrisy hardens the heart of the young....</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5999599999999998; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Romans 15:2-4</span> "Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5999599999999998; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5999599999999998; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2336152733146814&set=pcb.2336175156477905&__cft__[0]=AZV1BAb4OFozFBbsJV1Z5NPcipgqKew1nr1BDnA9bGspppt-WtPVb06dQcOtdUYKS0oQ6mlq7AJwVXuLHdISLD9CUVGLaIo0bGbyq4kG5voDQuafm9kiesHVwdHja8i2Wof5X_OrfpITq76hDGOZysa4beHOs3SWd8Zgp_zVtIogoA&__tn__=*bH-R" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 293px; overflow: hidden; width: 220px;"><img height="293" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/ybmcSYGYZCDtZb871Aj0EidRmJul-ZBqIrbo4u8G9HesrYlR8W5xpKF1nlkIkG7agV_ItRumtRBd0ua7kIgUXdFfhCepnGu7LsJd4hylDGAeE2GBkwj4UxBsUyGav3ez0GJVyk3QYsXPFVk8Wg" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="220" /></span></span></a><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 293px; overflow: hidden; width: 220px;"><img height="293" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/AN_MDQzMyadHBNPJf4_NhFi9tfAUfc_gAxmdeKYFp1wr8SMJIA0crwGjgCdm8iPfyNObM7UACP6JGjM4OlD1-V8A2O-22FtWLoLmJUAc74aQeWLSYVMLh3GpNWParCULouvENz_PPN26UkN-iQ" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="220" /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2336164486478972&set=pcb.2336175156477905&__cft__[0]=AZV1BAb4OFozFBbsJV1Z5NPcipgqKew1nr1BDnA9bGspppt-WtPVb06dQcOtdUYKS0oQ6mlq7AJwVXuLHdISLD9CUVGLaIo0bGbyq4kG5voDQuafm9kiesHVwdHja8i2Wof5X_OrfpITq76hDGOZysa4beHOs3SWd8Zgp_zVtIogoA&__tn__=*bH-R" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></a></p><br /></span>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-23573764626631533692022-06-20T14:07:00.000-05:002022-06-20T14:07:21.525-05:00One with the Father<p><u><b>June 19, 2022 Musing</b></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidl4wtEHzUjFAMLTNP3bnlEHWTu2pQFBP19bEQZ7RNVfdGskHTYFrHQdigb8JUX_V6rwZaEFyRAkNT_Yg77z_W8lRmDoJx4qSqfJNivFV0XuJUFF-p6LZyYoUKn2_NZTOuVDyBwjPpratgulwDXChi_0z9_hFNgYsdbKQ6_sX_yc_2l4yw2bue3kshPg/s2250/IMG_20190415_102500869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1525" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidl4wtEHzUjFAMLTNP3bnlEHWTu2pQFBP19bEQZ7RNVfdGskHTYFrHQdigb8JUX_V6rwZaEFyRAkNT_Yg77z_W8lRmDoJx4qSqfJNivFV0XuJUFF-p6LZyYoUKn2_NZTOuVDyBwjPpratgulwDXChi_0z9_hFNgYsdbKQ6_sX_yc_2l4yw2bue3kshPg/w271-h400/IMG_20190415_102500869.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-family: verdana;">Mat 12:50</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As Christians who walk in obedience, we all have the same Father. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And what a Faithful Father He is!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Jesus said, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Joh 14:7 </span> If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Jesus manifested the character and heart of God our Father.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Joh 15:23 </span> He that hateth me hateth my Father also.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We are called to be one with the Father. to be as Christ in the world, reflecting the character and image of our Father.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Joh 17:21</span> That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the natural, we hear saying like, "A chip off the old block" meaning a child is a piece of their Father, there is a resemblance. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">How can we be like our Father; clearly by being like Christ.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Father was pleased by Christ choosing to live His life as a sacrifice for others; He would have us do the same, because true love is sacrificial, and God is love, to reflect Him we lay down our lives for His name's sake.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Joh 10:17 </span> Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our Father in heaven watches over us to guide us, protect us and lead us and sometimes that means chastening...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Rev 3:19 </span> As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Rev 3:20 </span> Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Rev 3:21 </span> To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">But look, those who faithfully bear the Father's image get to sit in His lap at the end and rest our head in His bosom.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Anyone that's ever had a good relationship with their father knows the joy of sitting on Daddy's lap.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And look at this revelation: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> Luke 11:11 </span> If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Luk 11:12 </span> Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Luk 11:13 </span> If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some people see God as one who is out to punish them at every wrong move...but if we, as His creation, are capable of evil, yet we know how to love our children how much more does He?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">God wants to be our Father whereby we learn to trust Him for our every need and He loves to hear us cry "Abba Father" Because His nature is to nurture us, to raise us up in His image, and fill us with His Holy Spirit.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Galatians 4:6 </span> And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Gal 4:7 </span>Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Rom 8:14 </span>For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Rom 8:15 </span>For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Rom 8:16 </span>The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Rom 8:17</span> And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As we spend the day giving honor to fathers, let us not forget the Father of All, who is worthy of honor and praise!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Remember how Christ taught us to pray...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Our Father, who is in Heaven, Hallowed (sanctified, holy) be Your name..."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-56095245793953398722022-04-03T10:34:00.003-05:002022-04-03T10:45:32.763-05:00Meekness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0BbCAPW3ZSmSglaO8TxK0kV05c1Bo3jEwI4p9T-dThNhloCszPWZwJyEEf9uWEvRGqtWqgKLg_lpc543mY6FN-dpq5lVaTLWsrCvnLwKEAGuccxVtZUWct8muqcYzz0fFvGV8oG4Mzz7o-U0r8nmaWEEuzeracVWaSRFCjEDGvQBxKTVIP2XZ_uNzg/s1135/hand%20of%20Jesus.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1135" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0BbCAPW3ZSmSglaO8TxK0kV05c1Bo3jEwI4p9T-dThNhloCszPWZwJyEEf9uWEvRGqtWqgKLg_lpc543mY6FN-dpq5lVaTLWsrCvnLwKEAGuccxVtZUWct8muqcYzz0fFvGV8oG4Mzz7o-U0r8nmaWEEuzeracVWaSRFCjEDGvQBxKTVIP2XZ_uNzg/w552-h288/hand%20of%20Jesus.png" width="552" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is a study I recently felt very blessed to throw together. Meekness is a characteristic of Jesus that God calls us to have as well.</span></p><p class="bible" id="40_11_28" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; color: #292f33; font-family: "Roboto Medium"; font-size: 20px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><a href="verseid:40.11.28" id="40.11.28" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0071ee; text-align: initial; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="verse" style="color: #238554; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: underline;">Mat 11:28</span> </a><span style="text-align: initial;"> </span><span class="highlight_40_11_28" style="text-align: initial;"><span class="red" style="color: #da3737;">Come unto me, all</span> <span class="gra" style="color: #757575;"><i>ye</i></span> <span class="red" style="color: #da3737;">that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.</span></span></p><p><a href="verseid:40.11.29" id="40.11.29" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0071ee; font-family: "Roboto Medium"; font-size: 20px; text-align: initial; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="verse" style="color: #238554; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: underline;">Mat 11:29</span> </a><span style="color: #292f33; font-family: "Roboto Medium"; font-size: 20px; text-align: initial;"> </span><span class="highlight_40_11_29" style="color: #292f33; font-family: "Roboto Medium"; font-size: 20px; text-align: initial;"><span class="red" style="color: #da3737;">Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I believe these are all the verses in the Bible that specifically use the word meekness.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></b><span style="color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psa 45:4</span><span style="color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9e6f3; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and</span><span style="color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Zep 2:3</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9e6f3; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1Co 4:21</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9e6f3; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the spirit of </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">?</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2Co 10:1</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9e6f3; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now I Paul myself beseech you by the </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and gentleness of Christ, who in presence </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">am</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Gal 5:23</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9e6f3; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, temperance: against such there is no law.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 15pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Bear One Another's Burdens</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Gal 6:1</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /><br /></b></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 15pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Unity in the Body of Christ</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Eph 4:1</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin: 0pt 2pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eph 4:2</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> With all lowliness and </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Eph 4:3</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 15pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Put On the New Self</span></h2><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Col 3:12</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9e6f3; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, longsuffering;</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 15pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Fight the Good Fight of Faith</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1Ti 6:11</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Ti 6:12</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Flee these things” What things?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Ti 6:6</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But godliness with contentment is great gain.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Ti 6:7</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For we brought nothing into </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">this</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> world, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and it is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> certain we can carry nothing out.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Ti 6:8</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Ti 6:9</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">into</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Ti 6:10</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2Ti 2:23</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2Ti 2:24</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">men,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> apt to teach, patient,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin: 0pt 2pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2Ti 2:25</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2Ti 2:26</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> And </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 15pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Be Ready for Every Good Work</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Tit 3:1</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin: 0pt 2pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 3:2</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">but</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> gentle, shewing all </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> unto all men.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 3:3</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> hating one another.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 3:4</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 3:5</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 3:6</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 3:7</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 3:8</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 3:9</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">People get confused because of the theologies of men and when they read certain verses their minds hear something other than what the Scriptures actually say. It is true that God saved us “according to His mercy” and not because of any righteousness in us, there is nothing you, as an individual has done that is exceptional above others that caused Him to save you; but that does not mean we don’t have to do anything or that nothing we can do will affect our salvation.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And being “justified by His grace” does not mean there is nothing we can do that will affect our salvation as if we can remain practicing known sin. The Scriptures also tell us that *grace is a teacher:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 2:11</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 2:12</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teaching us</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 2:13</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 2:14</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tit 2:15</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> These things speak, and exhort, and</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> rebuke</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> with all authority. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let no man despise thee.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So if we are justified by His grace I would say it’s because His grace worked in our lives to perfect that which concerned us. Because we learn through Grace we are given the knowledge we need so that we can use our free will to make choices that glorify God. And notice again how the Scriptures are saying that Christ gave himself to “redeem us from all iniquity to purify unto Himself a peculiar people (why are they peculiar, because they have grace as in power over sin and why do they have power over sin? Because the knowledge grace gives them strengthens them to choose wisely and not only that but His sacrifice has caused a deep revelation of His love inspiring His followers to love Him in return by behaving in a way that is well-pleasing to Him even if that requires sacrificing that which is dear to them.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Notice the last verse here that we are to speak these things and give rebukes to help others be sound in the faith and if we do this all in meekness we can have confidence and hopefully avoid some offence in those who hear, but offense can not always be avoided and if we be despised for speaking the Truth in love we can’t let it hinder us.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Speaking of offense: God through His followers whose words were recorded and are now called Scriptures exhorts us to avoid offending people. But He also tells us that the Christ (the annointed One, the Messiah) will be an offense a rock of offense, something that men will stumble over. Who are these people that stumble over Christ =the disobedient who stumble at His words. You see, many unknowingly separate Christ from His Words, and they create for themselves a false Christ. One that loves them and smiles at them no matter what they do. Then when they are presented with His words they stumble over them because His words expose their sin and cause a sense of rejection in them, and they can not and will not believe that God will reject them for something, therefore they justify themselves continuing in sin… and this is where condemnation comes in and the hearts of people are clearly manifested to love darkness/sin more than light/righteousness (righteousness can only be defined by God who alone is righteous) The Word of God seeks to separate people from their sins so He can receive them into life everlasting because the separation from sin purifies us. But those who resist being separated from their sin show forth a loving of darkness/sin and because they hold fast to their sin they can not enter into eternity with a Holy God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Let’s look at what the Word says in regards to </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Christ the offense and loving sin </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">more than light bringing condemnation:</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 15pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">A Living Stone and a Holy People</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 2:1</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 2:2</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 2:3</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> If so be ye have tasted that the Lord </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> gracious.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 2:4</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> To whom coming, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">as unto</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> precious,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 2:5</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 2:6</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 2:7</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Unto you therefore which believe </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">he is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin: 0pt 2pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 2:8</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">offence</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">even to them</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 2:9</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But ye </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">are</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 2:10</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Which in time past </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">were</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> not a people, but </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">are</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 2:11</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Dearly beloved, I beseech </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">you</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 2:12</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">your</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Joh 3:16</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Joh 3:17</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Joh 3:18</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin: 0pt 2pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Joh 3:19</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And this is the </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">condemnation</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Joh 3:20</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Joh 3:21</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is important to know and understand these basic Truths so when we are faced with deception we can have a shield and a sword to protect ourselves and others from deceit…</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The word used in the books of James and Peter describe meekness as this:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 15pt; margin: 15pt 2pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strongs </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">G4240 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Πραΰ́της </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">prautēs </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">prah-oo'-tace </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 15pt; margin: 15pt 2pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9753db; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">G4239</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mildness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, that is, (by implication) </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">humility:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This word is used 3 times in the NT in the following passages:</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 15pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Hearing and Doing the Word</span></span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 1:19</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 1:20</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin: 0pt 2pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 1:21</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with </span><span style="background-color: #d7aefb; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 1:22</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 1:23</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 1:24</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 1:25</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">therein,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 1:26</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> vain.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 1:27</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to keep himself unspotted from the world.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 15pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Wisdom from Above</span></span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 3:13</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Who </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with </span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of wisdom.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 3:14</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 3:15</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This wisdom descendeth not from above, but </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> earthly, sensual, devilish.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 3:16</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For where envying and strife </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> there </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> confusion and every evil work.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 3:17</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jas 3:18</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 3:14</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">are ye:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin: 0pt 2pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 3:15</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">be</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> ready always to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">give</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with </span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meekness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and fear:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 3:16</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 3:17</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">it is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Πραΰ́της </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">prautēs </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">prah-oo'-tace </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Comes from the word </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9753db; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">G4239</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">πραΰ́ς </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">praus </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">prah-ooce'</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 15pt; margin: 15pt 2pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apparently a primary word; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mild</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, that is, (by implication) </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">humble:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - meek. See also </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9753db; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">G4235</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meekness does not equate weakness. It takes much more strength to be humble and mild than it does to be proud and loud.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Πραΰ́ς </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is also used 3 times in the NT in the following verses:</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Mat 5:5</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9e6f3; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Blessed</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">are</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the</span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> meek:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> for they shall inherit the earth.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> Jesus was meek but mighty!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Mat 21:5</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9e6f3; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, </span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meek,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin: 0pt 2pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 3:4</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">let it be</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">even the ornament</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of a </span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meek</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 3:5</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1Pe 3:6</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meekness is of great worth to God, it is something He desires to see in us.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 15pt; margin: 15pt 2pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">G4236 Πρᾳότης </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">praotēs </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">prah-ot'-ace</span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 15pt; margin: 15pt 2pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9753db; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">G4235</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">gentleness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; by implication </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">humility:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - meekness</span></span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">This Greek form is used 9 times in these verses:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1 Cor. 4:21</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2 Cor. 10:1</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Gal. 5:23</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">GAl. 6:1</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Eph. 4:2</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Col. 3:12</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1 Tim. 6:11</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2 Tim. 2:25</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Titus 3:2</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 15pt; margin: 15pt 2pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9753db; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">G4235</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Πρᾴος </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e78c2; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">praos </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">prah'-os</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 15pt; margin: 15pt 2pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A form of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9753db; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">G4239</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, used in certain parts; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">gentle</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, that is, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">humble:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - meek. This form is found in one verse:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Mat 11:28</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Come unto me, all</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ye</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #d9e6f3; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin: 0pt 2pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mat 11:29</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am </span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meek</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #238554; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mat 11:30</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0071ee; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For my yoke</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #da3737; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">easy, and my burden is light.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I believe this study shows well the importance of meekness. It is something we can pray for and remind ourselves of when we are tempted to be otherwise.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-right: 2pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 2pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meekness is a characteristic of God and one that He wants us also to have as representatives of Him so we can enter into His rest.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">*Grace is more than a teacher. Teaching us Truth is only one aspect of grace.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I do encourage you to study on your own to see if what I shared here with you</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">is accurate. </span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">ESword is a good study tool online that can be used on a computer or phone.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">It includes what is called the Strongs Concordance that enables users </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">to search words in the Bible and see every verse that word is in along with </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">its original Greek or Hebrew word along with a definition.</span></p><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-48925001824988846812022-04-03T09:53:00.004-05:002022-04-03T09:53:57.650-05:00MORNING MUSING October 10, 2018 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOx2RKDzksQWsVOzTow27hiYHRrFytwd2CGlOCVtYf8G0VH3ApXW37JAUDsgH6fARa6bsa0jC3Pg-2N2cL-f-xdVkFH6kxWekFEtuMRYs0xjhVx_hvvxzNzdME2J9uuWsnijfKljL7RXw4shvxyHyX6Tjj1XfMeD5cvfcyAxpAIe4u9YeiWrYqJnZ_Q/s1140/Screenshot%202022-04-03%209.50.37%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1140" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOx2RKDzksQWsVOzTow27hiYHRrFytwd2CGlOCVtYf8G0VH3ApXW37JAUDsgH6fARa6bsa0jC3Pg-2N2cL-f-xdVkFH6kxWekFEtuMRYs0xjhVx_hvvxzNzdME2J9uuWsnijfKljL7RXw4shvxyHyX6Tjj1XfMeD5cvfcyAxpAIe4u9YeiWrYqJnZ_Q/s320/Screenshot%202022-04-03%209.50.37%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Musing on how everyone benefits from knowing someone loves them. And many people suffer from feeling like no one loves them.<br /><br /><br />Some people may be loved by others but not believe it.<br /><br /><br />Or some may have a character that is hard to love. Some may know they have this character and some may not realize how they make it hard for others to love them.<br /><br /><br />And some do not know what real love is, they do not know how to really love others and they may not recognize when someone really loves them.<br /><br /><br />One thing is sure whether or not people acknowledge it. The life of Christ declares love and the power of love.<br /><br /><br />Christ did not live to satisfy His will, or what He liked most, or what made Him most comfortable, what gave Him the most pleasure, etc. He simply came to do the will of the Father. If we also take on this mind of Christ we will come to know what it means to truly love and be loved. Love does not always give us warm fuzzy feelings. Love does not always make people comfortable or feel good. Yet love is kind, longsuffering.<br /><br /><br />If you want to be loved by others realize the love Christ has for you. How He suffered in this flesh and willingly laid down His will and life to save yours because He loves you. He loves in deed and truth and calls us to do the same. We can have complete satisfaction knowing God loves us regardless of how others may treat us. What is most important other than having a revelation of His love for us is;<br /><br /><br />Are we loving others as He has loved us?<br /><br /><br />We need to focus on what we need to change about ourselves. We need to be more ready to understand others than seek to be understood.<br /><br /><br />May we be vessels of His love in this short life we have on earth.</p>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-13977571060494934542022-02-24T14:02:00.000-06:002022-02-24T14:02:16.341-06:00Morning Musing September 27, 2018<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 5pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1d2129; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 5pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1d2129; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDfOTF9dj-8454C3UqZLrOMQT2gKNJxrXea_mNzXu-NJVcRahIqasV0z87bnPy3ObQ4lOmAZoevnC_3kKKghwlLFB25TuOU4N8oUmd4hB6kzm5g4fm0MpRufyXRKzAExErJty5Y_ffa0pD2sE2Yj1vo6w9R_tyWC2a6WPYguPKOZZbwOxlaZo6cecKJg=s746" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="746" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDfOTF9dj-8454C3UqZLrOMQT2gKNJxrXea_mNzXu-NJVcRahIqasV0z87bnPy3ObQ4lOmAZoevnC_3kKKghwlLFB25TuOU4N8oUmd4hB6kzm5g4fm0MpRufyXRKzAExErJty5Y_ffa0pD2sE2Yj1vo6w9R_tyWC2a6WPYguPKOZZbwOxlaZo6cecKJg=w400-h297" width="400" /></a></div></u></b><b style="background-color: transparent;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Morning Musing September 27, 2018</span></u></b></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 5pt;">Thinking about how we can seem to know God through the knowledge of His Word & history etc, We can have much good to say by the use of the mind...Yet if the heart is not involved in our Words and thoughts, our knowledge will be found wanting (lacking)...</div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 5pt;">At the same time if we have a heart full of emotions, compassion & an earnestness to do good but lack the knowledge needed we are also wanting...</div><p><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Romans 10:2</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">"For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">There must be a just balance between our minds & our hearts.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Knowledge puffs up but Charity edifies.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Scriptural Charity seems to be the balance between heart and mind because charity acts out of the heart feeling of love but is coupled with wisdom.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">For example, charity knows how to suffer long, stay kind & not be puffed up, and not envy others.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">I think Paul was coming to this same revelation about the heart and the mind. For a man can give to the poor and give his body to be burned and still be found wanting, incomplete. Paul says if this man has not Charity these things he has done will not profit.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Charity has the understanding needed.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">A zeal without understanding is dangerous.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Charity knows how to never fail:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Not seeking her own,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Does not behave unseemly,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Is not easily provoked knowing how to possess the soul with patience,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Thinks no evil & does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the Truth,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Charity knows how to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">ENDURETH ALL THINGS which requires a willingness to suffer not for one's own glory but for God to be glorified;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Look what Paul adds to this:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">1 Corinthians 13:8-11 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">"...whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">So, it seems to me there is a perfection we can attain unto if we have a balance between the heart and mind (the desire & the knowledge). And that perfection is CHARITY.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">We must forsake the childish envy, self-seeking, boasting, vain glorying, foolish talking, etc, to attain unto this Charity. We can not rest in the knowledge of Scriptures that we have if our heart is far from God.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">We must draw nigh to God with heart, mind & soul.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">I believe there is a correlation between perfecting holiness & Charity.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">2 Corinthians 7:1</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">May these musings bless the readers. And may the Muser be a doer and not a Muser only</span></p>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-70357541813313274062021-11-20T15:50:00.003-06:002021-11-20T15:50:21.561-06:00Consequences<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2XmJpLa3hHjJM7nm1eybWTRyf3t0Dwi5SCAqErVgwlO04EtIcTt2v07bz9-bLiV9AcQQmf1EOGKrYLrQuzHDxiBonqKF8_sOxs7koodiBYAbg35heUKm6pPhbwxkp_WLNwINWUEnOsfu4B5JV4uu6ypxMqbxtb7Sl4iA8eJ-ewLxbLNkX0imCO_d1Tw=s1156" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2XmJpLa3hHjJM7nm1eybWTRyf3t0Dwi5SCAqErVgwlO04EtIcTt2v07bz9-bLiV9AcQQmf1EOGKrYLrQuzHDxiBonqKF8_sOxs7koodiBYAbg35heUKm6pPhbwxkp_WLNwINWUEnOsfu4B5JV4uu6ypxMqbxtb7Sl4iA8eJ-ewLxbLNkX0imCO_d1Tw=s320" width="271" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Giving instruction to children should teach us a lot about life and our own folly. </span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Guiding a child through life is much like seeing things from God's perspective. There is a reason God created the birthing and raising of children. There is a reason why people are born not knowing as much as they do by the time they are an adult. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As an adult, we have a different perspective than a child. We can tell a child to do something very simple and for the child, it can sound so daunting, so challenging that they cry and feel stressed at the idea. But from the adult perspective, we know what we ask of the child is not too difficult for the child; and it is almost laughable to see the child so distressed over something that if they were simply willing to do, it would be so easy for them to do.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">But instead, they tell you and themselves that it is too hard and they make excuse after excuse as to why they can not obey you. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As an adult you can see the foolishness and self-deception of their excuses and that they are blowing something simple out of proportion. And had they just done what they were told to do their grief and sorrow would be over with. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">But they often prolong their disobedience until the adult finally has to give them a consequence if they continue to disobey and continue to make excuses for their disobedience. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Consequences have a way of stirring the mind to get over whatever is hindering it from obedience. When there is no consequence for disobedience, or the consequence is easy to bear or hard to believe it will ever happen then the mind will hold fast to its rebellion/unbelief.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">But when the consequence causes greater distress than obedience the command for obedience is quickly obeyed. And when it is obeyed the child realizes it really wasn't as hard as they made it out in their mind to be, and that it is actually a joy to obey, and better to obey. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Although, it may take many failures on the child's part before they realize obedience is actually easier than disobedience. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">And so we as adults get a glimpse when we guide children as to what God deals with when He also lovingly desires to guide us.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Adults are known for fainting in their minds and making excuses, justifying their disobedience to God, giving place to a sense of being incapable, doubtful, and stressed by the idea of obedience just as the adult's child has been with them. But as they were with their child, seeing clearly the child is able, so God sees clearly that He does not ask of us to obey anything we are incapable of obeying. He perhaps is near laughing too, saying to us, "Come now my child this is easier for you than you realize! " </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yet, if we continue in stubborn rebellion and disbelief He will remind us there are consequences He has set in place for rebellion, for disobedience to what is good and right. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Did He create these consequences because He is a narcissist that demands our obedience? </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Did He create consequences to disobeying Him for His own selfish good?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Guess what I realized when guiding a child?!!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Consequences are for OUR good!!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because they help us to obey! </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We will choose to continue in our unbelief and/ or rebellion if we are not warned of consequences or if we do not suffer consequences. It is through suffering consequences that we learn. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is through suffering consequences or the fear of suffering consequences that we stop disobeying.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's unfortunate that we don't simply obey because we love and trust that what God tells us to do is the best choice. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just as it is sad a child doesn't obey the adult out of love and trust in the adult.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">But, some children do learn to trust and obey their parents for the love of their parents and realize their parent's instructions are for their own good. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As do some adults begin to learn that obedience to God is for their best interest and God instructs us out of love not selfish reasons. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">So for those who struggle and want to accuse God of being unjust for creating consequences for disobedience, we learn clearly from life and guiding children that consequences are necessary for directing unbelieving, stubborn, and rebellious minds towards what is good and right. We learn that clearly, consequences are for OUR GOOD.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Consequences are not something to despise but rather to be thankful for because without them we will go on in self-destructive ways hurting ourselves and others. For all that is called sin is what does ill to one's neighbor and to one's self. It's clearly illogical to not obey the one who Created Life who knows its design and what works and what doesn't. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Children have a limited understanding so they often disregard their parent's instructions... until they learn and realize mom and dad are right touching a hot stove hurts, I don't want to do that again. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">So it is with us. We learn, God is right fornication isn't worth it; the consequences in this life are very devastating, how much more in eternity? Sadly, many have yet to lay this to heart. Because they have yet to suffer more than they find pleasure in their disobedience. Once they suffer more they are likely to forsake it. But for some, it is simply a revelation of God's goodness and love that prevents them from continuing in rebellion. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Guiding children teaches us more about God and His love for us. Children are truly a blessing to this world. God knew what He was doing when He designed life on Earth. What He has done is created a world where free will is possible, thus allowing true love to also be possible. Without the freedom to choose for ourselves, we would not be able to do anything other than be a robot only doing what it was programmed to do. True Love would not exist. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">True love requires a choice: a choice to love requires trust and trust is often learned through the failure of not trusting and failure is the result of a consequence, therefore consequences are Good :-) without them, we may not Make the loving choice.</span></p>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-12040296313716202052021-11-03T15:40:00.003-05:002021-11-03T16:06:14.268-05:00Before Marriage<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSb6KQMHFAZeE86_H2hMmwTr1-aYfMGtGEilVPaEmDz79mF0o1nzsxuOIXhHHnS2KgiUQpWMv2zywPG2qhO8bDhq-oKWMFl9TfhO3rj2Ho3YYLHrd2ID1Jwh2FeHtO_6B2ogy5n71Drww6q31-83Vjb4avxCfW8h5KafB-xhieMdsw9QZXqWU7cYkoeg=s768" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="690" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSb6KQMHFAZeE86_H2hMmwTr1-aYfMGtGEilVPaEmDz79mF0o1nzsxuOIXhHHnS2KgiUQpWMv2zywPG2qhO8bDhq-oKWMFl9TfhO3rj2Ho3YYLHrd2ID1Jwh2FeHtO_6B2ogy5n71Drww6q31-83Vjb4avxCfW8h5KafB-xhieMdsw9QZXqWU7cYkoeg=s320" width="288" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">( Caution: For Mature readers )</span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The other night I finally got around to typing up some things for a friend that I was hoping she would discuss with her soon to be husband </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>before</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> they get married.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This list of topics I shared for her to discuss is NOT in order of importance or exhaustive, though it is long. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In regards to choosing who you want to be in an “until</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u> death parts</u></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> you” covenant:</span></span></p><p><b id="docs-internal-guid-8a80615e-7fff-bf0c-2c3b-00d81b866ee3" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I sadly have a number of friends who are struggling in their marriages, who have been separated at times, who have entertained divorce, who have wondered if they made the wrong choice...these friends are Christians that are married to Christians. I have heard that since the 80’s one out of every two marriages ends in divorce and the highest rate of divorce is among those who “identify” as Christians. As you know marriage is not a bed of roses no matter how “in love” a couple is. No marriage is perfect. It is truly a challenge learning how to submit daily to one another. Some days are easy, some you may feel like you won’t make it through. No one can hurt you as deeply as a spouse, because you expect more from a spouse than anyone else. When those expectations, even in the little things are disappointed it can really wear on you over the years.</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Being quick to forgive is definitely key which takes humility if done in sincerity. Humility and trust in God will be your companions for success.</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">So some things that tear marriages down that should be discussed before a covenant is made: </span>(Most of these questions should be answered by the man and the woman)</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u><span style="font-family: verdana;">How do you feel about children?</span></u></b></span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">a.) Are you ok with letting God decide how many children we have?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">b.) Do you prefer to give birth in the hospital or at home?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">c.) How would you want to correct and direct a child?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">d.) Would you want your child to be home-schooled or is public education ok with you?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">e.) If we home-school what are your expectations for homeschooling as far as what they should be taught and how much time they will spend a day/week doing school?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">f.) Are you ok with our children using technology and or watching T.V. and if so what do you find acceptable for children to view and how often can they have access to these things?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">g.) How do you feel about the in-laws and their interaction and influence on our children; will we set boundaries for the in-laws as far as what kinds of gifts & clothes they give the children and what they allow the children to view or places they bring them?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">h.) Do we want our children to go to college? Do we want to teach our children to court when seeking a spouse or do we believe dating is acceptable?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">j.) Are we ok with our children being involved in sports?</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Money</u></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> a.) Do we want a bank account?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> b.) Do we want a joint bank account or separate accounts?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> c.) Do we want to use credit cards?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> d.) As a wife do you trust me to make good choices to freely spend or are you thinking of giving me a certain allowance for things like groceries,etc.?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> e.) Do you believe in a savings account, or life Insurance?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> f.) Do you want me to work for money also?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> g.) Will we file taxes and if so jointly or separately?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> h.) Is your aim to work a lot for money? Do you want to spend money on a large house, a small house, on cars, trucks, furniture, technology?</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Health</u></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> a.) Are you ok with going to a Dr. ?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> b.) Is it ok to take prescriptions or are there certain kinds you think are wrong to take?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> c.) Do you believe in using food and herbs for healing?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> d.) Are you comfortable eating GMO products, do you want to try to stick with organic or just certain things organic?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> e.) Are you comfortable eating fast food?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> f.) Do you feel convicted to eat for health, for example are you ok with spending money on things like twinkies, donuts, ice cream on a regular basis or only on occasion or never?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> g.) How do you feel about marijuana internally, smoked or ingested, used topically?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4.</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u> Music</u></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> a.) Are you ok with listening to music?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> b.) Are there certain kinds of music you don’t like or think we shouldn’t listen to?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Socializing</u></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> a.) What kind of boundaries will you have once we are married in regards to interacting with the opposite gender?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> b.) Are you comfortable driving alone with the opposite gender, or only under certain circumstances?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> c.) Are you comfortable speaking privately with the opposite gender whether an audio, video, or text?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> d.) Are you comfortable having casual friendships with the opposite gender?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> e.) How do you feel about physical touch with the opposite gender: hugs, hand holding, handshakes, fist bumps? Are any of these ok under certain circumstances?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> f.) Are you ok with drinking alcohol at all?</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u> Intimacy </u></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> a.) Were you ever exposed to porn and if so how did it effect you, does it still effect you today, do you have any addiction issues with it?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> b.) Do you masturbate, if so do you think it is wrong or do you think it’s acceptable with God? If you masturbate are you triggered visually to do so, such as seeing an immodest woman in public or online; do you masturbate as a means of stress release? </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> c.) Do you believe oral sex is acceptable with God or wrong, if I am not comfortable with oral sex do you feel that will become a problem?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> d.) Do you expect me to wear sexy clothes in the bedroom; if I don’t is that going to be a problem?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> e.) Do you care if I do not shave?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> f.) Do you care if I don’t wear make-up?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> g.) Do you like to talk in bed before going to sleep, or do you prefer not to?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> h.) Does it make you uncomfortable if we are both in the restroom at the same time or do you prefer I wait until you're finished before entering?</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Concerning the faith</u></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> a.) What do you believe Church should look like?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> b.) Is being part of a Church body important to you?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> c.) What do you think about women pastors?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> d.) What do you believe it means to be Christian?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> e.) Do you feel God has a calling on your life for a certain type of ministry?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> f.) Do you believe you have any spiritual gifts from God: that of teaching, hospitality, laying on of hands, evangelism, etc?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> g.) Do you care if I wear a head-covering in general?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> h.) What do you consider modest and not modest in regards to both men and women and their choice of clothes: (to the man)Are you comfortable in front of women shirtless? </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Is it ok for either of us to wear tank tops, “bathing suits”, or shorts?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> j.) If we have to get the vaccine to buy food would you want us to? </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> h.) Do you think we have to submit to the government in all things or just certain things?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">j.) Are you willing to suffer for the faith, go to jail, bear reproach, lose fellowship, be hated by family, be poor...?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">k.) As a woman what do you expect of me regarding my role as a Christian wife? Do you believe housework is only for women or do you believe it is also a husband’s duty to help with cooking, cleaning, diaper changing…? </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> l.) Do you believe in infant baptism?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">m.) Do you believe cremation is ok?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">n.) What do you believe about communion?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">o.) Do you believe in miracles?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">p.) Do you prefer praying out loud or silently?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">q.) Do you want to pray before meals? Do you want to pray together before bed or individually?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">r.) What do you believe Jesus taught regarding loving your enemies: is it ok to kill in defense, or injure in defense? How do you feel about calling 911?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">s.) What would you do if you or I were called to jury duty?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">t.) How do you feel about holidays?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">u.) Do you love God more than me?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">v.) Are you getting married because you want a nice marriage or because you want someone to serve Jesus with?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">w.) Are you attempting to find completeness in marriage, as in do you think it will satisfy a loneliness in you or do you recognize only God will complete you?</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8. </span><b><u><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Miscellane</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">ous</span></u></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> a.) Is there anything I do that really irritates you?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> b.) How much do you care about being clean as far as how often do you think bed sheets and towels should be washed and changed; do you like the dishes to be done after dinner or as the meal is being made?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">c.) How many meals a day do you like to eat and what are your preferred meal times?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">d.) What are your favorite foods and what do you not like to eat?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">e.) Are you ok driving over the speed limit?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">f.) Are you willing to be misunderstood by me and am I willing to be by you; are we willing to let go of disagreements and try to work together for peace?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course you do not have to have all the answers to these questions and over the years your answers will likely change? However these are topics worth discussing and not allowing your desire to be married hinder you from honest examination. When two people are “in love” it’s much easier to believe that even if you didn’t like their answers to some of these questions you will be able to handle it, or some put their trust in believing the person's opinion will soon change and fall in line with their own.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is the time to be honest with yourself and your potential spouse, there's no turning back after the "I do." on the wedding day.</span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Scriptures speak of the little foxes that spoil the vines...it truly can be the little seemingly insignificant things that begin to wear us out after being married:</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“He always throws his dirty clothes on the floor like a slob when the dirty clothes basket is right there 2 steps away!”</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Day after day I come home from a long day at work and the house is a mess and dinner hasn't even started!”</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“He’s constantly pulling the blanket off me at night, he snores, and he tosses and turns; I can’t get any sleep!”</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“She embarrasses me with her choice of clothes?”</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“He rarely ever spends time with the children so I can get things done!”</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“She totally disrespects me in public!”</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In marriage some focus on each other's shortcomings after a time of living together and begin to nag one another. Some things may take a spouse years to get the victory over or they may never change...so, it’s very important to not be tripped up over what bothers you about your spouse while failing to speak gratefully to them for their efforts to please you in ways they have found to please you.</span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>No matter what, marriage is a leap of faith.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> As Christians it is most important that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>God sincerely is our first love </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">so </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>no matter what </u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">happens in our marriage we will have God as our rock. People, even spouses, will fail us. But </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>the thing about marriage is that you are committing to this person regardless if they are faithful to do their part. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Marriage is a lifelong commitment: disagreements don’t dissolve it, unfaithfulness doesn’t dissolve it, falling “out of love” doesn’t dissolve it, only death.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God uses marriage to teach us and perfect us whether the marriage is successful or not. </span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I have a burden for young people in regards to marriage because, like I said,</span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"> too many </b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">are finding regrets about their marriage or ending up </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">divorced</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">. Too many are saying: </span><span style="font-size: large;">they didn’t realize the seriousness of marriage, no one ever warned them, gave them counsel or advice, or prepared them for the reality of marriage.</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It is so important to speak soberly with people you know who plan to marry. Kindly make sure they know very well the person they desire to be joined to. Feel free to use things listed here or make your own list of ideas for them to discuss with their soon to be spouse. If society took marriage more seriously and invested in preparing the youth for successful marriages many problems would be solved... A good Marriage is the foundation of mentally healthy children; thus a healthier society. Don't be afraid to speak up.</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." ~<span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Matthew 19:6</span></i></span></span></span></p>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-68124648071364462412021-10-02T08:35:00.006-05:002021-10-04T10:22:05.480-05:00BEST FRIEND?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfUzB3BY0jNR1Bf-uFcgBzpkRdvRHNN59ynulBHyLmdhyphenhyphenJzFgyBxwndn1-h0akPWts2A2HXcoDjyFkmgxmTylD2BtcMT2H3IlvQ4j6tVEagTEFQuDyaV815L9XclO_lKm6RqDvxra__p_/s1024/1633181567-picsay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfUzB3BY0jNR1Bf-uFcgBzpkRdvRHNN59ynulBHyLmdhyphenhyphenJzFgyBxwndn1-h0akPWts2A2HXcoDjyFkmgxmTylD2BtcMT2H3IlvQ4j6tVEagTEFQuDyaV815L9XclO_lKm6RqDvxra__p_/s320/1633181567-picsay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>When it comes to a Best Friend it should always be Jesus in the life of a Christian. If you are Christian and you don't know Jesus as your Best Friend please make it a priority.</p><p>But don't turn Jesus into an imaginary friend and create Him from your imagination. A Best friend is not someone that will always agree with you. A BEST FRIEND is someone who will tell you the Truth in love even though it hurts to hear it. </p><p>"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."
</p><p>Proverbs 27:6 </p><p>If you are married your Best Friend still needs to be Jesus and then your spouse. If you don't know your spouse as your 2nd Best friend next to Jesus do your best to make it happen. </p><p><br /></p><p>Other than that the Scriptures counsel us to have the SAME love one for another. In our youth we learn childish and selfish behaviors that teach us to have EXCLUSIVE relationships and a he or she is MY Best Friend and mine only mentality; as if that particular friend being our Best makes us something superior. We learn to boast that so in so is MY Best Friend thus declaring we have something others only wish they could have by having this person's acceptance. </p><p><br /></p><p>This mentality should be discouraged in the youth and by adulthood we should have grown out of it. Yes, it's true we more easily click with certain people, we feel we can trust some more than others and we naturally feel more of a connection with some. Yet, this should never validate a childish/selfish all exclusive friendship. </p><p>In Philippians we learn of the mind of Christ:</p><p>"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be LIKE-MINDED, having the SAME LOVE, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:"</p><p>Philippians 2:1-7 </p><p>We are to have the SAME LOVE, the love of Christ one for another, not a, "I love you the most, so I am going to treat you better than everyone else and prefer you above everyone else." That is a selfish heart not a self-less heart. A self-less heart takes all of God's children into consideration. On the contrary this is the kind of love we should have for each other not just for some among us or ONE among us:</p><p>"But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: so being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us."</p><p>1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 </p><p>Our love for One another should be as deep as Christ's is for us; that we should be willing to die for one another. Christ didn't die for ONE but for all.</p><p>"and that he died for ALL, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."
</p><p>2 Corinthians 5:15 </p><p><br /></p><p>When we live for Christ we must live to love ALL with the same love as He did. </p><p><br /></p><p>This comes with challenges but when Christ is in the place He is worthy of, that being, Our Best Friend, He can make it easy for us to love others; because He teaches us by His example to be self-less and when we are self-less it is much easier to love.</p><p><br /></p><p>This non- exclusive love is the power behind the name Christian. Are you familiar with the song, "We are One in the Spirit... they will know we are Christians by our love"</p><p><br /></p><p>Jesus Himself said, </p><p>"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
</p><p>John 13:35 </p><p><br /></p><p>He didn't say if you each have a Best friend you love more than others, or a certain group of people you love more than others, His Disciples went on to confirm the mind of Christ by passing down His teachings:</p><p><br /></p><p>"that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another."
</p><p>1 Corinthians 12:25 </p><p><br /></p><p>"For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them." Luke 6:32 </p><p>The Christian love should exceed the love of a natural man/woman. Not only are we commanded to love one another with the same sacrificial love but also our enemies. And this my friends is the mind of Christ and the example that He gave us through His living testimony. </p><p>Seek Him for a heart to love like He loves, and don't back out when you experience the suffering it takes to love as He loves. No pain, no gain, is a true saying. </p><p>Let the testimony of Christ inspire you and compell you to love self-lessly</p><p><br /></p><p>Please teach your children that if they want a Best Friend that seat in their heart belongs only to Christ and as for anyone else they desire friendship with, teach them to have the same sacrificial love for all their acquaintances and not to prefer one above another. If they can learn this when they are young what a glory it will be for them to carry it into adulthood and to live a life of self-less love.
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</p>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-66171232551051478422021-09-26T10:45:00.005-05:002021-09-26T10:51:55.672-05:00Self Deception of Selfies<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyrv0Go5MdoqS9imgiKup8HQ-2SCTXXaxX5MzjfwukXk9ylMHlTOnVQ-FQ1qbxxG-pasC3YViy44Pw4z35yF7TM_bj_o6uSsWWG8aPOCOux4q3R3M5hXED4keskdgvDRw6DTcbTgLCjST/s907/Screenshot_20210926-112632_Brave.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyrv0Go5MdoqS9imgiKup8HQ-2SCTXXaxX5MzjfwukXk9ylMHlTOnVQ-FQ1qbxxG-pasC3YViy44Pw4z35yF7TM_bj_o6uSsWWG8aPOCOux4q3R3M5hXED4keskdgvDRw6DTcbTgLCjST/s320/Screenshot_20210926-112632_Brave.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above content is "shared" from social media</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>My heart once again is burdened by this very thing you see in the meme.</p><p>I have some FB friends that share such good Truth that people need to hear, but then they bring shame and confusion to the name of Christ by posting pictures of themselves that resemble a model posing to encite lust in men. </p><p>They will either put a Scripture as the caption to their picture or they will simply say something like "Out walking the dog", sounds nice and "innocent", but their so called innocent picture sells their body to everyone that passes by as their buttocks, breasts and bare thighs are emphasized and strangely the position of their hand draws attention to their crotch just like sensual models purposely pose.</p><p>They maybe decieved themselves, I have heard some say things like, </p><p> I meant no harm by it, I don't see anything wrong with the picture, I didn't do anything wrong. </p><p>"Such is the way of an adulterous woman; She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, And saith, I have done no wickedness."</p><p>Proverbs 30:20</p><p>There's a problem here my sisters, if you are a sister in deed? If you don't see a Problem with posting pictures of yourself in tight clothing or a lack of clothing that shows skin to every passer-by that shouldn't have knowledge of it then you have yet to realize that you are in a fallen world and are still being used of the devil. </p><p>Ladies today are writing articles to justify you by calling loving others by avoiding certain clothes as being legalistic. They are trying to convince you that you have liberty in Jesus to wear the clothes you want to wear and even be called by His name. </p><p>"And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach."</p><p>Isaiah 4:1 </p><p>You don't have to take my word for it. </p><p>But before you pose for the camera and post it honestly ask God if it's His will, and if that picture will please Him and bring glory to His name. God made all things beautiful even you. But true beauty is in the heart of a woman that knows what God expects from women that are called by His name, and what it truly looks like to reflect His image to this world. </p><p>You got me scratching my head if you think His image is comparable to what Vogue magazine posts and that He will justify your action. You also have me questioning your true character and intentions and sadly you have me hesitant to share your edifying Scriptural posts. Putting out pictures that misrepresent Christian are a spot on your garment. Moreover, you have me in mourning for the deep grief of women that are either in bonds and still blind, or that are so wicked to use the Word of God to draw people after their sinful ways shaming Christ.</p><p>"that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:"</p><p>1 Timothy 6:14 </p><p>There is a way to behave that God will truly have your back/ justify you, and there is a way to behave that shows you love darkness more than light and condemn yourself. </p><p>Men need to take responsibly for their lust issues, but you don't need to make it a challenge for them. Brothers in the faith should be able to feel safe from temptation in the presence of a Sister; because she knows how to behave uprightly, with shamefacedness and modest apparel, her heart is not selfishly seeking her brothers admiration through her bodies beauty. </p><p>I am sure you have seen this quoted often, if it makes you roll your eyes and you have yielded to a false interpretation of it so it doesn't actually apply to you in the plain speech that it is written in, then there is a problem:</p><p>"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in <b>modest apparel</b>, with <b>SHAMEFACEDNESS</b> and <b>sobriety</b>; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."</p><p>1 Timothy 2:9-10</p><p>There was an exhortation to men right before this if you read the entire chapter you will see it isn't some foolishly believed exhortation to keep women in bondage and allow men to walk in the flesh. </p><p>Another thing to consider: social media is a place fallen men indulge in their sinful ways; why give them a picture of yourself to become another one of the bodies they've lusted over?</p><p>Be honest if you get gratification from all the, "your so beautiful" comments and that's a motivation for you to post to reassure and feel better about yourself. If you don't want others to have this impression of you simply forsake the foolish. </p><p>"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."</p><p>Revelation 19:7 </p><p>It's time to get ready, and be free of self deception and carnal insecurities. Have confidence that you are beautifully and wonderfully created of God, seek His favor alone and you will be satisfied and your void filled. </p><p>"that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."</p><p>Ephesians 5:27 </p>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-63912870015286468812021-06-13T10:29:00.000-05:002021-06-13T10:29:28.960-05:00Prayer, Chore or Pleasure?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5U4WNcLKD0_iDCVqu45vUrKiwD6G65KVOEK6vNjITZYqTCjXqG4q52gYkeZlF5V_uys4my1Bqsb6I07YflNnhNh0JWQialgg7drtBqTZr6xjs96WLz_yEOxyhdmx9_ZGaKlYsOe0jJTrs/s1280/IMG_20210613_110035_783.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5U4WNcLKD0_iDCVqu45vUrKiwD6G65KVOEK6vNjITZYqTCjXqG4q52gYkeZlF5V_uys4my1Bqsb6I07YflNnhNh0JWQialgg7drtBqTZr6xjs96WLz_yEOxyhdmx9_ZGaKlYsOe0jJTrs/w593-h334/IMG_20210613_110035_783.jpg" width="593" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Lately, I have been talking with the children that I am currently living with...(both age 7)</p><p>I asked them who the first person is that they talk to in the morning?</p><p>I received confirmation from them that <b>Jesus is their best friend,</b> so I asked them if they spoke to Him in the morning.</p><p>I was told they speak to Him at night.</p><p>So, I made a point to them that they go all day without talking to their best friend, and then at night they ask Him to give them their desires. I asked what kind of a relationship is that?!</p><p>I asked the 2 boys that are friends, How about the two of you<b> go all day not talking to each other </b>and then tonight ask each other to <b>give you stuff.</b></p><p>They registered in their minds<b> that that did not sound right.</b></p><p>Making the point again:<b> If Jesus is your best friend </b>like you both are friends and you are so excited in the morning to find each other first thing and talk to each other<b> shouldn't you do the same with Jesus when you wake up in the morning?!</b></p><p>Shouldn't you say, Thank you God for giving me life this morning, that I have good food I can get up and eat, and clean water I can drink, and all that You have done for me! Please help me to make good choices today, to obey my parents....</p><p>I told the boys that I believed if they started their morning out by talking to their best friend and asking Him for help for their day, that I believe their days will be much more successful and that they will get in less trouble and be making better choices..<b>.especially if they remember their best friend throughout the day. </b></p><p><b>How can they say Christ is their best friend and only talk to Him at night?</b></p><p>We may need to ask ourselves the same if we do this also.</p><p>Christ wants to naturally be chosen as our best friend, not because He is prideful; simply because <b>He loves us so deeply</b> and it's natural when one loves to want to be loved in return. He does not need us to love Him, but it pleases Him as it would please us when those we love, love us in return.</p><p>I know I need to do better with how I interact with my Best Friend Christ.</p><p><b>Don't ever be discouraged </b>when you see your shortcoming, just make the adjustments needed to make things right. And if at first, you do not succeed,<b> keep trying; just don't give up!</b></p><p>When we have a friend that fails us we don't want to see that friend depressed over it, moping around. We just want them to <b>change so we can enjoy one another even more!</b></p><p>So it is with God, He just wants us to <b>make some changes so that the relationship grows deeper.</b></p><p>This morning I put the children in remembrance, like the Scriptures say, exhort one another daily (= "<i>But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."<span style="background-color: #fcff01;">-Hebrews 3:13)</span></i></p><p>They came to my room to see me and I asked them, <b>Who was the first person you talked to this morning?</b></p><p>Big eyes "uhhhh" expression....</p><p>one says, "My dad!"</p><p>the other says, "You."</p><p>So you didn't talk to your best friend?!</p><p>I shared with them how I lived in houses in the past that the space under the stairs that they have been using for a fort was actually a prayer closet where I would enjoy going and talking to my best friend for hours! </p><p>( I wasn't married then.)</p><p>And it was during those times I grew so much and God did such a work in my heart! He showed me in a prayer closet, someone I hated ever since I could remember (about the age of 5 ) up until that day in my 20's in that closet.... and He took the hatred and bitterness out of my heart!!!! (That's another story)</p><p>Suddenly, the boys were<b> inspired to turn their fort into a prayer closet </b>and straightway went to it ready to talk to their best friend! But as they entered the closet they got into some strife about a spider that was in the closet. Apparently, one of the boys thought it was best to kill the spider, and the other over-reacted and dramatically resisted the killing of the spider...Mom got involved, spider was caught in a cup and released outside, and on to prayer, they went.</p><p> The first boy begins to emphatically Thank God for numerous things he listed, including candy, and all the nice things God gives them, and they "take for granted". I couldn't exactly hear all that he prayed but it was such a delight to hear...he went on to saying something about Trump and Biden and how he knows Jesus is the President of all :-) it was incredibly sweet and hilarious. He finished up his prayer and urged the other boy to pray. The other boy starts talking of other things not engaged in this serious endeavor to pray. So, the boy who prayed rebukes him saying something along the lines, that<b> the devil is distracting</b> him from prayer and obviously doesn't want him to pray...</p><p> They came out of their prayer closet and I asked the one who didn't pray why he didn't pray. </p><p>He said because he <b>already listened to the other boy pray. </b></p><p>Oh, ok, so how about you<b> go all day not talking to your friend and just listen to his brother talk to him.</b></p><p>--look of distress on the boys face--</p><p>Well, if you don't need to talk to your best friend because your other friend talked to him?</p><p><b>What kind of a relationship would that be?!</b></p><p>Thank God for the things we learn from children!</p><p>My friend, what is your relationship with Christ like?</p><p>It's good to see where we can improve and I trust if we make the needed adjustments our relationship will deepen and we will become more prosperous in the ways of the Lord. </p><p>A note to parents and mentors: Take time to teach the children, to open their understanding by pointing out these kinds of things. It's so beautiful to inspire children to have a relationship with God. Praying shouldn't be presented as an obligation or a chore....teach them Jesus is the Greatest friend they will ever have and to be conscious of Him all the day long.</p>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-79830498450309177582021-05-24T21:11:00.001-05:002021-10-06T08:07:37.611-05:00Chocolate Soldiers<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjdHVtAk00v26SkgGDdMfYA4H_TYF-tgpd67DVkaihRhsv0B0hdDBqUlyVmdRLCujPK5emKoG4P2jBa7sY1gaB7DqXITFHcTaheBYuMDDhEr3NeLadi6ABXKWwFhWXWhkrCFrKRA19-7X/s640/special-forces-2670428_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="640" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjdHVtAk00v26SkgGDdMfYA4H_TYF-tgpd67DVkaihRhsv0B0hdDBqUlyVmdRLCujPK5emKoG4P2jBa7sY1gaB7DqXITFHcTaheBYuMDDhEr3NeLadi6ABXKWwFhWXWhkrCFrKRA19-7X/w400-h270/special-forces-2670428_640.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /> I plan to start sharing some treasures I have copied into my journal that is filled with years of things I have written down that edified me. Hope my readers will also find edification in these things. I will put them under the topic "Journal Treasures"</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today I have typed up the following from out of my journal:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“You wake up in the morning, Take a few minutes to ponder the events of the coming day. Then, think of your bed as an altar & on the altar sacrifice yourself: possessions, pride, power to God. If you take that attitude in the morning then nothing that comes up during the day should frustrate or disturb you. ...The crucified will is not frustrated. The man who willingly, cheerfully & daily presents himself as a ‘living sacrifice’ can excellently adapt to the most severe situations & with Paul be more than a conqueror<span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"> Romans 8:37</span> <i><b>‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.’</b></i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">One may ask, ‘Isn’t it foolish to give up our rights?’ Perhaps it is not foolish, since in giving up our rights we improve both our health & happiness. </span>In giving the other fellow a piece of our mind we always lose our peace of mind. <span style="font-size: 11pt;">To </span><b style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal;">the unregenerate</b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> man it is unthinkable that he should give in </span><b style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal;">when he is right</b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, he </span><b style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal;">refuses to sacrifice his pride</b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, but in doing so</span><b style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal;"> he sacrifices his health</b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">… Yeshua (Jesus) said, ‘</span><i style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt;">Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth’</i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-size: 11pt;">Mt.5:5 </span>Christians must renounce every right of their own & live for the sake of Jesus Christ (Yeshua ha Mashiyach). </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2056bfb9-7fff-20a5-3702-84b6d951f188"></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As the World War 2 martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote & lived: </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘They will not go to law to defend their rights or make a scene when they suffer injustice nor do they insist on their legal rights.’ </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We may suffer in this life but the earth belongs to us. As Dietrich declared, </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘Those who now possess it (the world) by violence & injustice shall lose it, & those who here have utterly renounced it, who were meek to the point of the cross, shall rule the New Earth. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b style="font-size: 11pt;">Sticking up for our rights calls forth many excess hormones.</b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Much stress and sickness results from our </span><b style="font-size: 11pt;">unwillingness to sacrifice ‘our own rights.’</b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Christians must remember that ‘</span>their right is in the will of their Lord----that and no more.’<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Living by this principle as Christ did is, <b>‘the way of the cross.</b>’ As it did for Paul & Dietrich, this path will often lead to persecution in this life. But, ‘the way of the cross’ is t<b>he only way to spiritual fulfillment & freedom</b> from the <b>diseases caused by negative attitudes & personal goals.</b> Contrary people can help us </span>if we make the necessary adjustments in our mental rigging. <span style="font-size: 11pt;">On the water they call it tacking, but on land they call it tact. ...<b>most Christians are not mortified & crucified to the world,</b> not acquainted with word of God & the promises as they ought to be, </span>nor so resolved to follow God fully, as they ought<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> and therefore are so <b>dejected & discontented when affliction comes.</b> Here is solid truth. Since </span>our attitudes of mind are more important than the daily insults of life, we should condition our minds before life’s major catastrophes hit us<span style="font-size: 11pt;">. Armies recognize this basic truth & put their troops through rigorous training.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> If Christians would practice Biblical discipleship-such as fasting, meditation, solitude, and prayer we would not have so many ‘chocolate soldiers’ who melt and crumble when they are forced to endure hot & fierce experiences </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">such as unexpected death of a loved one, or persecution of a hostile government.”</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">---</span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anonymous</span></span></p>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-29773659699237586962021-05-18T16:01:00.000-05:002021-05-18T16:01:00.870-05:00Add to our Faith Temperance<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-3TWT8LM7N14izGMmUt0B_M44vCbrdspuTvtsYhAF-4jmJFpdID20zCHJ9ECCEP3cH4aNZdnKxxjwOBRCpgi1VQykS7PuVUsC3w7pTb3N8S16QUd9MOBmlgSJW_ffucOPkCg4_o8_gZD/s640/nougat-272934_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-3TWT8LM7N14izGMmUt0B_M44vCbrdspuTvtsYhAF-4jmJFpdID20zCHJ9ECCEP3cH4aNZdnKxxjwOBRCpgi1VQykS7PuVUsC3w7pTb3N8S16QUd9MOBmlgSJW_ffucOPkCg4_o8_gZD/w400-h266/nougat-272934_640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">A lot of us have faith even if it's a </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>mustard seed of faith.</b></span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div></span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">But </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>are we adding on to our faith</b></span><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> as the Apostle rightly exhorts us to?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to go through these</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> additions </b></span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">with you all and I hope it will be edifying (</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>build us up in the Holy Faith)/encouraging.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I would go in the order listed here, but this morning the word</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <b>Temperance</b></span></span><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> was burning in my heart so I want to start there. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Let's read this first:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fcff01; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Peter 1:4-12</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>[4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the <u>divine nature,</u> having escaped the corruption that is in the world through <u>lust.</u></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[5] And beside this, </span><u style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 400;">giving all diligence</u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">add to your faith</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">virtue;</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and to virtue </span><span style="font-size: medium;">knowledge;</span></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[6] And to knowledge </span><span style="font-size: medium;">temperance</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">; and to temperance </span><span style="font-size: medium;">patience</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">; and to patience</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> godliness;</span></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[7] And to godliness</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> brotherly kindness; </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and to brotherly kindness </span><span style="font-size: medium;">charity.</span></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>[8] For if these things be in you, and <b style="text-decoration-line: none;">abound, </b><u>they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ</u>.</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[9] But </span><u style="font-size: 12pt;">he that lacketh these t</u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">hings is </span><span style="font-size: medium;">blind,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and cannot see afar off, and hath </span><span style="font-size: medium;">forgotten </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">that he was purged from </span><span style="font-size: medium;">his old sins.</span></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>[10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, <u style="font-weight: 400;">give diligence</u> to make your calling and election <u style="font-weight: 400;">sure:</u> for <b>if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:</b></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>[11] For so <u>an entrance </u>shall be ministered unto you <u>abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.</u></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>[12] Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though <u>ye know them,</u> and be established in the present truth.</i></span></p><p><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wouldn't you agree that this is a very important exhortation?</span></p><p><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">"<b>for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:"</b></span></p><p><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sounds like something we should really apply our hearts to.</span></p><p><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we do not take it upon ourselves to be <b>intentionally</b> <u>mindful </u>of these things we will find ourselves in this state:</span></p><p><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"But he that lacketh these things is <b>blind,</b> and cannot see afar off, and hath</i><b><i> forgotten that he was purged from his old sins</i>."</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am thinking it will be encouraging for us to go through each of these and take time to <b>ponder </b>these words, </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">what they really mean,</span></span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">do we see the fruit of them in our lives, if not, why not? </span></span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">And what do <b>we need to change</b> in our life so these additions to our faith are <b>abounding</b>? That they are not just "<u>in</u>" us, but "<u>abounding</u>" in us!</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Definition+of+abound=</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">abound,</span></span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></u><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">verb, əˈbound, </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>exist in large numbers or amounts</b></span></span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>So let's start with the word Temperance</b></span><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">What comes to mind when you hear that word?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Many think of alcohol, drinking in moderation, or food.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">But temperance is so much deeper than that.</span></p><p><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The dictionary explains it like this:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">"Definition of </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>temperance</u></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1: moderation in action, thought, or feeling: RESTRAINT</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2a: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">-From:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperance" style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperance</span></a></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">From my personal experience, I would say temperance (within a Christian) in time becomes a natural part of you that is deeply rooted.<br /><br />Due to this Temperance being deeply rooted inside of you; you become content and satisfied by moderation.<br /><br />Moderation is defined as "the avoidance of excess or extremes"<br /><br />You are no longer driven by a passion or desire for something that draws you to an excessive degree. Whether that be food, drink, sex, time spent on the internet, time spent working, time spent playing, talking too much, reading too much... Whatever you are doing may not be sinful in and of itself but in excess, it becomes a snare to your soul. <br /><br />(Continuing to ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit is important; by His Spirit, we are able to discern what is too much.)<br /><br />We are called to be partakers of the Divine nature of God. Adding to our faith the things Peter listed can certainly bring us into that Divine nature. Although, it will not if we are performing these things in self-righteous efforts rather than a true change of heart taking place through the Grace of God which is given to the Humble in heart.<br /><br />We can't think we will attain any of these virtues in their true essence without Humility.<br /><br />Someone boasting of their ability to be moderate in any of the things does not bring edification, neither does someone secretly seeking attention for their temperate abilities... For example, Eating small portions to be seen of men.<br /><br />When we have a love for God and Truth and are willing to suffer for both, then when we come to God in true surrender, He can produce these good fruits in us.<br /><br />These fruits will become a part of our nature wherein we aren't even aware that we are walking in them. Not to say we won't notice the Victory God had given us... It will initially take mindfulness on our part. For example:<br /><br />I used to be addicted to chocolate, I craved it and felt like it had control of me...I didn't like that sense of something controlling me. So I decided to stop eating it. I went on a very long fast from chocolate. Maybe even over a year? I don't remember how long I abstained from it; I wasn't sure if I would ever eat it again. I did not care, I just wanted to have victory.<br /><br />I even made chocolate desserts for others and Glory to God He helped me not to lick the chocolate off my fingers while making it for others! I had to resist the cravings for a long time... Until thanks be to God those cravings just went away. One day I just realized I had the victory and I felt at peace that I could eat it again, but this time with temperance.<br /><br />Facing this addiction head-on really helped me not just with chocolate, but in general, to have temperance in things.<br /><br />I actually had a dream at the time that I was facing this desire for chocolate. In the dream, I saw that if the intemperate chocolate craving was indulged in it would weaken my ability to resist other temptations such as fornication.<br /><br />I do believe that the seemingly "little weaknesses" we have in our lives need to be taken more seriously than many realize.<br /><br />I am sure there are other issues in my life that if I honestly examined myself I would see a need to be more temperate in. So even though as the Apostle Peter said,<br /><br />"<i>to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them,"</i><br /><br />Though we have been taught by the Holy Spirit to be temperate we need to be reminded and we need to keep evaluating our lives to make sure we are walking in what we know...<br /><br />...so we do not forget and become blind.<br /><br />Let's take time this week to ponder temperance and see how we are doing with it and seek some refining...then I plan to go over another addition Peter mentioned.<br /><br />Grace and Peace be Multiplied.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfSdXsglH6MMDzA79rYGcRCB2SaOv4Ef9WoqvV09AwnRyQk1TPKlvy_6M4jkLmCn4X1N8H0DPT3ouZsidoP9w4M5g5WgTuGYsfQ1r0ZzSexR9LKicOC316J44WvDvctjDL9lw-j3ov2m_/s920/2Peter1_5-6-picsay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="920" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfSdXsglH6MMDzA79rYGcRCB2SaOv4Ef9WoqvV09AwnRyQk1TPKlvy_6M4jkLmCn4X1N8H0DPT3ouZsidoP9w4M5g5WgTuGYsfQ1r0ZzSexR9LKicOC316J44WvDvctjDL9lw-j3ov2m_/w400-h303/2Peter1_5-6-picsay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-44686452679625689722021-03-27T18:53:00.001-05:002021-03-27T19:23:51.750-05:00Prayer<p> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prayer</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_h3WVtqCU6pLqd3rySJ36ZRgu09Fzhhz4NdqeerTmVObUHH3wbm86EvKDCH3Eqx63y8FvtiexJ2oAMjxOOCJMmYVRa1xTFAM9v7VZVAFU8rE1ntFp4591_VUKjPWxCKBoFvnd9JQ63LG/s487/IMG_20210327_184334_043.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="390" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_h3WVtqCU6pLqd3rySJ36ZRgu09Fzhhz4NdqeerTmVObUHH3wbm86EvKDCH3Eqx63y8FvtiexJ2oAMjxOOCJMmYVRa1xTFAM9v7VZVAFU8rE1ntFp4591_VUKjPWxCKBoFvnd9JQ63LG/s320/IMG_20210327_184334_043.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recently I heard a brother say that his daughter asked him,</span><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> why we need to pray when God already knows what we have need of before we ask?</b></p><p><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (<span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Matthew 6:8</span>)</b></p><br />"<i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth<br /> what things ye have need of, <b>before ye ask him."</b></span></i><b><br /></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />It is a good question from an 8-year-old. </span><br /><span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So what is the answer…</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was reminded of a study a brother shared many years ago that I had in my “treasure book” on <b>Prayer</b>… I thought to share those notes here: (these notes may sound like incomplete sentences, but hopefully the general ideas will be understood.)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The importance of praying, having a prayer life, praying continually:</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> There is a paper called, “The Difficulty in Humility” The Difficulty of Prayer, this is foreign to us when you first start out.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we need to learn humility we also need to learn how to pray, walk in that. They relate, being humble, having a prayer life, and of course the opposite too. </span><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matthew 26:41</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></span></p><div align="left" dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><colgroup><col width="46"></col><col width="578"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 45pt;"><td style="background-color: white; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt 2pt 0pt; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></td><td style="background-color: white; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 3pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”</span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">{this verse} Reveals two opposite forces, the spirit and the flesh. One is willing, the other is weak. One is getting to prevail in our life. If we watch and pray this is going to make the difference. The Spirit will prevail in that person that watches and prays. In a sense, you can say the flesh is strong (It’s weak in doing what is right/following God), but strong in doing evil, that’s why we need to watch and pray. So don’t yield to it. It can quench the Spirit out of your life. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Backsliding starts when knee bending stops. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">…</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">..p</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">rayer is our strength to overcome the wiles of the devil. If he succeeds in keeping us from prayer, we will be doomed to fall. Prayer is associated with making supplications & petitions. Watchi</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">ng is a state of awareness, being alert against attack. (<span style="background-color: #fcff01;">1 Peter 5:8</span> )</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <i> "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"</i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The flesh is weak. Peter’s spirit was willing to follow Yeshua [Jesus] to death, yet his flesh prevailed and he instead denied Him. If we are standing on the strength of our flesh we will fall. Morning is a very good time to pray. Each day is a battle to face and what better way to equip ourselves than to pray before facing the day. Praying is something the flesh doesn’t want to do. Rather than rising and praying the flesh wants to sleep. We must deny ourselves and bear the cross. Yeshua rose up a great while before the day to prepare Himself.<span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> Daniel 9:13</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <i>"As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth."</i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - A sequence here of things, evil coming upon a person, we’ve all had evil come upon us for our iniquity. Generally, it continues in that case-[many} </span><span style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">People don’t stop and pray to God, but when we do it helps us to turn from our iniquities and understand His Truth. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we <b>still ourselves before Him </b>He can remind us of something or instruct us, help us to understand His Truth, turn from our iniquity. One thing people do when they pray is confess their sins. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">God doesn’t need us to confess our sins; He already knows; but it helps us to stop and quietly face up to our iniquities. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Also<b> praising Him</b> in prayer- </span><span style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">He doesn’t have this big ego that He needs to be told how great He is;</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> but we need to be reminded, it’s easy for us to forget.<b> Easier to be of faith when we realize how great He is</b>. Prayer reminds us of this.<span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> Luke 16:16</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>"The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it."</i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">-<b>Prayer is something we need to press into</b>. There’s a lot of things that can keep us from praying/hinder us. We need to press through these things. <b>Pride </b>is one of them. The Scriptures teach that</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> pride deceives a person</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. People think why do I need to pray? I can do that myself-I don’t need help. But when we get beyond that and pray we see how needy we are, how wretched we are. Might think we don’t have a lot to pray about, until we start praying & then realize how many things we have to pray about. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is written, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble. (</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Ps 10:17</span>) </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:"</i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The emphasis here is on pressing in. We must press in to enter into His kingdom. Prayer is oftentimes likened to wrestling. In </span><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Genesis</span><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 32:24-28</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Jacob wrestled all night. We wrestle against doubt and unbelief. In wrestling matches, opponents lock themselves together in various holds, each pressing the other until one </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">falters</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or faints in his strength and the stronger prevails. We must believe. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a serious labor to go against the flesh and pressing into prayer is also a labor.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Nighttime is a good time to be still and quiet. Sometimes it’s easier than others; when things are noisy and hectic outwardly and inwardly. This is a time to press in and seek Him.</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Psalm 73</span>-{ It is believed </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">that </span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asaph the chief musician </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">wrote this Psalm;</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> he describes how he was} In a deceived state, then went into the sanctuary and realized how deceived he was.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">73:17</span><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"<i>Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end."</i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> -When we go into His sanctuary, pressing into pray, we see we are a beast foolish, ignorant. When we get beyond the flesh and press into prayer, get beyond the <b>slothfulness of the flesh</b>. </span></span></span>Epaphras<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> labored fervently in prayer. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">People can perceive it. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t think it is in vain. The devil would like us to think it is. When we go into His sanctuary we can hear His voice </span><span style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">press in against unbelief, restlessness.</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It is really worth it when we get beyond all that. Pour out our heart before Him, cast our burden upon Him. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Luke 21:36</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“ Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”</span></span></span><div><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Again these two together,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> watching and praying</b></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. “...always, that ye may be accounted worthy…” </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So it’s not just a few minutes before we fall asleep or a little in the morning, but through the day.<span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> Nehemiah 2;1-6</span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div>2:1<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.</i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>2:2<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></i> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>2:3<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>2:4<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>2:5<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.</i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>2:6<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.</i></div></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> -As an example of a man even when he was talking with the king and was sore afraid; being questioned by the king, even in this he remembered. Like the Scriptures say, That there is that which is higher than they. (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Eccl 5:8</span> <i>If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and <b>there be higher than they.</b></i></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i> )</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-He prayed to God and He heard his prayer. Even when speaking with others to be in that mode of watching and praying, it can help us to not sin against them.<span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> Mark 1:35</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> -He’s our example,<b> if He needed to pray we do also.</b><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> Psalm 55:17</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In the book of Daniel we see that Daniel did this also, ( 3x’s a day ) Sometimes the middle part of the day can be the hardest, but it’s really important, even a little bit can make a difference.<b> “Happy Hour” </b>at a bar,<b> “Attitude Adjustment Hour”</b>,</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> true of prayer.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Can be a time when our attitude can be adjusted. Come out of there more happy, refreshed and blessed than when we first went in.<span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> 1 Timothy 5:5,6</span> </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth."</div><div style="font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">-Widows, certain people in the Scriptures characterized as needy and oppressed (Fatherless, widows, etc.) Not desired roles in the world. Generally in the world people would rather be rich, powerful. In another account the poor widow casting in just a little bit. She was the one that Yeshua was impressed with. The world would rather live in pleasure than pray to God day and night. But<b> a person who is able to trust in God has faith to pray</b>. Lazarus and the rich man, was the other way around.</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> Being desolate and afflicted can cause people to pray and trust in God</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">. A widow may have no one to look to help her, seeing her husband is dead.</span></span></div><div style="font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> Luke 18:1-8</span></span></span></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
18:4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
18:6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the</span></div><div style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i> </i>-The reason He spoke this was so we would <b>pray and not faint</b>. </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">The flesh wants to faint, quit, </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">go back to the world.<b> He wants us to hope in Him look beyond this life.</b> The widow could be a symbol of us. She had an adversary, the adversary was stronger than her. She needed someone to deal with her adversary for her. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">(1 Peter 5:8)</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> He’s looking for souls among us to devour, [we are] not to fear him, but it should provoke us to cry out to God. This is a </span><b style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">spiritual battle</b><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the way the devil devours us oftentimes is in our minds, </span><b style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">accusations, fear doubt</b><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. So we really need to be avenged of our adversary; and if this wicked judge was going to do it because the widow was bothering him, how much more will God do it? So</span><b style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> cry unto Him day and night.</b><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Pray always and don’t faint. Abraham waited 15 years for </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Isaac</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, the promise. He was strong in faith.</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> It’s glorifying to God when we believe in Him</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. </span><b style="font-size: 11pt;">God has shown us that He has helped us, there is no reason to doubt.</b> Satan wants to hinder and destroy our prayer life.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <b>Prayer is one of our most effective weapons </b>against him. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Prayer is one of the most important activities we could be doing</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. <b>A prayer life is the very foundation of a successful spiritual life.</b> <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Matthew 26:41</span> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">-This is what we need to do to meet temptation and prevail. The devil is looking to catch someone unawares. <b>Prayer will make us strong, help us in our weaknesses.</b> “ Watch” foreseeing evil. If we are in a <b>watchful place </b>we will be able to see evil a far off, & avoid it.</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Be watchful, make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Luke 11:1</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> -This is an edifying scenario this brother asked to be taught how to pray. If we are lacking in this may we be quickened to ask Him to lead us in prayer. Grace is a teacher, it takes His grace to pray. Prayer will give us (& bring about) greater joy; flowing petitions and supplications. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Mark 11:22-26 </span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">11:22<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.</i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">11:23<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i><span style="white-space: pre;"><i> </i> </span> </div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">11:24<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.</i><span style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b></span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">11:25<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And<b> when ye stand praying, forgive,</b> if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.</i></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">11:26 <i>But <b>if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.</b></i></span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">-There’s<u> two conditions </u>for acceptable prayer.<b> If we expect our prayers to be fruitful we need to believe in them</b>.</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> God takes no pleasure in doubt.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Faith is the means (vehicle) by which God will bring our prayers to us. According to your faith so be it unto you. Also,<b> we need to forgive.</b> God won’t hear us if we are not forgiving.</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> We can not bring grudges into the prayer closet. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">He won’t forgive if we don’t forgive.</span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> It’s God’s desire for us to pray so that He can bless us by showing us just how faithful He is.</span> </b></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our prayer is like a life-line, it is the seat of our strength.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In carnal warfare a commanders top objective is to destroy the means by which the enemy is strengthened. We can not be simple, “wise as serpents.” The devil will take us if we don’t press in. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">(Hebrews 11:6)</span> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that <b>he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We must believe, it’s not an option. God will not tolerate grudges. Our enemy wants to create disunity. We must be of a forgiving heart. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It will be a defense for us in the judgment if we have a testimony of being forgiving. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>We are seeking to be one with each other. </b></span></span></span></div></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">[Jesus praying:<span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> John17:11</span></span> <i><span style="font-family: verdana;">"And now I am no more in the world,<br /> but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, <br />keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me,<br /></span></i><br />that they may be one, as we are."]<br /><table class="bibletable" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; color: #302e2e; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 21px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; width: 652px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"></tbody></table><span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> </b>God accepts mercy. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">He is very forgiving & He wants us to be also.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> If this means forgetting about something, so be it. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Matthew 6:5-15 </span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>6:5<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i><b>And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites</b> are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>6:6<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>But thou, when thou prayest,<b> enter into thy closet,</b> and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i></div><div>6:7<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i><b>But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.</b></i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>6:8<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Be not ye therefore like unto them: for<b> your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </b></i><b><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </b></div><div>6:9<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i>After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></i> </b><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">-It seems fit to do this, starting our prayers with praise.</span><b style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </b></div><div>6:10<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>6:11<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Give us this day our daily bread.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>6:12<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.</i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>6:13<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></i> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>6:14<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i></div><div>6:15<i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.</i></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Breaking out of the prayer mold.<span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> Col. 1:9-11</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>1:9<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;</i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>1:10<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;</i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>1:11<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> Eph.1:16-23 </span> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>1:16<i> <b>Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;</b></i><span style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">1:17</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><i style="font-size: 14.6667px;">That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, <b>may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:</b><span style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span></i><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span></div><div>1:18<i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that <b>ye may know what is the hope of his calling,</b> and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">1:19</span><b><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><i style="font-size: 14.6667px;">And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,</i></b><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"><i><b> </b></i> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span></div><div>1:20<b><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,</i></b><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>1:21<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>1:22<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,</i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>1:23<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-The drive behind Paul’s prayer was the love of God.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">James 5:13-18</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>5:13<span style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b></span><i><b>Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.</b> Is any merry? let him sing psalms.</i></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">5:14</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><i style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and <b>let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </b></i><b><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span></b></div><div>5:15<i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And <b>the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.</b><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i><span style="white-space: pre;"><i> </i> </span> </div><div>5:16<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Confess your faults one to another, and <b>pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much</b>.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">5:17</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">E</span><i style="font-size: 14.6667px;">lias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and <b>he prayed earnestly</b> that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.</i></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">5:18</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><i style="font-size: 14.6667px;">And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.</i></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> -If we feel affliction we can prolong it if we don’t pray, can make it hard on us and others. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">(Job 42:10)</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>"And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Pray for your neighbor and heal yourself <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">1 Kings 17:1</span> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>"And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word."</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>-He spoke faith, no doubt.</b> He was certain it was as he said.<span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> 1 Kings 18:41-46</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>18:41<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.</i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </div><div>18:42<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></i></div><div>18:43<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i><span style="white-space: pre;"><i> </i> </span> </div><div>18:44<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.</i><span style="white-space: pre;"><i> </i> </span> </div><div>18:45<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></i> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div>18:46<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.</i></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> -A valiant man indeed! His faith was great. The power of faith; it prevails, produces results.<b> Praying in faith lays the ground work for some great things to happen.</b> <b>Having faith is very pleasing to God.</b> He wants us to believe in Him. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">vs.41</span>-Elijah speaking faith. He did not receive his petition right away, but he did not give up, he pressed in. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">vs.42</span>-humbling himself, his importunity. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes we need to be patient, allow our faith to grow. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">His faith and prayer availed. Ahab was eating and drinking, but Elijah humbled himself with his face between his knees <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">(Jeremiah 12:5) </span></span></span></span></div></span><i style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">"If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?"</i><div style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The hand of Yahveh ( the LORD) was upon Elijah & he ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">2Chronicles 7:14</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."</i></span></div><div style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span>-The heart is likened unto land, sometimes the land can be dry. The prayer of faith can bring forth abundance of fruit. This is referring to a drought. When there is no rain, the ground becomes hard and useless. It is incapable of bringing forth fruit. This is likened unto our heart and His spirit is water. First they humble themselves. <b>This is the condition. If we humble ourselves and pray, seek Him and repent, He will heal us.</b><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> Acts 10:1-2 </span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"<i>There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></i></div><div><i>10:2<b><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house,</b> which gave much alms to the people, and <b>prayed to God alway</b>."</i></div></span></div><div style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Everything He did through the day He let God in on it. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The help is always available to us, we need to go to Him in prayer.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Cornelius was one of the first Gentiles that God gave the knowledge to of His taking a people from out of the Gentiles. This man had a good report; fearing God and praying always. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Daniel was unwilling to be intimidated by the king's law.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> He continued to pray, knowing that he could be thrown into the lion's den. </b>A mighty decree went forth because one man had faith and continued in prayer.. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Taste and see that Yahveh (the LORD) is good.</span> <b style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The only way to find out is to press in.</b><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The word </span><b style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">edify means to build up. By praying for each other we can really edify one another. </b><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s like girding a brother or sister with a piece of </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">armor</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It can help bring forth charity and perfection within us. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May God help us to lay hold on these things and make prayer a higher priority in all our lives. Am</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">en. --End of study.</span></div><div style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Before you read this study you were presented with this question:</span></span></div><div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Why do we need to pray when God already knows what we have need of before we ask?</b></div><div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope reading through this has answered that for you.<b> Prayer is for us</b>, not for God. Prayer increases our faith. Prayer reminds us of important things that we forget like:</span></div><div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">wrongs we need to repent of, what God has saved us from, how faithful God is, and the joy we can have in simply praising and worshipping Him in prayer.</span></div><div style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-4870700784578994822021-03-02T12:50:00.003-06:002021-03-02T13:12:54.675-06:00Refined by Fire<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9wtet0m6XZem4ru6IwOYhC6uEtJ5xBWZ5Ah6setGfj6DaKyNZEdiqUGgSyIA4q2jQTJjKzCyixRabgGQ9Q49BgwKGBOp0f9q_Y6BZYayA_52H6em4GQtn6rW9oUdMdYw8UwqtF1-MFQr/s640/Job+23_10-picsay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9wtet0m6XZem4ru6IwOYhC6uEtJ5xBWZ5Ah6setGfj6DaKyNZEdiqUGgSyIA4q2jQTJjKzCyixRabgGQ9Q49BgwKGBOp0f9q_Y6BZYayA_52H6em4GQtn6rW9oUdMdYw8UwqtF1-MFQr/w266-h400/Job+23_10-picsay.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/sjv_john-9645453/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3881133" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none !important; white-space: nowrap;">John Vasilopoulos</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3881133" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none !important; white-space: nowrap;">Pixabay</a> Scripture added by me<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Many </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Holy Women of Old </b><span style="font-family: verdana;">went through </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Great Tribulations.</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Some of us seeing the current circumstances of society are beginning to fear that great suffering is in our near future. But we need not fear what is ahead. It is an opportunity for our faith to be manifested and God glorified. If you struggle with the desire to avoid or despise suffering refresh yourself with the Word of God and ask Him to increase your faith.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-family: verdana;">Hebrews 11</span></p><p>[<b>24</b>] By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;<br />[<b>25</b>] <b>Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;</b>[</p><p><b>[26</b>]<b> Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. </b></p><p><b>[27</b>] By faith he forsook Egypt, <b>not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.</b></p><p>[<b>32</b>] And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:</p>[<b>33</b>] Who<b> through faith </b>subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,<br />[<b>34</b>] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, <b><span style="font-size: medium;">out of weakness were made strong,</span></b> waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.<br />[<b>35</b>] <b><span style="font-size: large;">Women</span></b><b style="font-size: large;"> received their dead raised to life again: and </b><b><span style="font-size: large;">others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:</span></b><br />[36]<b style="font-size: large;"> And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:</b><br />[37] <b style="font-size: large;">They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: </b><b><span style="font-size: large;">they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;</span></b><br />[38]<b style="font-size: large;"> (Of whom </b><b><span style="font-size: large;">the world was not worthy</span></b><b style="font-size: large;">:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.</b><br />[39]<b> </b><b style="font-size: large;">And these all, having obtained a good report through faith,</b> received not the promise:<br />[<b>40</b>] God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.<div><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">What a dreadful thing to go through life unrefined. No real fire to burn the sin out of you. Just a mundane existence. Eating, drinking, sleeping....a life much like the beast who will not stand before the righteous judgment. But we humans who are made after God's image will come before God to give an account of our life.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thank God if your life has difficulties that burn up the chaff (the no good, the useless part). Those hard trials that bring you to your knees and <b>total surrender.</b> That makes you not care about anything but pleasing your Maker. That makes your life feel so ruined that you are brought to deep humility where pride can no longer have its ugly roots in the soil of your broken heart. <b>Where all you want to do is love like Christ </b>and never argue again, never let a foolish word come out your mouth, never belittle anyone again, never seek to defend yourself again; but all your hope, trust & joy rests on God and your <b>affections are set on things above.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I can't imagine living a life so mundane and secure that secret sins are never purged,<b> pride and arrogance go unnoticed, foolishness & perversion unaccounted for</b>... Until the day <b>you stand before the God who formed you</b> in your mother's womb and hear Him say, "Depart from me, I never knew you..." </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">And then you cry out in shock, "But Lord I cast out demons in your name, I 'won' souls for You, I gave 20%,!!!!!" To no avail. Because <b>you did not earnestly seek to be purged of all that God hates.</b> You avoided the refiner's fire. You did not make God your first love. You got comfortable in this life and failed to see your nakedness. God help us to remember in our times of suffering that it is not in vain, that our endurance will cause us to come forth as something more precious than fine gold.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us not be as these spoken of in the book of Revelation:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-family: verdana;">Revelation 3:17</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Grace and peace and FAITH be multiplied. </span></p></div>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-52049513917700045022021-01-31T16:18:00.003-06:002021-02-01T10:03:21.118-06:00Do we desire God as He desires us?<p> <span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 22px; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Musing 1/31/21</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Do we desire God as He desires us?</u></span></b></span></span></p></blockquote><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RJ-AG7D47UShRB-_fTZ6P1IcVrpjF9FFjXADZ06mL25StyEPu813mPnChtMvz3Rj1U9O-VtApXzqcBgfJD_kqShyphenhyphenhKHGQmGZgoU06Xa9-DzVwqtEa0eLopyp9qCv-7J4wqu4_RGWm6sT/s640/cross-2488005_640.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RJ-AG7D47UShRB-_fTZ6P1IcVrpjF9FFjXADZ06mL25StyEPu813mPnChtMvz3Rj1U9O-VtApXzqcBgfJD_kqShyphenhyphenhKHGQmGZgoU06Xa9-DzVwqtEa0eLopyp9qCv-7J4wqu4_RGWm6sT/s320/cross-2488005_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="color: #191b26; margin: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">Photo by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/dengri-3457401/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2488005" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px;">Dennis Gries</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2488005" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none;">Pixabay</a></span><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What has He done to show His desire towards us?</b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">First of all, He created us with free-will. What exactly does that mean? It means He was <u>willing to take the risk </u>that His created people could choose to<u> hate Him</u>, could choose to<u> be selfish</u>, could choose to <u>do evil.</u></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Without</b> giving us this <b>free-will,</b> <b>meaningful relationships and true Love would not be possible.</b> If we didn't have free-will we'd only be doing what He programmed/designed us to do, there is nothing meaningful in that. Would you feel deeply touched if your cell-phone woke you up every morning and told you, <b>"I Love You!"?</b> Of course not. Why? Because a cell phone is programmed it doesn't have Free-will. There would be nothing truly <b>meaningful</b>, no real relationship between something that is simply designed to do and say loving things.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">But when a person has a choice to love someone or something else and they <b>choose you</b>, then you can feel touched deeply. And the<b> greatest love </b>that can be shown to us is when someone <b>lays down their life for ours.</b> Whether it's<b> daily self-denial </b>to make our life more comfortable or it's jumping in front of a bullet that was meant for us. This kind of <b>sacrificial choice reaches into our innermost being and touches us deeply.</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>So what has God done to show us His love for us?</u></span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">He took on the nature of His own created people. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now <b>He can feel what we feel</b>, sickness, both <b>emotional and physical pain </b>as men feel not as a God who is all-powerful. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>He set aside His God-power*</b> and this is what made Him becoming a man so meaningful. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Had He kept His God-power all He did would not seem so exceptional because He had God-power to do what He did. But He laid His God-power aside and that's why <b>all that He did is so inspiring </b>because He was <b>an example to us </b>of what we ourselves (by His grace) can do as His created people. <b>We can live a selfless, sacrificial life, seeking only to fulfill the Father's will </b>for our life and not seeking our own. And by doing so <b>we become one with the only God who Loves us immeasurably. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just now as I am writing this musing I was reminded that <b>Christ speaks specifically of wanting to be one with us.</b> So I looked it up and even after being a follower of Christ for over 20 years, I don't think this chapter has ever hit me like it did just now in light of everything I am musing on. <b>Please read it without distraction and really take in the deep Love of God and be inspired by what He calls us to.</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><u><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">John 17</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">:1-26</span></u><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[1]These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>*</b>[2]As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">{this is one God-power He actually had that we don't}</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[3]<b>And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the <u>only true God</u>, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.</b> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[4]I have glorified thee on the earth: <b>I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[5]And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[6]I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[7]Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[8]<b>For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.</b> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[9]I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[10]And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[11]And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, <b>that they may be one, as we are</b>.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[12]While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[13]And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[14]<b>I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[15]I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[16]<b>They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[17]Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[18]<b>As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i style="background-color: white;">[19]</i><i style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;">And for <u>their sakes</u> I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.</i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> {Here we see a manifestation of His self-less love}</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[20]Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[21]<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>That they all may be<u> one</u>; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be <u>one</u> in us:</b> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[22]And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; <b>that they may be one, even as we are <u>one: </u></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[23]<b><span style="font-size: medium;">I in them, and thou in me</span>,<span style="font-size: medium;"> that they may be made perfect in </span><u><span style="font-size: medium;">one</span>; </u>and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[24]Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[25]O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[26]And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: <b>that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><b><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></b></i></span><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">And this is His desire to become one with us.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></span></u></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After considering this reality let's honestly ask and examine our hearts with this question, </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Do we desire God as He desires us?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know there are <u>times that I have</u> (greatly desired Him) and that's what <u>caused me to find Him</u> in the first place and to give up my life at the time to follow Him. I haven't stopped following Him all these 20+ years, but sadly I have lost my initial hunger and thirst for Him at times. I have also been distracted by the <b>cares of this life</b> creeping back into my heart, and <b>selfish desires </b>finding a way back into my heart...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">So today<b style="font-size: 16px;"> His love is still drawing me to Him </b>by waking me up with these inspiring thoughts. And although <u style="font-size: 16px;">I have not allowed myself</u> to be as close to Him as He wants to be with me (I realize I am a fool for preferring other things over deep intimacy with Him)...I by <b style="font-size: 16px;">His tender mercies </b>can be renewed in my inner being to <b style="font-size: 16px;">return </b>to that<b style="font-size: 16px;"> place of undistracted adoration </b>where the<b><span style="font-size: medium;"> whole heart,</span></b> <b>all the mind,</b> and <b>soul</b> are <b>captivated by Him</b> and <b>Him alone,</b> and <b><span style="font-size: medium;">nothing else matters.</span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have been telling my husband, I wish (not permanently that) I could be a mind without a body because I don't want to have to tend to the needs of this body, I just want to spend hours thinking on the things of God. I don't want to be distracted with getting up to make food and eat, etc. Although, God designed us to have a body and a mind and His design is best. <b>Communion with God gives us life and true satisfaction. </b>We have to learn to maintain that communion even with all the needs of our body.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had been in and out of seasons of preferring all the other <b>things</b> rather than <b>intimacy with Him,</b> and rather than <b>thinking solely on heavenly things.</b>.. Now I lay here and it's passed noon and I don't care for anything else, I don't care that I haven't eaten, I don't care that my body is uncomfortable from laying in this bed so long... <b>Why am I telling the world this?</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because, <b>I want you to<span style="font-size: medium;"> be inspired</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">,</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and be <b><span style="font-size: medium;">influenced</span></b> to not make the mistakes I have made by allowing life to be so busy that even if you are serving God in what you are doing, you still aren't having enough <b>intimate communion with Him.</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In <u>any relationship </u>we have,<u> it will suffer </u>if even though the person is a spouse or a child, or someone you see and <u>serve daily</u>; if you don't <b>stop </b>and have a <b>meaningful undistracted deep conversation </b>with that person <u>the relationship will suffer</u>. Sure you "love" each other, but the relationship loses its satisfaction and strength and if you continue to set those more intimate conversations aside <b>you may lose even that relationship that you thought you had. </b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many today call themselves <b>Christian </b>because the concept of the word Christian has <b>lost its deep meaning</b>. Now there is this idea that you say a <b>"sinners prayer" </b>and thereby become <b>"saved" </b>and now you call yourself a "Christian".</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Back in the <b>days of Old</b> when the Word Christian was <u>first used</u> it meant making a decision that was contrary to societal and religious norms that would likely get you tortured and killed. It entailed <b>making a radical change in your thoughts and actions.</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today how many who call themselves Christian <b>struggle</b> to even make the most <b>basic changes</b> in their life, like that of their outward adorning, or telling their friends about their new found love of Christ? If they struggle with the basics how will they be willing to be tortured and <b>keep the faith?</b> If they don't want to be mocked for not wearing the latest fashion how will they endure being mocked for following what the world believes to be a foolish imagination, "a God that suffered to save us!" they mockingly say {hear their scoffing?}.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">How humiliating is it for you to<b> take a stand for what is pure and lovely</b> in front of family or friends? How humiliating is it for you to <b>walk away from sinful entertainment </b>your family and friends want you to partake in? How humiliating is it if someone cracks a joke about abortion and you remain silent instead of sharing the truth? </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">And then (for the women) the idea of wearing a veil to cover the head! "Yikes!" "How humiliating is that!!!?"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Think of things you struggle to do for love of Christ and then...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Ask Christ how humiliating it was </b>that people thought He was<b> born of fornication</b>. <b>Ask Christ how humiliating it was </b>to stand before <u>reverenced religious men </u>and have them think what He was saying was<b> demonic</b> or that He was a <b>lunatic,</b> or that He was just some <b>proud, high-minded fool seeking a religious following. Ask Christ how humiliating it was </b>to have his family hear so many people thinking that He's crazy. </span></span><b style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ask Christ how humiliating it was </b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">to be laughed to scorn by a crowd of people. </span><b style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ask Christ how humiliating it was </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">to be </span><b style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">whipped </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">in front of all kinds of people and </span><b style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">spit on </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">and have His </span><b style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">beard ripped out</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and to be </span><b style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">stripped of His clothing </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">in front of</span><u style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> family</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><u style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">friends,</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><u style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">strangers</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><b style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ask Christ how humiliating it was </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">to be </span><b style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">nailed to a tree naked </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">hanging before </span><b style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">people He loved</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that imagined Him to be worthy of such treatment, that thought He was a </span><b style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">fool </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">and called out to Him,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"...Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross." </i></span><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">~Matthew 27:40</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">And now<b> ask yourself</b>, "How do the things I struggle with doing for God even<b> compare to the humiliation Christ suffered for love of me!?" </b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Do we desire God as He desires us?</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What are we not willing to do for love of Him?</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some people are giving up a marriage to someone they really love because they discovered under the New Covenant divorce and remarriage is not permitted. (Mark 10:2-12)What an amazing love they have for God! </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Some are in prison for love of Him.</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some are being<b> tortured for love of Him.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The <b>sincerity of our love will be tested</b> as it is in <u>every relationship</u> we have.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>True Love is sacrificial, True Love is what God has for us. </b>C</span>onsider reading </span><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">John 17 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">again and <b>really pondering His love for you </b>and the blessedness of what it means to <b>truly be a Christian.</b> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>May we sincerely find ourselves desiring Him, and to be One with Him, as much as He desires to be ONE with us.</b></span></span></p>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-81025075427202696572021-01-27T19:02:00.001-06:002021-01-27T19:02:22.229-06:00Kill Babies at Birth?<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3pQjI88CXPQ4Ep5_RhXGa1jnQinQ4wdUiuNz5zbH1UKLGtlm4Eec22c2X54gQ0FjMWsMsU_lN188dd-zS723-ZVxMuuT1Z2BXDPhm6ARNyVZjGcfM6ywhH_iE0iPIoHxcXVWdVy5hX3W/s1104/1611769618-picsay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3pQjI88CXPQ4Ep5_RhXGa1jnQinQ4wdUiuNz5zbH1UKLGtlm4Eec22c2X54gQ0FjMWsMsU_lN188dd-zS723-ZVxMuuT1Z2BXDPhm6ARNyVZjGcfM6ywhH_iE0iPIoHxcXVWdVy5hX3W/s320/1611769618-picsay.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was doing some research recently regarding abortions. It is very sad that the new President of the USA supports this crazy idea to <b>kill babies at birth </b>so I was told by a Senator. This is an excerpt from an email the Senator sent me:</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px;"><i>"Biden’s statement on Friday renewed his promise to “codify Roe vs. Wade” and force states to follow suit.</i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px;"><i>His threat to codify Roe vs. Wade will be implemented state by state, allowing the murder of preborn children up even to the point of birth, something that only the most pro-abortion states like New York have legalized."</i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is very hard for me to wrap my head around how anyone can tear a baby apart from the womb let alone at birth! It is sad that thinking like I do on this topic is becoming outdated. But it does not have to be outdated to believe murdering babies is wrong. We as individuals have the power to influence how those around us think. I myself am writing this post and creating memes to positively influence "positive" </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">thinking </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">(really it's called sound thinking) about babies. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, I came across the Hippocratic Oath which is a vow that was made by <b>Doctors of Old Times</b> and even today; although today's may read a bit different, I doubt they swear by the false gods. This Oath was originally written in Greek, I found it to be very interesting: (Take note this is an oath taken by people who were NOT Christian...yet they had morals and values back then that some who profess Christ today do Not even have.)</span></p><p style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #202122; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"I swear by <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Apollo">Apollo</a> Healer, by <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepius" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Asclepius">Asclepius</a>, by <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygieia" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Hygieia">Hygieia</a>, by <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panacea" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Panacea">Panacea</a>, and by all the gods and goddesses, making them my witnesses, that I will carry out, according to my ability and judgment, this oath and this indenture.</p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #202122; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">To hold my teacher in this art equal to my own parents; to make him partner in my livelihood; </span><span style="background-color: #04ff00;">when he is in need of <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_ownership" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Common ownership">money to share</a> mine with him; </span><span style="background-color: white;"><b>to consider his family as my own brothers, </b>and to teach them this art, if they want to learn it, <u>without fee or indenture</u>; to impart precept, oral instruction, and all other instruction to my own sons, the sons of my teacher, and to indentured pupils who have taken the Healer’s oath, but to nobody else. {<i>Notice the Christ-like principles that I emphasized being upheld by Non-Christians}</i></span></p><p style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #202122; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-size: 17.6px;">I will use those dietary regimens</b> <b style="font-size: 17.6px;">which will benefit my patients according to my greatest ability and judgment, and I will do no harm or injustice to them.</b><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-7" style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath#cite_note-7" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[7]</a></sup><span style="font-size: 17.6px;"> </span><b style="font-size: 17.6px;">Neither will I administer a poison to anybody when asked to do so, nor will I suggest such a course</b><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Similarly I will not give to a woman a <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pessary" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Pessary">pessary</a> to cause abortion. </span></b><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">But I will keep pure and holy both my life and my art. I will not use the knife, not even, verily, on sufferers from </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidney_stone" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-size: 17.6px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Kidney stone">stone</a><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">, but I will give place to such as are craftsmen therein. { Today doctors know very little about the healing that can come through proper diet. Sadly many of them also will kill babies for hire and give out poison like candy.} </span></p><p style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #202122; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Into whatsoever houses I enter, <b>I will enter to help the sick, and I will abstain from all intentional wrong-doing and harm, especially from abusing the bodies of <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_equality" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Gender equality">man or woman</a>, <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_equality" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Social equality">bond or free</a>.</b> And whatsoever I shall see or hear in the course of my profession, as well as outside my profession in my intercourse with men, if it be what should not be published abroad, I will never divulge, holding such things to be holy secrets. {Today patients are charged unreasonable amounts to go to doctors rather than doctors going to the sick and they kill babies intentionally as well as adults.}</p><p style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #202122; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Now if I carry out this oath, and break it not, may I gain for ever reputation among all men for my life and for my art; but if I break it and forswear myself, may the opposite befall me.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Loeb_Greek_6-1" style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath#cite_note-Loeb_Greek-6" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[6]</a></sup> "– Translation by W.H.S. Jones. </p><p style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #202122; font-size: 17.6px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For those interested in reading further on the old Oaths and beliefs read the following quote or skip past it:</span></p><blockquote><p style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #202122; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>"Providing poisonous drugs would certainly have been viewed as immoral by contemporary physicians if it resulted in murder. </b>However, the absolute ban described in the oath also forbids <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euthanasia" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Euthanasia">euthanasia</a>. Several accounts of ancient physicians willingly <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_suicide" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Assisted suicide">assisting suicides</a> have survived.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-14" style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath#cite_note-14" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[14]</a></sup> Multiple explanations for the prohibition of euthanasia in the oath have been proposed: it is possible that not all physicians swore the oath, or that the oath was seeking to prevent widely held concerns that physicians could be employed as political assassins.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-15" style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath#cite_note-15" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[15]</a></sup></p><p style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #202122; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>The interpreted AD 275 fragment of the oath contains a prohibition of abortion</b> that is in contradiction to original Hippocratic text <i style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">On the Nature of the Child</i>, which contains a description of an abortion, without any implication that it was morally wrong,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-16" style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath#cite_note-16" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[16]</a></sup> and descriptions of abortifacient medications are numerous in the ancient medical literature.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-17" style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath#cite_note-17" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[17]</a></sup> <b>While many Christian versions of the Hippocratic Oath, particularly from the middle-ages, explicitly prohibited abortion, the prohibition is often omitted from many oaths taken in US medical schools today, though it remains controversial.</b><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-18" style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath#cite_note-18" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[18]</a></sup> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scribonius_Largus" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Scribonius Largus">Scribonius Largus</a> <b>was adamant in AD 43 (the earliest surviving reference to the oath) that it preclude abortion</b>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Largus_19-0" style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath#cite_note-Largus-19" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[19]</a></sup></p><p style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #202122; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As with Scribonius Largus, there seemed to be no question to <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soranus_of_Ephesus" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Soranus of Ephesus">Soranus</a> that the <b>Hippocratic Oath prohibits abortion</b>, although <b>apparently not all doctors adhered to it strictly in his time. </b>According to Soranus' 1st or 2nd century AD work <i style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Gynaecology</i>, <b>one party of medical practitioners banished all abortives as required by the Hippocratic Oath; the other party—to which he belonged—was willing to prescribe abortions, but only for the sake of the mother's health</b>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Largus_19-1" style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath#cite_note-Largus-19" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[19]</a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Soranus_20-0" style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath#cite_note-Soranus-20" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[20]</a></sup></p><p style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #202122; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The oath stands out among comparable ancient texts on medical ethics and professionalism through its heavily religious tone, a factor which makes attributing its authorship to Hippocrates particularly difficult. Phrases such as 'but I will keep pure and holy both my life and my art' suggest a deep, almost monastic devotion to the art of medicine. He who keeps to the oath is promised 'reputation among all men for my life and for my art'. This contrasts heavily with Galenic writings on professional ethics, which employ a far more pragmatic approach, where good practice is defined as effective practice, without reference to deities.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-21" style="background: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.75em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath#cite_note-21" style="background: none; border: 0px; color: #6b4ba1; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[21]</a>"--from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath</sup></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>My Post Continues:</u></b></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Many believe that wisdom increases with time, but we can see through many historical accounts that is not always the case. Reading this old oath we see that even secular people of old held unto a reasonable value of the life of others and of the unborn. There is so much we can learn from the Word of God if Christians today knew how valuable the Word of God is they would be more united in knowing right from wrong. Regardless of what scholars today teach about the unborn in the womb even if it was "just a clump of cells" as they say it is a clump that holds in itself LIFE and they themselves are only a "clump of cells" if they want to be that scientific about what makes up a human-being. Look here what the Holy Scriptutres teaches us regarding that which is in the womb:</span></p><p><i style="color: #333300; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 20px;">If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life. </i><span style="background-color: #ffffcc; color: #333300; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 20px;">Exodus 21:22-23</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333300; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 20px;"><b>Is it not interesting? ...that "the clump of cells is referd to as "fruit" and when it is harmed LIFE is lost and therefore life is required of the one who destroyed it.</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #333300; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;">It is so important that those who declare to follow Christ take and make, opportunities to sow sound judgment concerning the Life of unborn children. Many are working night and day to convince younger generations that Life is not Life; even on the day that life gasps for it's first breath, the one we call Doctor and expect to be a preserver and healer of life is ready and willing to <u>destroy</u> that <b>precious life </b>for hire/selfish gain.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333300; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;">Mothers teach your children that life is valuable and life in the womb is precious no matter how tiny that life is.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333300; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;">Young ladies tach the same to your siblings and bear this witness to your friends; don't be ashamed to call Life, a Life.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333300; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;">For the many who have sadly made the mistake of destroying the Life God blessed your womb with know that God is ready and willing to forgive. Recieve His forgiveness and boldly share your regrets with others to help deliver them from making the same mistake.</span></span></p><div class="row" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; widows: 2;"><div class="col-md-12" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 0 0 100%; max-width: 100%; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; position: relative; width: 1140px;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">"<b>As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones are joined together in the womb of her that is with child: so thou knowest not the works of God, who is the maker of all."</b> --</span></i><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Ecclesiastes 11:5</span><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #212529; font-family: "segoe ui", sans-serif; 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display: block;"><div class="tab-content-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #30778c; font-size: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="svg-inline--fa fa-book fa-w-14" data-fa-i2svg="" data-icon="book" data-prefix="fas" focusable="false" role="img" viewbox="0 0 448 512" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M448 360V24c0-13.3-10.7-24-24-24H96C43 0 0 43 0 96v320c0 53 43 96 96 96h328c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24v-16c0-7.5-3.5-14.3-8.9-18.7-4.2-15.4-4.2-59.3 0-74.7 5.4-4.3 8.9-11.1 8.9-18.6zM128 134c0-3.3 2.7-6 6-6h212c3.3 0 6 2.7 6 6v20c0 3.3-2.7 6-6 6H134c-3.3 0-6-2.7-6-6v-20zm0 64c0-3.3 2.7-6 6-6h212c3.3 0 6 2.7 6 6v20c0 3.3-2.7 6-6 6H134c-3.3 0-6-2.7-6-6v-20zm253.4 250H96c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32 0-17.6 14.4-32 32-32h285.4c-1.9 17.1-1.9 46.9 0 64z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg><span> </span>Related New Christian Commentary</div><div class="text-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times, "times new roman", serif;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.05rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"></p></div><div class="text-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times, "times new roman", serif;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.05rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="svg-inline--fa fa-scroll fa-w-20" data-fa-i2svg="" data-icon="scroll" data-prefix="fas" focusable="false" role="img" viewbox="0 0 640 512" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M48 0C21.53 0 0 21.53 0 48v64c0 8.84 7.16 16 16 16h80V48C96 21.53 74.47 0 48 0zm208 412.57V352h288V96c0-52.94-43.06-96-96-96H111.59C121.74 13.41 128 29.92 128 48v368c0 38.87 34.65 69.65 74.75 63.12C234.22 474 256 444.46 256 412.57zM288 384v32c0 52.93-43.06 96-96 96h336c61.86 0 112-50.14 112-112 0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16H288z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg> <a href="http://qbible.com/hebrew-old-testament/ecclesiastes/11.html#5" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0088cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Study the original Hebrew/Greek with qBible</a></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-13673070606849380302021-01-23T17:06:00.002-06:002021-01-23T17:19:49.939-06:00"I can obey your words"<p><br /> <b><u><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">January 21, 2021 Musing</span></u></b></p><p><b><u><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvA6lqD_5thyz8NlB45lT-ORPajPZDlKy5AxmRsPaAaEb9Y55nh_NApLX32GcoWb3iIPHjErhfIV4viTX3S2014VgqtdUgoFedfY0M3flCE8K9rkAbWvdtltOkPcqdUoy6MD92wGLMK1F/s1280/IMG_20210121_130713_124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvA6lqD_5thyz8NlB45lT-ORPajPZDlKy5AxmRsPaAaEb9Y55nh_NApLX32GcoWb3iIPHjErhfIV4viTX3S2014VgqtdUgoFedfY0M3flCE8K9rkAbWvdtltOkPcqdUoy6MD92wGLMK1F/s320/IMG_20210121_130713_124.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Something interesting I have been noticing that Joseph has been saying, "<b>I can obey your words </b>(name of who he is speaking with)<b>!</b>" He says it with such enthusiasm and it puts an end to all potential or the beginning of strife. It reminds me of a Proverb:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">"It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling." </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-family: verdana;">Proverbs 20:3 </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And this verse:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-family: verdana;">Proverbs 17:28</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It brings forth the <b>peaceable fruits of righteousness </b>when he does this. The situation quickly goes from tension if he is initially resisting our words to great relief and<b> joy</b> when he humbles himself and simply says, "I can obey your words!" With all <b>readiness</b> to do exactly that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is much to be learned from his childlike example. We are called to be as children in this very sense... Humbling ourselves towards one another.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I asked Joseph's mom if she taught him to say that and she said, "no." It's just something he's come up with"on his own" lately. (Perhaps it's God-inspired:-)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This present society has taught our generation and the upcoming generations to be so haughty and contrary and to <u>fight for selfish ambitions</u>, to <u>argue until you get your way.</u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>But the way of the Lord is to be a servant.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">What if we put to practice Joseph's example... Say with a family member who wants us to prepare food a certain way that we don't really want to, or to do something a certain way... What if instead of arguing we simply said with readiness to submit,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">" I can obey your words Mom! :-)" or whomever we may be submitting to.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I can obey your words husband"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">" I can obey your words sister"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">You'll notice an increase of peace in your relationships.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's really not as hard as we think to submit to others. Just like it's really not that hard for a child when we tell a child to do something like, " Pick up your toys."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>We make things harder in our own minds when we are self-willed rather than seeking to have the mind of Christ.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Joseph is earning honor to his name by humbling himself to avoid strife and simply yielding.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope we can <b>be inspired to do the same.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We should be <b>Christ-like examples</b> and even a fool is esteemed as wise when he holds his peace... How much more should we who are taught of God be able to hold our tongue from strife.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I shared this musing with my Mother and this was her response:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I'm <b>74</b> and still trying to learn that, <b>unfortunately</b>! </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>If only I had learned it as a child</b>. And <b>held onto it</b>. Because actually, <b>I did learn it as a child</b>. We certainly <b>were not allowed to disobey our parents.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">That’s something that really bugs me about some kids today. They seem to treat their parents with such <b>disrespect and parents seem to accept that as normal!"</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As adults and even as older siblings, we have the <b>opportunity to restore what is being lost in society,</b> by teaching children<b> it's not ok to talk back, argue, and disrespect their elders </b>(those older than them). We are actually instructed by those of <b>Old</b> to submit to one another "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."<span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> Ephesians 5:21</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana;">We should not only respect the aged but one another also.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-7402369737241301972021-01-12T23:10:00.000-06:002021-01-12T23:10:20.447-06:00THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD.<p><u><b> January 9, 2021 Musing</b></u></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We are all in a battle. The victory often comes through how we think about things. Not that thinking saves us. Christ is the Savior. But it's through Him that we learn to have sound thinking.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Often times the enemy is working to bring us into a state of offense or some kind of sin that starts in the mind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bitterness, unforgiveness, resentment, lust, competition, evil surmising, etc... These sins and others, take root through our thought processes...a key to not letting these weeds in the garden of our heart and in rooting them out is having the mind of Christ.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We must remember in all our temptations/ trials THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If we lay hold of His grace and cry out to Him for the mind of Christ we are more than conquers through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37)... seeing our temptations and trials through His eyes gives us such a sweet victory. What was a mountain in our mind is brought low through the mind of Christ, difficulties suddenly become hurdles that are easily jumped...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The cross set before us becomes no longer a thing we loathe and fear but something we can embrace with joy through the Mind of Christ.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">May We faithfully put on the whole armor (Ephesians 6:13-18) of God and surrender to Him, because THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we are tempted to think with our own mind we must take those thoughts captive and seek the LORD to see through the mind of Christ; through Him we have victory.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we can be disciplined and surrendered to do this, we will notice an increase in JOY and VICTORY through CHRIST who STRENGTHENS us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">~MUCH LOVE ❤️</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here's a song you may enjoy:</span></p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ir-XbtrgcRk" width="560"></iframe>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-70779635307341970112021-01-08T12:26:00.001-06:002021-01-08T12:29:25.248-06:00Spend QUALITY time with your Children<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Morning Musing from January 8, <u>2020</u></span></b></p><p> <span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thinking about how important childhood is because it can have such a lasting effect on adulthood.</span></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-570ec4db-7fff-6e78-6e58-6e2135d41b3a"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin: 0pt 9pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Parents, and anyone who cares for children take advantage of the opportunity to mold a life. The way you treat that child and how you interact with them will have a lasting effect.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Having ministered to many adults that are trying to find their way, trying to understand God and His will for their life, trying to connect with Him trying to make sense of this world...</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I saw a connection between adults that were never really shown or taught the loving, Fatherly nature of God... Who didn't have parents that prayed with them, that didn't teach them how to talk to God as unto a loving Father, parents that didn't take the time to impress upon their children the reality and nature of God; a balance between His severity (righteous judgment against sin) and His amazing loving-kindness..... Children that didn't grow up knowing that God was there and they could take comfort in Him and that He really cares for them have a very hard time connecting with Him as adults, have a very hard time believing He loves them and forgives them. Their main motivation for seeking Him is fear of hell. They spend their days picking the petals of "He loves, He loves me not" depending on every spiritual failure or achievement they make.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is a very sad reality many suffer.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">No matter how someone grows up though, I know God is able to heal and make anyone whole.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">God is able, but we are also able to take the opportunity He has given us to teach children while they are very young.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I remember when I was little I was taught a prayer to say before bed that went something like this:</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Now I lay me down to sleep, If I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take."</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I would also add my own thoughts and ask God to put a bubble over all my family, the house, and the yard ( so the dog would be protected too). I took much comfort in this prayer and seeing the bubble of protection in my imagination. I knew from a very young age God is love. I would talk to Him as a child and sing Him love songs. My sense of God was warm and comforting.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When I got older and fell into sin I knew that my sin distanced the Spirit of God from me and eventually that's what broke me. I couldn't bear the distance.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Even though my life was very secular. The little bit about God that I was taught and the prayers were foundational for my future and drawing me back to the God of Love that I experienced as a child.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Friends, invest in your children. The impact we have on children can last through eternity.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They don't <b>need</b> video games and amusement parks, toys, and entertainment. They learn to desire those things when they are rejected over and over again by adults who won't <b>spend quality time with them.</b> They need people to <b>give them undivided attention, people that will take time to build a relationship with them founded in God and the nature of God. </b>Don't just teach them with words,<b> teach them in deed by being Christ-like.</b> Take them to nursing homes to comfort the elderly and widows, teach them to show compassion to others. Teach them to invest in people rather than vain, selfish pursuits.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This world is working hard to capture the minds of your children. The children will shape the future. It's very important and the enemy knows how important. Don't leave the children to their own destructive imaginations. Invest your time in them, you won't regret it.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; margin-top: 6pt; margin: 6pt 9pt 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.59996; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><u> January 8, 2021</u></span></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I would like to add this video my husband recently made. I found it to be fitting with my musing. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I would also like to add that I understand the struggle of thinking we have more important things to do than play a game with a child or give them undivided attention... Life's daily responsibilities can be overwhelming at times, and other things can feel more important, but every time you choose <b>not to spend with your child </b>has the potential to subtly turn into years of little to no quality time...<b>no strong bond </b>between you and your children...this child quickly grows into someone who is lost, confused and <b>looking for love in the wrong places.</b> Be willing to make dinner late, or discomfort yourself or give up other things you find important to get the quality time with your child/children. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Children will shape future generations.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Children are a gift from God to you, He expects you to take proper care of them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></span>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W6CHNr_T__w" width="560"></iframe>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-61953350963806327842021-01-06T01:01:00.001-06:002021-01-06T01:01:01.038-06:00<p> <b style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Morning Musing September 2, 2018</span></u></b></p><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/hngqh1F-UbUNSAltff6ZkEM7DrJ-COahAlYqurPK4BiHeRnMKSZz9aVKOA9__ghHx_ByWMWznSutUGo2wd-IxUg4zkGj92pQuyrxdOMHScouevAfGVZVKQFkI-1BhGTp0GKgMQvu" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" width="250" /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc9c6PQebn2HH624-StPJXPULXgsef1a1W5xiDp10Y3pQLP9GqvF2zr-Xr2aK0sFbLA2Y_ra0Tk0_d56VY5n-zbYVHXDWmZrOY5ROZAllD1DHo9DO3SM5ATi0mdnOubkV6txiez4IQurj/s1600/1521814575881.jpg" style="clear: right; color: #6699cc; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc9c6PQebn2HH624-StPJXPULXgsef1a1W5xiDp10Y3pQLP9GqvF2zr-Xr2aK0sFbLA2Y_ra0Tk0_d56VY5n-zbYVHXDWmZrOY5ROZAllD1DHo9DO3SM5ATi0mdnOubkV6txiez4IQurj/s400/1521814575881.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Have you ever considered what a blessing it is to be able to look up at the sky and pray Abba Father?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Or to stand in the midst of natural wonders (the work of His hands) and marvel at the glory of His creation as you offer up a prayer?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Sadly many at this moment are behind 4 man-made walls, or in mental wards, or in captivity;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Men, women & children suffering in dreariness, darkness, cold floors, and walls.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Are you free to see the clouds in the sky, to breathe the outdoor air? Can you raise your arms as you stand in the midst of living greenery?</span><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwdvjPCYTTz7rl-r4cpM3VI5GgI0GUErIR6R_T08wl6AkUvdf3_GJ-0x-HgLE-h_3FlnbBDPtBlYPrRVIVNkAmVhrWXAhIV1Pk1WrZUKlEWLmAvMT86oIF6ypeASDXq5vS5oO0ZdXfuZ4/s4032/IMG_20200604_194849091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwdvjPCYTTz7rl-r4cpM3VI5GgI0GUErIR6R_T08wl6AkUvdf3_GJ-0x-HgLE-h_3FlnbBDPtBlYPrRVIVNkAmVhrWXAhIV1Pk1WrZUKlEWLmAvMT86oIF6ypeASDXq5vS5oO0ZdXfuZ4/s320/IMG_20200604_194849091.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Doesn't it bring a special source of comfort to behold these works of His hands?</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPNAPfHGd7xVEwYbE5qSuHhp_lORgRbrJI0uR9oQ2EnxcKiI0YgT1HthSFsLOXaHx2gFXYK5JtB04bO04YOxXlYk9isWYEbiKTDqL35HiO8pq5AK8r2r_-X64nwg1bj6Om0lfRAHkGIWQ/s4032/IMG_20201209_162523005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPNAPfHGd7xVEwYbE5qSuHhp_lORgRbrJI0uR9oQ2EnxcKiI0YgT1HthSFsLOXaHx2gFXYK5JtB04bO04YOxXlYk9isWYEbiKTDqL35HiO8pq5AK8r2r_-X64nwg1bj6Om0lfRAHkGIWQ/w400-h300/IMG_20201209_162523005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">What a joy and liberty we should not take for granted or forget to partake of...what about just stepping outside in the evening to behold a dark and stary sky, to view the light of the moon...have you ever been alone in the midst of a wide-open space like a field in the dark of the night and looked up at the vastness of the stary sky and felt as small as an ant? Have you felt like a Great and mighty Creator of heaven and earth is beholding you as you stand alone there before Him?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">I think more of us could benefit from stepping aside to do this. Go outside and talk to God if you have the liberty.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">And as you pray remember those that are in bonds as being bound with them.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">There is a verse that has stood out to me over the years...whether we are behind four walls or free to breathe the night air, many of us are </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">prisoners of hope, </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">a hope that maketh not ashamed by which if we continue therein we will be purified, even as He is pure.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">"PRISONERS OF HOPE"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Zechariah 9:12, 17 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">"Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render double unto thee;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! ..."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Romans 8:25</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> "But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Whatever kind of captivity one may be in, whether a slave to sin or a slave behind four walls to wicked men...THE GOOD NEWS IS, the LORD came to set captives FREE, He is a stronghold, a light in our darkness, holdfast...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Psalms 62:8</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8Hj81YoQa33ubKTbs8kVhKXP9GvM71RChpdMci2yvdudKhLubeo5KMQ81wh_CKPtESs5rlUok0x-IGE4CQ1G337nZaK30RMUFq2bDueLYR4WdDt4HV8VcRXxmyXBLRojNEp6KWDs" style="clear: left; color: #6699cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="No photo description available." border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8Hj81YoQa33ubKTbs8kVhKXP9GvM71RChpdMci2yvdudKhLubeo5KMQ81wh_CKPtESs5rlUok0x-IGE4CQ1G337nZaK30RMUFq2bDueLYR4WdDt4HV8VcRXxmyXBLRojNEp6KWDs=w249-h400" style="border: none; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;" width="249" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189859968135923451.post-59869338737193574942021-01-04T23:57:00.000-06:002021-01-04T23:57:05.396-06:00<p> <u style="color: #666666; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Morning Musing August 26, 2018</b></u></p><p><u style="color: #666666; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></u></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNwqmEd3YgmQQd9i82QjgZ73cPVrDG41eJrLhYNXp3IZf4x9PF87ftmDRcoJTJlR1Mzm2mq4b9haOtN-jRiIFp_kD2MShiXmsrxcSzrppz6Juhh65Mhwfnpw_gZ7PcHZKgxNhNRpe1pca/s320/to-do-734587_640.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Do you ever feel anxious, burdened, overwhelmed by your "To Do" list? </span><span style="text-align: justify;">God does not want us anxiously going about each day. We must guard our hearts, acknowledge Him in all our ways, take a deep breath, and press into His peace & grace for each day. I know this isn't always easy as we may feel we are racing against a clock to get things accomplished.</span></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt; text-align: left;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></div></blockquote><div style="background-color: white;"><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have to realize God knows how much time we have in a day, and there are certain things He expects of us that we can forget about in our hurry-scurry to accomplish our tasks for the day:</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><u>Everyday To-Do List:</u></b></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1.) Be patient (especially with others)</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2.) Answer others kindly</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3.) Prefer the needs of others (deny self)</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And can you think of others? If you have time tell me in the comments.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our "To Do" list changes from day to day,</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But God's is always the same in the sense that we must always labor to keep the mind of Christ in whatever we are doing.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">May His grace & peace be multiplied.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><span face="" style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 9pt;"><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/successtiming-959814/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=734587" style="background-color: transparent; color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none !important;">Richard Park</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=734587" style="background-color: transparent; color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none !important;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></div></div>Faithful Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362152277204226416noreply@blogger.com0