tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79782654798419227352024-03-13T07:40:30.236-04:00Beautiful GraceLove the unlovely.
Trust that love is more powerful than evil.
Walk out love, don't just talk about it.Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.comBlogger765125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-54582456698462301242019-08-04T18:38:00.002-04:002019-08-04T18:40:02.045-04:00Born to Worship<span style="font-size: large;">I was born to worship God! This morning <a href="https://martinsmithmusic.com/" target="_blank">Martin Smith</a> led worship. At one point, mental pictures flashed before my mind's eye.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> *as a child looking into the sky and talking to God</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> *as a pre-adolescent crying during a Christmas Eve candle light service because I could feel Him</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
*as an adolescent being drawn by His love and singing "it only takes a
spark to get a fire going" after giving my heart to the Lord </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> *as I learned to dance in worship in the middle of the night without music because He asked me to do it</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> *as I danced in a church service and felt a wave of power after someone who could not previously walk began to walk</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> *as I choose to forgive a group of people who repeatedly hurt me over the course of many years</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> All of these were instances of worship, and the only common theme was a heart turned towards God.</span>Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-82588721814313592342019-01-01T07:32:00.001-05:002019-01-01T11:05:50.171-05:00A Dozen Years of Promise<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each year, the Lord gives me a head's up of what to expect. Since the unknown can tend to cause anxiety, I thought it would be encouraging to review the past dozen years of promise proving that God never leaves us or abandons us. He will provide direction and insight, if we take the time to ask and listen. <br /><br />2019, The Year of Change <br /><br />2018, The Year of Finishing Lines<br /><br />2017, Back Flow, Tidal Wave<br /><br />2016, Amazing Surprises<br /><br />2015, The Year of Great Grace<br /><br />2014, The Appointed Time Fulfilled (Returning to My First Love)<br /><br />2013, It Shall Be Cut Off<br /><br />2012, Overcomer<br /><br />2011, Do Not Trust in Horses and Chariots<br /><br />2010, A New Season <br /><br />2009, True Love, Holy Love<br /><br />2008, The Appointed Time </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be blessed with heart peace my friends. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With love,</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beautiful Grace </span></span> </span></span>Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-72894673690019606832018-11-12T08:01:00.000-05:002019-01-01T06:29:09.803-05:00Light Interacts With Matter<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> While skimming over search engine results, the number 137 caught my attention; immediately, I remembered a dream from many years ago in which God reminded me of my destiny and how Jesus intervenes to fulfill it. Physicists describe 137 (1/137) as the fine-structure constant, the probability that an electron will emit or absorb a photon ("Fine Structure Constant - Sixty Symbols", 2009). I knew that God was providing deeper insight into the dream. A photon is a particle of light, and an electron is the negatively-charged particle that whirls around an atom. All matter is comprised of atoms. In effect, the number 137 represents the interaction between light and matter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I feel like God is reminding me that I cannot live this life without His intervention, His interaction with me. God is light and I am matter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<div class="version-AMP result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">1 John 1:5</span> <span class="passage-display-version">Amplified Bible (AMP)</span></span></h1>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text 1John-1-5" id="en-AMP-30546">God Is Light</span></span></h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text 1John-1-5">This
is the message [of God’s promised revelation] which we have heard from
Him and now announce to you, that God is Light [He is holy, His message
is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness], and in Him there is no
darkness at all [no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection]</span>. (BibleGateway, n.d.)</span></blockquote>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I have begun praying that Light would interact with matter in personal situations as well as situations involving others. God is so good. He never leaves us to figure this life out alone. He empowers us in difficult circumstances and ultimately, we will be victorious as we submit to Him and His ways.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Below, I have reprinted my dream, which I pray will be as much of an encouragement to you as it is to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Much love, Beautiful Grace</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was in a school, the warning bell had rung, and it was time to go
to my locker to get my books for the next class. I<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7978265479841922735#editor/target=post;postID=5875548501801810031;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=3;src=postname" target="_blank"> approached my locker, number 137, noticing that the word DESTINY</a> was spray painted
over it in large red letters. I was unable to open the combination lock,
and because of this, became more and more anxious. I didn't want to be
late for class! I looked down the hall to my left and noticed a friend
had opened her lock without difficulty, grabbed her books and headed to
class. I didn't understand why I was having such difficulty in opening
my lock. Suddenly, behind me, I heard the janitor say, "I'll take care
of that lock for you." He easily removed the lock and opened the locker
door. I reached into the locker and found no books. I became anxious
again, thinking, <i>I won't be prepared for class!</i> At the bottom of
the locker, I found an envelope. Inside was a bill, which I thought was
unpaid. Again this caused distress to rise up. I opened the to envelope
to find that my father had already paid the bill. <b>I was debt free!!!!!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The
interpretation of the dream is that my destiny is locked up. I observe
other Christians appear to be able to open the door to their destiny
without difficulty. The locker number-137, was the goal weight that I
had set during a period of dieting. The janitor, representing Jesus, was
the One Who unlocked my destiny/goal. I thought that my destiny rested
on studying, but in reality, my destiny/goal only relies on the fact
that my debts (sins) have been paid by my Father (God). I woke up with
deep peace flooding my soul.</span><br />
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<div class="bibliography-item-copy-text content" data-clipboard-target="copy-target-904925398" data-redirect-target="/items/904925398/copy" data-style-code="apa" href="http://www.citationmachine.net/bibliographies/374574438?new=true#" id="copy-target-904925398" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> References</span></div>
<div class="bibliography-item-copy-text content" data-clipboard-target="copy-target-904925398" data-redirect-target="/items/904925398/copy" data-style-code="apa" href="http://www.citationmachine.net/bibliographies/374574438?new=true#" id="copy-target-904925398" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="bibliography-item-copy-text content" data-clipboard-target="copy-target-904925398" data-redirect-target="/items/904925398/copy" data-style-code="apa" href="http://www.citationmachine.net/bibliographies/374574438?new=true#" id="copy-target-904925398" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="bibliography-item-copy-text content" data-clipboard-target="copy-target-904933972" data-redirect-target="/items/904933972/copy" data-style-code="apa" href="http://www.citationmachine.net/bibliographies/374574438?new=true#" id="copy-target-904933972">
<span style="font-size: large;">BibleGateway. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 John 1:5&version=AMP</span></div>
</div>
<div class="bibliography-item-copy-text content" data-clipboard-target="copy-target-904925398" data-redirect-target="/items/904925398/copy" data-style-code="apa" href="http://www.citationmachine.net/bibliographies/374574438?new=true#" id="copy-target-904925398">
<span style="font-size: large;">Fine Structure Constant - Sixty Symbols. (2009, April 14). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/WlSLIW0gZtk</span></div>
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Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-61077381251411612142018-07-10T10:55:00.001-04:002018-07-11T10:02:56.072-04:00When God Speaks: Keep Walking<span style="font-size: x-large;">Early Sunday Morning, I read Romans 8 prior to preparing to leave for church service. Imagine my surprise when Pastor Charles referenced several verses from the chapter I read only a few hours prior to the sermon.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lifecenteronline/videos/1802973986416404/" target="_blank">Life Center Ministries 7/8/2018 11:00 am service</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sermon Points: We Need Giants</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why we need things that strengthen us.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Some doors are obvious, some are not</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">We must keep walking; we must get close</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;"> It's a picture of faith; it doesn't look like you can do it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Promises are protected from those who are half-hearted (keep walking in faith)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Abram (Abraham) left everything to follow God's direction and promises.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">given the Promised Land</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">name will be great</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">will be blessed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">will be made a great nation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">will be a blessing </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Are we willing to leave or do we say, "No, I'm fine?"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">"We must change the we think, the way we inform ourselves and obey."</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">The promises of God will make us into something great. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">The promises of God release His blessing on us and cause our life to be significant.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">We become blessed and become a blessing to the world around us.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grace is given, we explore it by faith. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">The 10 spies went to Canaan and 8 gave a bad report while 2 spoke in faith.</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Be careful what you say about what you see.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">When you are afraid, everything seems scary.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Trust in God's ability to open doors for us and through us. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">It may look like we are surrounded (by enemies), but we are surrounded by Him (God).</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Giants (enemies) are always around us.</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Trust God, He is with us (our weapon)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Only see giants when advancing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our Promise Land is being conformed to Christ</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Live our lives in love and walking and carrying the blessings of God wherever we go.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Giants who keep us from being conformed to the image of God </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">"I'm right."</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">discouragement</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">disappointment</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">self-interest </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">self-pity</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">what's in it for me</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Romans 8:31</span> <span class="passage-display-version">Amplified Bible (AMP)</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="text Rom-8-31" id="en-AMP-28148"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup>What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us?</span></span><br />
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</span>
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Romans 8:34</span> <span class="passage-display-version">Amplified Bible (AMP)</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="text Rom-8-34" id="en-AMP-28151"><sup class="versenum">34 </sup>Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more <i>than that</i>, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b><span class="text Rom-8-34" id="en-AMP-28151">When you are in a big trial remember Jesus is interceding for us (praying). </span></b></i></span></span><br />
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<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Romans 8:35</span> <span class="passage-display-version">Amplified Bible (AMP)</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="text Rom-8-35" id="en-AMP-28152"><sup class="versenum">35 </sup>Who shall ever separate us from the love of <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMP-28152a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMP-28152a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A35&version=AMP#fen-AMP-28152a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? </span></span><br />
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<div class="version-AMP result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span class="passage-display-bcv">Romans 8:38-39</span> <span class="passage-display-version">Amplified Bible (AMP)</span></h1>
<div class="first-line-none top-1">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="text Rom-8-38" id="en-AMP-28155"><sup class="versenum">38 </sup>For
I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that
neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things
present <i>and</i> threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, </span> <span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-AMP-28156"><sup class="versenum">39 </sup>nor
height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to
separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus
our Lord.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="first-line-none top-1">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
<div class="first-line-none top-1">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
<div class="first-line-none top-1">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
<div class="first-line-none top-1">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-AMP-28156"></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-AMP-28156"><span style="color: red;"><b><i><u>This is our promise! </u></i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-35" id="en-AMP-28152"> </span> </div>
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<br />Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-55628885472876682722018-06-05T15:19:00.002-04:002018-06-05T15:19:25.127-04:00Inside Out or Outside In<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span data-source="supplemental"><span data-source="elementary"><span data-source="entry-elementary"><span class="sb-0"><span class="dt "><b class="mw_t_bc"> </b> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span data-source="supplemental" style="font-size: large;"><span data-source="elementary"><span data-source="entry-elementary"><span class="sb-0"><span class="dt ">My earthly father has spoken words throughout my life that have pointed me toward the heart of my heavenly Father. Although unknown to my earthly father, these words have encouraged, confirmed and guided me numerous times. Most recently my earthly father stated, "when you are here, it takes a day that is inside out and turns it outside in." It is important that you understand the back story to dad's statement.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span data-source="supplemental" style="font-size: large;"><span data-source="elementary"><span data-source="entry-elementary"><span class="sb-0"><span class="dt "><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span data-source="supplemental" style="font-size: large;"><span data-source="elementary"><span data-source="entry-elementary"><span class="sb-0"><span class="dt ">Back in February, dad suffered a massive right-sided stroke. This means that the left side of his body has been affected by paralysis. Dad sleeps most of the time, but is able to wake up with verbal stimulation. Can you imagine being imprisoned inside your own body, completely dependent on others to meet you most basic needs? It is understandable that he would feel as though his known world up to this point would feel turned "inside out."</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span data-source="supplemental" style="font-size: large;"><span data-source="elementary"><span data-source="entry-elementary"><span class="sb-0"><span class="dt "><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span data-source="supplemental" style="font-size: large;"><span data-source="elementary"><span data-source="entry-elementary"><span class="sb-0"><span class="dt ">According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, inside out can be described as "in or into a confused or disorganized state"</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">(Merriam-Webster, 2018). Everything my dad has known about the world around him, his physical body and the interactions between the two have now been thrown "into a confused or disorganized state" </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Merriam-Webster, 2018).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Understandably</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">, this confused and disorganized state could have a dramatic, negative influence on dad's soul impacting his emotional state. Yet dad says his inside out world can be positively influenced from the "outside in." </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our heavenly Father has empowered us through His Spirit to positively influence others from the "outside in," but how do we prepare ourselves to be a conduit through which God's Spirit flows through us? We must recognize our need to be influenced by His Holy Spirit; we must cry out to God from our inside out. From the depths of our soul, we cry out for the Lord to influence us, so we can positively influence others.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">We cannot allow our souls to reign freely in situations of confusion and disorganization. I am reminded of a Disney movie, Inside Out. This movie depicts a little girl's soul (Riley) as being controlled by various characters representing different emotions. Such a cute movie, but as Christians, we cannot allow "Joy" to be overtaken by "Sadness" as was the case in the movie. If we allow God's Holy Spirit to influence us, then Joy will moderate the other emotions. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Docter & Del Carmen, 2016)</span></span> </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.bible.com/bible/1/psa.73.26" target="_self">Psalms 73:26 (KJV)</a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>My</em> flesh and <em>my</em> heart faileth: </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but God <em>is</em> <em>the</em> <em>strength</em> <em>of</em> <em>my</em> heart, </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and <em>my</em> portion for ever.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.bible.com/bible/1/neh.8.10" target="_self">Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)</a> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then he said unto them, </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go your way, eat <em>the</em> fat, </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and drink <em>the</em> sweet, </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and send portions unto them for whom </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nothing <em>is</em> prepared: </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for this day <em>is</em> holy unto our <em>Lord</em>: </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">neither be ye sorry; </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for <em>the</em> <em>joy</em> <em>of</em> <em>the</em> <em>Lord</em> <em>is</em> your <em>strength</em>. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The song, From the Inside Out speaks of a soul crying out to the Lord asking to be consumed by the Everlasting (God). It is in this way we are recharged emotionally and anointed to influence others from the outside in.</span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whether we cry out using another person's song or whether we use our own words, a sincere cry to the Lord will prepare us to influence others for good, because He <b><i>ALWAYS</i></b> hears a sincere cry...<i><b>ALWAYS!</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9j7ZdKtGcSo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9j7ZdKtGcSo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="t" style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://youtu.be/9j7ZdKtGcSo" target="_blank">From the Inside Out by Joel Housten</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="t" style="font-size: large;"><span class="t">References</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Docter, P., & Del Carmen, R. (Directors). (2016). Inside Out [Video file]. Milano: Walt Disney studios home entertainment.<br /><br />Housten, J. (2012, March 25). From The Inside Out - Hillsong United Miami Live 2012 (Lyrics/Subtitles) (Song to Jesus). Retrieved June 5, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">/watch?v=9j7ZdKtGcSo&feature=youtu.be<br /><br />Merriam-Webster, Inc. (2018). Inside Out. Retrieved June 3, 2018, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inside out</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-28141861457793839252018-03-25T10:46:00.001-04:002018-03-25T10:49:28.240-04:00God is Speaking!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Gal-1-6"><sup class="versenum"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1&version=AMP" target="_blank"> </a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1&version=AMP" target="_blank">Galatians 1:6-10</a></span></sup></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Gal-1-6"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>I am astonished <i>and</i> extremely irritated that you are so quickly shifting your allegiance <i>and</i> deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different [even contrary] gospel; </span> <span class="text Gal-1-7" id="en-AMP-29065"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>which is really not another [gospel]; but there are [obviously] <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMP-29065b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMP-29065b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1&version=AMP#fen-AMP-29065b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup>some [people masquerading as teachers] who are disturbing <i>and</i>
confusing you [with a misleading, counterfeit teaching] and want to
distort the gospel of Christ [twisting it into something which it
absolutely is not]. </span> <span class="text Gal-1-8" id="en-AMP-29066"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>But
even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel
contrary to that which we [originally] preached to you, let him be
condemned to destruction! </span> <span class="text Gal-1-9" id="en-AMP-29067"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>As
we have said before, so I now say again, if anyone is preaching to you a
gospel different from that which you received [from us], let him be
condemned to destruction!</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Gal-1-10" id="en-AMP-29068"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>Am I now <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMP-29068c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMP-29068c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1&version=AMP#fen-AMP-29068c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup>trying to win the favor <i>and</i>
approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I
were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant
of Christ.</span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Gal-1-10" id="en-AMP-29068">I am absolutely blessed! Just this morning, I read Galatians 1. I was specifically drawn to the verses above and prayed that neither I nor my family would fall prey to misleading or counterfeit teaching. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Gal-1-10" id="en-AMP-29068">Then the special speaker at Life Center, Stacey Campbell, this morning referenced these same verses. WOW! To me, it was like God saying, <i>"I heard you. It is done!"</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Gal-1-10" id="en-AMP-29068">For ALL of you reading this post. Please, <i><b>do not </b></i>assume that just because something is spoken during a sermon or by a pastor that what is being said is the TRUTH. We must ask His Spirit to give us the discernment needed to see through distortions of the TRUTH. We must read our Bibles and compare what is being said with what it says.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Gal-1-10" id="en-AMP-29068"><i> </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Gal-1-10" id="en-AMP-29068">Much love to ALL of you!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Gal-1-10" id="en-AMP-29068">Beautiful Grace</span></span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="8n4tk-0-0"><span data-text="true"></span></span>Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-32884077912020399812018-03-24T04:15:00.000-04:002019-01-01T06:30:49.267-05:002018: The Year of Finishing LinesIn the beginning of 2018, I felt the Lord say that this year would be the "Year of Finishing Lines." Set to graduate with my BSN in May, I knew that finishing line very well. I had been looking forward to it since beginning the path to attaining it in 2014.<br />
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Originally, I was not planning to graduate until next year, but the Lord counseled me to take an educational leave of absence from work to become a full-time college student for one semester allowing for the early graduation.<br />
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I am not certain what job God has for me after graduation, and this uncertainty has the potential to stir worry, but the Lord keeps assuring me to "Trust Me." <br />
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Therefore, I am writing this post as a declaration of my intent to trust God. He has <b><i>ALWAYS</i></b> provided and protected and encouraged and shown His love to me in the past. He does not change!<br />
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<article class="bible-item" data-osis="Prov.3.5-Prov.3.6"><span class="bible-item-title-wrap"></span></article><article class="bible-item" data-osis="Prov.3.5-Prov.3.6"><span class="bible-item-title-wrap"></span></article><span class="bible-item-title-wrap"><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=trust+in+the+Lord+with+all+your+heart&qs_version=AMP" target="_blank">Proverbs 3:5-6</a> </span><br />
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<b>Trust</b> <b>in</b> <i>and</i> rely confidently on <b>the</b> <span class="small-caps"><b>Lord</b></span> <b>with</b> <b>all</b> <b>your</b> <b>heart</b> And do not rely on <b>your</b> own <b>in</b>sight <i>or</i> understanding. <b>In</b> <b>all</b> <b>your</b> ways know <i>and</i> acknowledge <i>and</i> recognize Him, And He will make <b>your</b> paths straight <i>and</i> smooth [removing obstacles that block <b>your</b> way]. </div>
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This is an awesome encouragement and command. </div>
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Trust and rely confidently...with <b><i>all </i></b>of my heart. </div>
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Do not rely...on my <i><b>own</b></i> insight and understanding</div>
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Acknowledge and recognize Him...in <i><b>all </b></i>my ways.</div>
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He will...make <b><i>my</i></b> paths straight and smooth.</div>
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Holy Spirit, touch my heart. Empower it, all of it, to completely trust and rely on Your guidance. You will provide, because You are the Provider! I look forward to all of the finishing lines that You have in store for this year. Thank You for all You have done are doing and will do! In the great and powerful name of Jesus! AMEN!</div>
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Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-6641421493766365612017-04-04T07:00:00.003-04:002017-04-05T19:57:07.534-04:00Matthew 10: Do Not Be Afraid of Those...<div class="verse">
<b><span class="text Matt-10-26">Matthew 10:26-28 </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="text Matt-10-26">So have no fear of them; for nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, or kept secret that will not become known. </span>What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim upon the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).</b><br />
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<b><i>I am a dreamer.</i></b><br />
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Throughout my life, there have been seasons where dreaming was very lucid and active. In other seasons, dreams remained hidden in the recesses of my asleep brain. However, I do believe that God sometimes chooses to communicate through dreams, therefore, when I remember one, I ask Him about it.<br />
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Last week, I had a brief but terrifying dream in which a large man was attacking women and then attempted to attack me. I woke myself up with loud shrieking. Poor hubby.<br />
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This dream reminded me of a dream I had years ago when I was in a season of extreme emotional turmoil. I believe the man represents the spirit of fear who attempts to control its victims by stimulating fear, terror, anxiety. As I told my husband about the dream, he revealed that that night prior to my dream, he was praying for me in a very specific way. His disclosure confirmed my suspicion. Immediately, I began to pray against this spiritual attack.<br />
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<b><i>Then Jesus steps in...</i></b><br />
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This past Sunday during the worship service, the images from the dream flooded my mind's eye, but this time Jesus was with me. His eyes locked with mine as he stepped between me and the man. Jesus reached behind His back and pushed the man away. Jesus did this, never breaking His loving gaze directed towards me. Then Jesus hugged me, and I could feel the perfect love that drives out all fear.<br />
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Gratitude fills my heart, that the King of the Universe would encourage me in such an intimate way.</div>
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Friends, do not be afraid of those who talk behind your back. Do not be even be afraid of those who can kill your body, because the Keeper of Souls, Jesus, is Your Protector. He's got you! Receive His perfect love which casts out ALL fear. In the great and awesome name of Jesus! AMEN!!!</div>
Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-3560610136184486272017-03-20T06:44:00.000-04:002017-03-20T06:44:12.851-04:00Matthew 9: Thrust Out the Laborers<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="passage-display-bcv">Matthew 9:36-38</span></strong></span><br />
<strong><span class="passage-display-bcv"></span><span class="passage-display-version"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)</span></span></strong><br />
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<span class="text Matt-9-36" id="en-AMPC-23416"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><sup class="versenum">36 </sup>When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity <i>and</i> sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-AMPC-23416A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-AMPC-23416A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)">(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9%3A36-38&version=AMPC#cen-AMPC-23416A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)</sup></strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-9-37" id="en-AMPC-23417"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><sup class="versenum">37 </sup>Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-9-38" id="en-AMPC-23418"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><sup class="versenum">38 </sup>So pray to the Lord of the harvest to <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23418a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23418a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9%3A36-38&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23418a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><span style="background-color: yellow;">force out <i>and</i> thrust laborers into His harvest.</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-9-38"><span style="font-size: large;">There is a note written in my Bible, "what does this mean?" under verse 38. Heartache, disillusionment, deception, depression, anger, evil abounds in the world. If we remain tucked away inside the four walls of our homes or churches, how will the sheep ever know the Shepherd? </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-9-38"><span style="font-size: large;">How can we sequester ourselves in the comfort of our homes and churches, while Jesus Himself prays to "force and thrust laborers into His harvest?" <strong><em>Intense.</em></strong> But the people around us desperately require our help.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-9-38"><span style="font-size: large;">Brothers and sisters, it is the beginning of your ministry to touch the world around you (your neighbor) with kindness and love (Jesus). We are the only contact some of these dear ones will ever have with the One Who loves them the most and best. What I mean is that as we go into the world, Jesus, Who lives and loves through us, is manifested by what we say and do. The attitude we have as laborers toward the harvest can mean eternity and should be overflowing with compassion for the lost. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-9-38"><span style="font-size: large;">When I gave my heart to the Lord, it was His Love that drew me, not other Christians condemning me, telling me that I would go to Hell. Love is Light, His Light, and that Light shines bright in a world full of darkness. And although Hell is a very real place, many lost sheep are experiencing a Hellish foretaste right now, here on earth. Where is our loving compassion?</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-9-38"><span style="font-size: large;">Do not be surprised when things don't work out the way you thought within the comfort of the four walls. Could it be that YOU have be chosen to be forced and thrust out into the harvest? The laborers are few. Maybe You have been called to go into the world, overflowing the with kindness and love which saves!</span></span></div>
Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-67935259186774093152017-01-28T07:28:00.000-05:002017-01-28T07:28:54.669-05:00Mark 4 & 5: Accustomed to the Darkness?<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While reading these chapters in Mark, I keep thinking about the "demoniac" who lived among the tombs, broke the shackles meant to subdue him, and ran around screaming while cutting himself with stones. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%205:1-20&version=AMPC">Mark 5:1-20</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This poor man was possessed by Legion (many demons). With great compassion and authority, Jesus commanded the demons to leave him. Miraculously, the man was set free, yet the people living in the area urged Jesus to leave.</span></span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why would the people want Jesus to leave? </span></span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Could it be that they had become accustomed to the darkness around them?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Where they afraid that Jesus would remove the darkness within them that they held on to</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is darkness in this world and sadly darkness within some of us. Are we so accustomed to the darkness around us that once it is removed, we become fearful? And, is our fear rooted in the fact that darkness lives within us? Is fear stimulated because the darkness has become a comfort for our tormented souls?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">May truth and love fill us and displace any darkness in and around us. May His Grace empower us to see and understand and let it go. In the great and awesome Name of Jesus, AMEN!!! </span></span><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></i> Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-16017186790871754772017-01-01T09:13:00.000-05:002017-01-01T09:13:31.484-05:002017: Backflow, Tidal Wave"Backflow, Tidal Wave." When I asked the Lord about 2017 a few weeks ago, this is what I felt He said. For many years, I have asked the Lord about the upcoming year, but this is the first time it has stirred a sense of foreboding. For this reason, I am evaluating whether this is truly from the Lord or from the source that uses fear to control. <br />
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The Holy Spirit has been gracious to reveal the meaning of His symbolic communication over the years. In faith, I speak the part I understand. <br />
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<strong><span class="passage-display-bcv">1 Corinthians 13:12</span></strong></blockquote>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-12" id="en-AMPC-28676"><strong><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality <i>and</i> face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know <i>and</i> understand fully <i>and</i> clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully <i>and</i> clearly known <i>and</i> understood by God].</strong></span></div>
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According to Webster's online dictionary, <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backflow" target="_blank">backflow</a> is defined as "a flowing back or returning especially toward a source." The Lord is calling us to return to Him, doing the things we know He has commanded and steering clear of the things we know He has denied. The only way to determine the difference between right and wrong is to consult the Source, God. Intimate, one on One communication is the key. <br />
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The second part, "Tidal Wave" is well known in the physical. I remember the horrible tidal wave (tsunami) which swept over coastal Japan in 2011, causing widespread death and destruction. The "Tidal Wave" that the Lord is referring to also has devastating destructive power. Those of us who refuse to return to the Source and/or who hold onto things which we know are sinful or not permissible, may incur the destructive force of this spiritual Tidal Wave. The consequence of sin is painful. God allows us to choose, choose wisely.<br />
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I really don't know if this "Tidal Wave" will affect people simultaneously on a large scale or if each of us will experience our own unique Wave, but what I do know is clear...<br />
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<em>stop holding onto sinful activities, impure thoughts, coarse talk! Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Don't get caught up in the twisted reports inspired by the evil one to induce us to fear those who are not like us! Realize, that we are not our own, but that we have been bought with a price. Jesus gave Himself for us. God, made man, His Spirit is in control. To stand against Him is a futile pursuit. His fierce love will draw our hearts back to Him. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
Holy Spirit, empower us in Your Grace. Cause us to hear You. Empower us to obey You. Give us courage in the midst of trials and Peace in the midst of storms. Be our Helper as You have in the past. You are our refuge and our strength, a present help in times of trouble. Cause us to come back to You, our Source, to release our grasp in things which ultimately harm us. Let our gaze be shifted to eternal things, which places the appropriate value on temporal things. All for the glory of One, Who was and is and is to come, Jesus! AMEN!Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-63150385035860362652016-11-12T04:53:00.001-05:002016-11-12T04:53:58.740-05:00Matthew 8:14-34: With a Word<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Matthew 8:16</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>When evening came, they brought to Him many who were under the power of demons, and He drove out the spirits with a word and restored to health all who were sick.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">With a word Jesus drove out spirits and cured diseases. What was this powerful, singular word? The Bible doesn't identify the particular word referenced, but I know the word was delivered in love.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love does not focus on the unlovely state of the person in front of them, but fiercely calls forth wholeness of body, soul and spirit. This wholeness is defined as freedom from "dis" ease; whether that "dis" ease manifests through a bodily disease process, a mental illness or a spiritual crisis, one word from Jesus binds the fracture. Jesus gives His friends the ability to bring Peace to the "dis" ease.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some Christ followers may be intimidated by evil, but if we walk in love, evil has no power over us. Love is built on the inside as we have an intimate friendship with Jesus. As the love-base is built, it flows out to others through the word[s] we speak, which results in the freedom as described above. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Talking about love is easy, but actually walking out love, requires a perseverance that can only be inspired by the Holy Spirit. It's an overflow of the loving and personal relationship we have with Jesus.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">These three sentences sum my life's mission, my purpose for living on this Earth.</span> </span><br />
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<span><span style="color: black;">Love the unlovely. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="color: black;">Trust that love is more powerful than evil.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="color: black;">Walk out love, don't just talk about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script";"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">May all of you who read this, know that the power of God's love in you through a word has the potential to</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">provide freedom for those tethered to "dis" ease. </span></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script";"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What a wonderful calling!</span></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">What a humbling responsibility!</span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </span>Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-61879532883502799972016-10-23T07:42:00.004-04:002016-10-23T07:42:57.106-04:00Luke 8: Political Whirlwind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Luke 8:22-25 </strong></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-8-22" id="en-AMPC-25266"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>One of those days He and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, Let us go across to the other side of the lake. So they put out to sea.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-8-23" id="en-AMPC-25267"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>But as they were sailing, He fell off to sleep. And a <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-25267g" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-25267g" title="See footnote g">g</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+8&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-25267g" title="See footnote g">g</a>]</sup> whirlwind revolving from below upwards swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in great danger.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-8-24" id="en-AMPC-25268"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>And the disciples came and woke Him, saying, Master, Master, we are perishing! And He, being thoroughly awakened, <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-25268h" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-25268h" title="See footnote h">h</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+8&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-25268h" title="See footnote h">h</a>]</sup>censured <i>and</i> <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-25268i" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-25268i" title="See footnote i">i</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+8&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-25268i" title="See footnote i">i</a>]</sup>blamed <i>and</i> rebuked the wind and the raging waves; and they ceased, and there came a calm.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-8-25" id="en-AMPC-25269"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>And He said to them, [Why are you so fearful?] Where is your faith (your trust, your confidence in Me—in My veracity and My integrity)? And they were seized with alarm <i>and</i> profound <i>and</i> reverent dread, and they marveled, saying to one another, Who then is this, that He commands even wind and sea, and they obey Him?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a <a href="https://beautifulgrace2008.blogspot.com/2013/09/nahum-in-whirlwind-and-storm.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, I wrote about how God uses the whirlwinds in life to grow us spiritually. Whirlwinds manifest in various forms, but this post focuses on a whirlwind that is affecting all United States residents, the Political Whirlwind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is nearly impossible to engage in media without hearing and seeing the Political Whirlwind. It saddens me that our political system has degraded to name calling and lies. Presidential debates look more like a verbal brawl than a discussion of opposing ideas. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then I remember how God redeems the whirlwind for His purpose of spiritual growth for His people. In the passage above, the disciples were frightened because they thought that "they were in great danger." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many people, myself included, believe that the current Political Whirlwind signifies great danger for the United States of America and many are frightened. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Will we maintain our national security and sovereignty while continuing to fulfill our national call as Lady Liberty cries out, </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><a href="https://www.howtallisthestatueofliberty.org/what-is-the-quote-on-the-statue-of-liberty/" target="_blank">“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”</a> </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But what is the spiritual growth that occurred in the passage above? The disciples witnessed Jesus "veracity" and "integrity" and that experience stimulated faith in Jesus. Imagine, with just a few words from Jesus the whirlwind calmed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let me submit to you, could it be that the current Political Whirlwind is an opportunity for Jesus to speak a few words, calm the whirlwind with the result of stimulating our faith?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lord, You are ALL POWERFUL and COMPASSIONATE! You do ALL THINGS WELL! Speak a word to the Political Whirlwind and stimulate our faith in You! In Your great and holy name, AMEN!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reference</span><br />
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What is the quote on the statue of liberty? · How Tall is ... (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2016, from https://www.howtallisthestatueofliberty.org/what-is-the-quote-on-the-statue-of-liberty/
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Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-46349358937302913852016-10-08T04:33:00.000-04:002016-10-24T13:59:41.765-04:00Matthew 13: Let Them Grow Together<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 13: 24-30</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Weeds among Wheat<br /><br />24 Jesus gave them another parable [to consider], saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed [</span></b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13&version=AMP#fen-AMP-23565c"><b><span style="font-size: large;">c</span></b></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">]weeds [resembling wheat] among the wheat, and went away. 26 So when the plants sprouted and formed grain, the weeds appeared also. 27 The servants of the owner came to him and said, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then how does it have weeds in it?’ 28 He replied to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants asked him, ‘Then do you want us to go and pull them out?’ 29 But he said, ‘No; because as you pull out the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First gather the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 24:36-43<br /><br />The Weeds Explained<br /><br />36 Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him saying, “Explain [clearly] to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 38 and the field is the world; and [as for] the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the weeds are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels. 40 So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend [those things by which people are led into sin], and all who practice evil [leading others into sin], 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger]. 43 Then the righteous [those who seek the will of God] will shine forth [radiating the new life] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The parable of the weeds and the wheat explains why evil remains in the world. Those who perform evil (the weeds) live right beside those who are righteous (those who belong to God). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For reasons unknown, God has said that uprooting the "weeds" or removing the evil from among us, would in some way damage us (the wheat).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the course of my life, evil has been done to me, and I have witnessed evil done to others. In my humanness, it seems as though the evil is doing the damage to the wheat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>BUT</b> God doesn't see situations from an earthly, temporal perspective.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we find ourselves as a recipient of an evil act, we have a choice to become like the weed by reacting with evil </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>OR </b>we can respond as wheat with understanding, love and forgiveness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Without the weeds, the wheat would not have the opportunity to <b>BE</b> wheat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SO </b>what does wheat look like?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Earlier in Matthew 13, Jesus speaks about seeds being sown on the good soil. These seeds grow and bear fruit to varying degrees. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A23&version=AMP" target="_blank">Matthew 13:23</a>). It's the fruit that determines what kind of plant is grown. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SO</b> does fruit look like in a Christian's life?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Galatians 5:22-23</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christians bear the fruit of His Spirit as listed in the preceding verse. Note that the fruit is <b>"the result of His presence within us." </b>True fruit cannot be grown by our own efforts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fruit, even good fruit, takes time to ripen. Did you ever eat a green banana? Yuck! The sweetness of character ripens over time. What develops "unselfish concern for others" and "inner peace," joy, kindness, gentleness, self-control and the ability to wait with a positive attitude as a person stays remains connected to His Spirit. Just a wheat grain (fruit) ripens in the presence of sunshine and water, in good soil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Dear wheat, don't strive to grow fruit; cling to Jesus (His Spirit) and the fruit grows and ripens naturally, supernaturally!</i></b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></b>Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-9323344779374768492016-09-15T05:44:00.000-04:002016-10-08T03:43:21.792-04:00Matthew 12: The Man With the Withered Hand<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Matthew 12:9-14 <br /> </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9 And going on from there, He went into their synagogue. <br /><br />10 And behold, a man was there with one withered hand. And they said to Him, Is it lawful or allowable to cure people on the Sabbath days?—that they might accuse Him. <br /><br />11 But He said to them, What man is there among you, if he has only one sheep and it falls into a pit or ditch on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? <br /><br />12 How much better and of more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful and allowable to do good on the Sabbath days. <br /><br />13 Then He said to the man, Reach out your hand. And the man reached it out and it was restored, as sound as the other one. <br /><br />14 But the Pharisees went out and held a consultation against Him, how they might do away with Him.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last time I wrote a post was</span> </span>July.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span>he sermon this past Sunday <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">inspired</span> me to take the time. Imagine my surprise when the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">next <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bible <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">reading just happened to be the very stories which <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sunday's sermon in<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cluded. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't believe in coincidences<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many years ago, I had a dream <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">set in a church. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I was </i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>standing in the front when I noticed a black man with a withered right hand<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> sitting in the front pew.</span> This man was not black as a matter o</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>f of race, he was black because he had been burned, charred.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I prayed for the man, his hand was healed.</span></span></i></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I understood that the man represented those people who had been "burned" by the religious structures (<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">P</span>harisees) with<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in the chur<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">c<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">h. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These people were so hurt <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that part of who they <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">were (gifting</span>, talent,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> personality, etc.) had withered. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Lord is speaking! <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you have been hur<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">there is h<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ealing! Jesus has placed great value on you, because He loves you! He doesn't want any part of who you are to be withered. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You and I were made to shine<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">! We wer<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e made to go into the world spreading His love to all we contact.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were made <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to demonstrate compassion!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-31115402645593161602016-07-20T09:13:00.001-04:002016-07-20T09:13:47.389-04:00Matthew 11: To Whom the Son Wills<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Matthew 11:27Amplified Bible </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Classic Edition (AMPC)</strong></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>27 All things have been entrusted and delivered to Me by My Father; and no one </strong></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>fully knows and </strong></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>accurately understands the Son except the Father, and no one </strong></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>fully knows and </strong></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>accurately understands the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son </strong></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>deliberately wills to make Him known.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">Knowing the heart of Abba is possible as Jesus wills to make Him known. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">Imagine the possibilities...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><em><strong>We would never struggle with skewed self-worth.</strong></em></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Luke 12:6-7 <br />ESV </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><em><strong>We would never slander or gossip about or judge our brother/sister.</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">James 4:11-12</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? </span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">We would do more than merely calling ourselves a "Christian." We would BE Christians.</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">James 1:22-27</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ESV <br /><br /> But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. </span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Revenge, hatred, murder and mistreatment would cease.</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Romans 12:17-21</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ESV <br /><br /> Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong><em>We would stop living like there are no consequences to our actions.</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Galatians 5:16-26</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ESV<br /><br />16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.<br /><br />25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Jesus, please reveal the Father's heart to us. Will us to know His Holy Perfection. Empower us to live as sons and daughters of the King of the Universe, the Creator of all things, visible and invisible! We need the Father to be King of our nation. We require His power to interact with each other equitably and with holy love. Help us to see and know the Father, in Your Name, Jesus, AMEN!!!</span></em></strong><br />
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Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-49037785464171133012016-07-11T05:53:00.001-04:002016-07-19T21:22:40.969-04:00Luke 7: Do You See This Woman?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Luke 7:44 <br /><br />Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)<br /><br />44 Then turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, Do you see this woman? When I came into your house, you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />Jesus was eating with the Pharisee, Simon, who had been mentally questioning Jesus' prophet status because a prophet "would surely know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching Him" (Luke 7:39) This woman had a past tainted with sinful activities. Simon knew, Jesus knew it.<br /><br />The difference was the reaction of the two men. Simon was focusing of what he knew of the woman. Jesus was focusing of what He knows of the woman.<br /><br /><em><strong>Do you see it?</strong></em><br /><br />One man's focus was on the past. The other man's focus is on the present.<br /><br />I have a new understanding of Simon after rereading this Scripture. In Luke 7:40, Simon refers to Jesus as "Teacher" and seems willing to hear what He has to say. This attitude is different than I had imagined. <br /><br />In my mind, I had imagined Simon as attempting to find a fault in Jesus. Right now, I see a man who was seeking to understand Jesus' radical behavior. Think about it. In the culture of that time, </span><br />
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"this was a service which the wife was expected to render her husband(Yer. Ket. v. 30a); according to Rab Huna, it was one of the personal attentions to which her husband was entitled, no matter how many maids she may have had; likewise, according to the Babylonian Talmud (Ket. 61a), besides preparing his drink and bed,the wife had to wash her husband's face and feet"</blockquote>
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Hirsch, Nowack, Schechter 2011)<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />What's awesome about Jesus attitude is that although He is aware of the woman's past, He doesn't hold it against her. He knows how grateful the woman is for being set free from the torment of wrong choices. Simon doesn't see her gratitude, because he doesn't know the woman's heart. He judges her actions based upon what he knows, her past. Jesus judges the woman's actions upon what He knows, her heart in the present.<br /><br />I think what we have to learn in this passage is profoundly simple. Don't focus on someone's past like Simon did. Be like Jesus and focus on the present; focus on a person's heart.<br /><br />We are not Jesus. We can't read another person's heart. The only way we can get to know a person's heart is by building a relationship, which takes a time commitment. If we want to be like Jesus then we need to stop and talk to "the woman" see her in the here and now. Hear her heart, and see the gratitude that flows from it. Don't assume you know what she does or does not do (for the bad or for the good).<br /><br />Lord, I ask that we would see each other in the Light of Your Presence (the present). Convict us if we are tempted to see each other by their past. We ALL have a past, but if we have submitted ourselves to You, in faith then we can "go (enter) into peace [freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin]" (Luke 7:50).<br /><br />Jesus, I am filled with gratitude that You have forgiven my past. I thank You that Your Peace fills my soul. I thank You for Your Spirit, which guides my path. I thank You for Your intervention in my life. You are my Perfect Friend and the Lover of my soul. I thank You for loving "the woman" right out of me! In the great and holy Name of Jesus, AMEN!!! <br /><br /><br /><br /> References<br /><br />Hirsch, E. G., Nowack, W., & Schechter, S. (2011). Feet,<br /><br /> Washing Of. Retrieved July 11, 2016, from<br /><br /> http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/6051-feet-<br /><br /> washing-of<br /><br /> </span></div>
Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-92088466658623464322016-06-20T22:35:00.001-04:002016-07-06T04:20:02.465-04:00Matthew 8:1-13: I Am Willing as You Believe<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv"><b>Matthew 8:1-13</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="passage-display-bcv"></span><span class="passage-display-version"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-8-1" id="en-AMPC-23347"><b><span class="chapternum"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When Jesus came down from the mountain, great throngs followed Him.</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-8-2" id="en-AMPC-23348"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>And behold, a leper came up to Him and, prostrating himself, worshiped Him, saying, <span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;">Lord, if You are willing</span>, You are able to <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23348a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23348a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+8%3A1-13&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23348a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>cleanse me by curing me.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-8-3" id="en-AMPC-23349"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>And He reached out His hand and touched him, saying, <span style="background-color: #8e7cc3;">I am willing</span>; be cleansed <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23349b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23349b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+8%3A1-13&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23349b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup>by being cured. And instantly his leprosy was cured <i>and</i> cleansed.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-8-4" id="en-AMPC-23350"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>And Jesus said to him, See that you tell nothing about this to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony [to your healing] <i>and</i> as an evidence to the people.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-AMPC-23350A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-AMPC-23350A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-8-5" id="en-AMPC-23351"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>As Jesus went into Capernaum, a centurion came up to Him, begging Him,</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-8-6" id="en-AMPC-23352"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>And saying, Lord, my servant boy is lying at the house paralyzed <i>and</i> <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23352c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23352c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+8%3A1-13&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23352c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup>distressed with intense pains.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-8-7" id="en-AMPC-23353"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>And Jesus said to him, I will come and restore him.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-8-8" id="en-AMPC-23354"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>But the centurion replied to Him, Lord, I am not worthy <i>or</i> fit to have You come under my roof; <span style="background-color: #8e7cc3;">but only speak the word, and my servant boy will be cured.</span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-8-9" id="en-AMPC-23355"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>For I also am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my slave, Do this, and he does it.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-8-10" id="en-AMPC-23356"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>When Jesus heard him, He marveled and said to those who followed Him [<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23356d" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23356d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+8%3A1-13&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23356d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup>who adhered steadfastly to Him, conforming to His example in living and, if need be, in dying also], I tell you truly, I have not found so much faith as this <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23356e" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23356e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+8%3A1-13&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23356e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</sup>with anyone, even in Israel.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-8-11" id="en-AMPC-23357"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>I tell you, many will come from east and west, and will sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-8-12" id="en-AMPC-23358"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>While the sons <i>and</i> heirs of the kingdom will be driven out into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-AMPC-23358B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-AMPC-23358B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-8-13" id="en-AMPC-23359"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>Then to the centurion Jesus said, Go; <span style="background-color: #8e7cc3;">it shall be done for you as you have believed.</span> And the servant boy was restored to health at that very <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23359f" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23359f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+8%3A1-13&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23359f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]</sup>moment.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-8-13" id="en-AMPC-23359"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord is willing to heal<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span>physically<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, emo<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tional</span></span></span>ly, relationally. He <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">speaks a word, and it is done just as we have believed. It seems to me that we need to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">focus on believing Him. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-8-13" id="en-AMPC-23359"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">understand. I know what you're thinking. <i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-8-13" id="en-AMPC-23359"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How do I do that?</span></i></span> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-8-13" id="en-AMPC-23359"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From personal experience, my faith, belief in Him is <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">strengthened</span> as I<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b>direct my thoughts towards <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Him<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> in worship. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's amazing how all of a sudden fear takes flight replaced by bold<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> confidence. Doubts disintegrate as His glory shines upon <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">me</span>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Y<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t earthly responsibilities<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">distract from what is of primary importance. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-8-13" id="en-AMPC-23359"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lord, You know my heart. You know my desires and requests. You, better than anyone else knows my responsibilities. Please<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, show me ways to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">express my love and soak in <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your glory. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the great name of Jes<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">us, AM<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">EN!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <b><br /></b></div>
Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-14672232862509325862016-05-14T01:03:00.000-04:002016-05-16T03:39:23.529-04:00Matthew 7: Keep on Asking, Seeking, and Knocking<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 7:7-8 <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-7-7" id="en-AMPC-23324"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-7-8" id="en-AMPC-23325"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-7-8" id="en-AMPC-23325">The Lord has promised me that 2016 will be filled with "amazing surprises." The year is not even halfway complete, and I already have been experiencing the promised "amazing surprises." My older son is being blessed with new career opportunities, my younger son has returned home from living in Kansas since September, my husband is managing hypertension with diet and exercise, and I have been promoted at work to a position, which I did not seek.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-7-8" id="en-AMPC-23325">All of these "amazing surprises" have been answers to prayers, and all have been the result of <b><i>asking</i></b> the Lord to intervene regarding issues touching my heart,<b> </b><i><b>seeking</b> </i>God's will regarding various situations, and then <b><i>knocking </i></b>reverently and persistently </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-7-8" id="en-AMPC-23325">on the "door to the throne room." </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-7-8" id="en-AMPC-23325">I look forward to the remainder of 2016 with faithful expectation, denying any doubt that attempts to stir anxiety while I await for the fulfillment of longstanding unanswered prayers. Abba is a good, good Father. He gives me the desires of my heart and blessings for which I hadn't even imagined asking. </span></span></span></div>
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Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-85876445826427748592016-04-21T11:41:00.000-04:002016-04-21T11:49:59.817-04:00Matthew 6: Let It Go<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv"><strong></strong></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv"><strong>Matthew 6:14-15</strong></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-6-14" id="en-AMPC-23297"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>For if you forgive people their trespasses [their <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23297a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23297a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+6%3A14-15&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23297a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>reckless and willful sins, <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23297b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23297b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+6%3A14-15&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23297b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup>leaving them, letting them go, and <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23297c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23297c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+6%3A14-15&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23297c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup>giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-15" id="en-AMPC-23298"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23298d" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23298d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+6%3A14-15&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23298d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup>reckless and willful sins, <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23298e" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23298e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+6%3A14-15&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23298e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</sup>leaving them, letting them go, and <sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-AMPC-23298f" data-link="[<a href="#fen-AMPC-23298f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+6%3A14-15&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23298f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]</sup>giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-15"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">It hurts when someone betrays and mistreats us. To the core, pain wracks in the deepest place of the heart. Yet, what does our Father say about it? He says, to let them go, forgive them.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-15"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">Easy to type, not so easy to accomplish. In my opinion, a damaged soul is so much worse than a damaged physical body. But there is healing, and it comes by "letting them go."</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-15"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">The popular animated Disney movie, Frozen, contains the song, "Let It Go." And, although I don't agree with all of the lyrics in it, there is an encouragement in them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"It's funny how some distance makes everything seem small<br />And the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all<br />It's time to see what I can do<br />To test the limits and break through"</span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-15"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"I'm never going back, the past is in the past"</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-15"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elsa, the Disney Snow Queen, had been hiding her gifting for years, because she feared the negative reactions of others. In the movie, she decided to use her gifting, to let it go. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-15"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me suggest that there are people who are reading this post right now whose gifting was squelched by the wrong reactions of others. You must forgive those who mistreated and betrayed you, and let it go!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-15"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let it (unforgiveness) go!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-15"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let it (suppressed gifting) go!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-15"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let it (the past) go!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-15"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Healed souls result when forgiveness is chosen!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-15"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let it go, friends.! Let it go!!! In the great and awesome Name of Jesus, AMEN!!!</span></span></div>
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Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-12529810252486059542016-04-08T10:27:00.002-04:002016-04-08T10:27:43.317-04:00Matthew 5: (be) Attitudes- Counter Culture Christians<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzkoh-Dzni8/Vwe6I27_RwI/AAAAAAAACs4/peYamAZrchUVcgTb-YK0girwjNLKnz-ZQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzkoh-Dzni8/Vwe6I27_RwI/AAAAAAAACs4/peYamAZrchUVcgTb-YK0girwjNLKnz-ZQ/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="441" /></a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Matthew 5:1-12</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) </span><br /><br />5 Seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him. <br /><br />2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: <br /><br />3 Blessed (happy, [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23238a">a</a>]to be envied, and [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23238b">b</a>]spiritually prosperous—[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23238c">c</a>]with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant)</span>, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! <br /><br />4 Blessed and enviably happy [with a [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23239d">d</a>]happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His matchless grace] are <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">those who mourn</span>, for they shall be comforted! <br /><br />5 Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23240e">e</a>]spiritually prosperous—[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23240f">f</a>]with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering)</span>, for they shall inherit the earth! <br /><br />6 Blessed and fortunate and happy and [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23241g">g</a>]spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23241h">h</a>]enjoys His favor and salvation) are <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God)</span>, for they shall be [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23241i">i</a>]completely satisfied! <br /><br />7 Blessed (happy, [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23242j">j</a>]to be envied, and [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23242k">k</a>]spiritually prosperous—[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23242l">l</a>]with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">the merciful</span>, for they shall obtain mercy! <br /><br />8 Blessed (happy, [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23243m">m</a>]enviably fortunate, and [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23243n">n</a>]spiritually prosperous—possessing the [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23243o">o</a>]happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">the pure in heart</span>, for they shall see God! <br /><br />9 Blessed (enjoying [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23244p">p</a>]enviable happiness, [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23244q">q</a>]spiritually prosperous—[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23244r">r</a>]with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"> the makers and [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23244s">s</a>] maintainers of peace</span>, for they shall be called the sons of God! <br /><br />10 Blessed and happy and [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23245t">t</a>]enviably fortunate and [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23245u">u</a>]spiritually prosperous [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23245v">v</a>](in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"> those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right)</span>, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! <br /><br />11 Blessed (happy, [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23246w">w</a>]to be envied, and [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23246x">x</a>]spiritually prosperous—[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A1-12&version=AMPC#fen-AMPC-23246y">y</a>]with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account.</span> 12 Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Christians, we have heard Jesus' beatitude teaching, but do we pause long enough to consider how to apply them to our lives? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These attitudes are counter culture in today's American society, and may be seen as a sign of weakness rather than strength. Society at large shouts, </span></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"You must promote yourself or you'll never advance."</span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Don't feel bad about that sin. Everybody is doing it. That is an outdated notion, we have evolved past its restriction."</span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hunger and devote your time towards making your mark. Righteousness gets in the way of advancement."</span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Revenge is sweet."</span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Did you know what was said about you? I'd tell her a thing or two if I'd be you."</span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"She's a Christian. She thinks she's too good for us. She's a "holy roller" an extremist!"</span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! That's all he talks about." </span></span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends,</span></span><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if we modify our (be) attitudes to fit into today's society, we forfeit the blessings, which Jesus intended for us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #674ea7;"><span></span></span> </span></span><br />
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<li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">The Kingdom of heaven<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">!</span></span></span></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Comfort!</span></span></span></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ou<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r in<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">heritance!</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Righteousness!</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mercy! </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seeing God!</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sonship!</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Kingdom of heaven (again)!</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reward! </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Holy Spirit, empower me t<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">o be counter culture with an attitude pleasing to Jesus! AMEN!!!</span> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></b>Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-66611743046219907942016-03-16T07:24:00.001-04:002016-11-28T09:40:37.765-05:00Luke 6: When the Torrent Burst<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Luke 6:47-49</span></h2>
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amplified Bible</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Classic Edition (AMPC)</span></b> </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">47 For everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words [in order to heed their teaching] and does them, I will show you what he is like: <br /><br />48 He is like a man building a house, who dug and went down deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood arose, the torrent broke against that house and could not shake or move it, because it had been securely built or founded on a rock. <br /><br />49 But he who merely hears and does not practice doing My words is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation, against which the torrent burst, and immediately it collapsed and fell, and the breaking and ruin of that house was great.</span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In order to fully appreciate this verse, the image it evokes, we must study the definitions of two words...torrent and burst.<b> </b><br /> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> <br /><b><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torrent">Torrent</a></b> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torrent">: a large amount of water that moves very quickly in one direction</a> <br /> <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torrent">: a large amount of something that is released suddenly</a> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torrent" target="_blank">1 : a tumultuous outpouring : rush</a><br /><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torrent">2 : a violent stream of a liquid (as water or lava)</a><br /><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torrent">3 : a channel of a mountain stream</a><br /><br /> </span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">Burst</a></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">1. </a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">a. To come open or fly apart suddenly or violently, especially from internal pressure.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">b. To explode.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">2. To be or seem to be full to the point of breaking open: The sacks were bursting with grain.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">3. To emerge, come forth, or arrive suddenly: burst out of the door.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">4. To come apart or seem to come apart because of overwhelming emotion: thought his heart would burst with happiness.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">5. To give sudden utterance or expression: burst out laughing; burst into tears.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">v.tr.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">1. To cause to burst: burst the balloon. See Synonyms at break.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">2. To exert strong pressure in order to force (something) open.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">3. To separate (a continuous form or printout) into individual sheets.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">n.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">1. A sudden outbreak or outburst; an explosion.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">2. The result of bursting, especially the explosion of a projectile or bomb on impact or in the air.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">3. </a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">a. The number of bullets fired from an automatic weapon by one pull of the trigger.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">b. A volley of bullets fired from an automatic weapon: The machine gunner fired a quick burst.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">4. An abrupt, intense increase; a rush: a burst of speed; fitful bursts of wind.</a><br /><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/burst">5. A period of intense activity: "I write in very short bursts—10 or 15 minutes" (Zoe Heller).</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life happens.</span></span></b></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are instances when circumstances "exert strong pressure" against us. Sometimes stressors feel like "bullets fired from an automatic weapon" violently piercing our heart. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The tsunami of a serious medical diagnosis precedes "an abrupt, intense increase of </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"overwhelming emotion: [as though] his heart would burst."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unpredictable relationships, unstable employment, an unfaithful spouse, overwhelming debts, uprising unrighteousness.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All these are the "Torrent Burst."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><i><b>Just how do we stand on a strong foundation during these stormy times?</b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Friends, being a Christian means that <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">we</span> are Christ followers. That means we listen to His words and do them. Then when <i><b>life happens, </b></i>we will stand on a strong foundation.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Holy Spirit, fill us to overflowing. Cause us to hear Your voice clearly and obey You fully! In the great Name of Jesus, AMEN!!!</span></span><br />
<h2>
</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <br /><br /> </span></span>Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-88625420503173492512016-03-02T19:38:00.001-05:002016-03-02T19:38:31.712-05:00"Sudden Spring Miracles" by Jo Ellen Stevens<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I received this word today from the Elijah List. It spoke to my heart. My hope is that you are blessed too.</span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With Love,</span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Beautiful Grace<strong><br /></strong></span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Sudden Spring Miracles, and Lost Things
Recovered</strong></span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Lord has spoken to me that March is a month of
miracles to those who have been waiting. I am believing for mine, and I am
expecting it. Many in March will receive what they have been believing for, and
this March will be the beginning of an outpouring for hard cases that cannot be
healed any other way but by God!</span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Suddenly, Things that were Gone Forever,
Coming Home!</strong></span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some will also step out of hard issues that have
seemed like a mountain to you, but there are suddenlies coming to many in
March. </span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I just saw lightning, and the Lord says that, "<strong>As the
lightning strikes, so shall it be with the healing and recovery of lost things!"</strong> </span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I believe that the Lord is also saying, "Some of the things that you had
lost in the past and you thought that you never would recover will begin to
show up!" I heard Him say, "Diamonds that some lost will SUDDENLY
show up, and some will say...'Where has that been and how did it get
there?'" but I feel the Lord is saying that He is going to return these
things to you suddenly!</span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Lost Loved Ones Coming Home</strong></span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lost children will suddenly show up! Lost loved ones
are coming back to the Lord! Yes, things lost in seasons past are coming back
to you, and by this you will know that there have been angels sent to help you
recover all that the enemy has stolen! </span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>You are going into spring
entering a season of the recovery of the years that the locust has eaten!</strong> </span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are people in your lives that have literally disappeared, and God says,
"There will be those that will return and be discovered alive, for I will
bring them home.”</span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Ministries that Have Been Put on Hold Will
Begin to Get the Red Flag to Go Again</strong></span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"There are people who have had to put their
ministry on hold because of family situations and sickness that came to destroy
you, but you stood and became the one who was the caretaker in many cases, and
now," God said, "you will begin to get new vision for the next
season, and you will see why the delay had to take place!" </span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">He said, <strong>"I
have been saving you for such a time as this, to go into the harvest with the
knowledge you have gained in this pain, and what seemed like delay will only be
a display of My glory as you are catapulted into the new thing that I am about
to do!</strong></span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Don't try and reenact what you did in seasons
past, for I will do something brand new, and your capacity to go into this new
season has been enlarged through what you have been through in this season!
Break into it with no false expectations, but let me give you new ones!</span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Yes, get ready, for <strong>this is the season
of lost things regained, loved ones returned, miracles suddenly coming, and
ministries restored! Glory to God!</strong></span></span></div>
<div class="displayword2text">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Joel 2:25-26 (NIV) "I will repay you for the
years the locusts have eaten – the great locust and the young locust, the other
locusts and the locust swarm – My great army that I sent among you. You will
have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord
your God, who has worked wonders for you..."</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="displayword2text">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Arise, shine!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<strong><span>Jo Ellen Stevens</span></strong><b><span><br />
<em>TCIC Ministries</em></span></b></span></span>Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-668452112786339562016-02-25T07:24:00.004-05:002016-02-25T07:24:48.743-05:00Mark 3: Who Are My Mother and My Brothers?<div class="version-AMPC result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Mark 3:31-35</span><span class="passage-display-version"> </span></span></span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="passage-display-version">Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)</span></span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="text Mark-3-31" id="en-AMPC-24320"><sup class="versenum"> 31 </sup>Then His mother and His brothers came and, standing outside, they sent word to Him, calling [for] Him.</span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="text Mark-3-32" id="en-AMPC-24321"><sup class="versenum"> 32 </sup>And a crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, Your mother and Your brothers <i>and Your sisters</i> are outside asking for You.</span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="text Mark-3-33" id="en-AMPC-24322"><sup class="versenum"> 33 </sup>And He replied, Who are My mother and My brothers?</span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="text Mark-3-34" id="en-AMPC-24323"><sup class="versenum"> 34 </sup>And looking around on those who sat in a circle about Him, He said, See! Here are My mother and My brothers;</span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><sup class="versenum"> 35 </sup>For whoever does the things God wills is My brother and sister and mother!</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">Jesus' ministry was out of the religious box. His compassion for those who were hurting emotionally, physically, and spiritually trumped the law of men. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">Imagine living in a system when God's prescribed day of rest (the Sabbath) was <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">enclosed</span> in a box, which constricted the peoples' heart of compassion </span><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">in such a way that the "rest" (doing nothing) was more important then <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">healing</span> hurting people.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">How dare He? </span></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">Cast out demons. </span></span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"></span></span></span></i></b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+3%3A11&version=AMPC" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"></span></span></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">verse 11</span></span></span></a><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><br /></span></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><br /></span></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">Restore a withered hand. </span></span></span></i></b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+3%3A5&version=AMPC" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">verse 5</span></span></span></a><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><br /></span></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><i>Heal all who had distressing bodily diseases. </i></span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+3%3A10&version=AMPC" target="_blank">verse 10</a></span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">Jesus was so counter culture, that he was accused of being "possessed by Beelzebub."</span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><i> </i></span></span></span></b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+3%3A22&version=AMPC" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">verse 22</span></span></span></a><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">Even Jesus' kinsmen (His family) tried to stop Him from doing good by ministering to others.</span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"> They even labeled Him as "<a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/deranged" target="_blank">deranged</a>."</span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"> </span></span></span></b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+3%3A21&version=AMPC" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">verse 21</span></span></span></a><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">It was in this setting that Jesus asked, "Who are My mother and My brothers?"</span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">I used to think Jesus was disrespecting His family with that question, but He was trying to teach everyone a better way. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><b><i>Listen to what God says to do and then do it no matter what others who are caught in the religious system of do' s and don't s says. </i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324">Jesus says that those who do the things that God wills are His mother and His brothers!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><b><i>Holy Spirit of the Living God, empower us to hear and to obey by doing. Whether physically resting or physically acting to touch others, guide and empower us. In the great and awesome name of Jesus, AMEN! </i></b> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"> </span><span class="text Mark-3-35" id="en-AMPC-24324"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
</div>
Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978265479841922735.post-15015063981188789872016-02-16T13:02:00.000-05:002016-02-16T13:02:03.606-05:00Matthew 12:1-21: "I Desire Mercy"<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Matthew 12:6-7</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) </span><br /><br />6 But I tell you, Something greater and more exalted and more majestic than the temple is here! 7 And if you had only known what this saying means, I desire mercy [readiness to help, to spare, to forgive] rather than sacrifice and sacrificial victims, you would not have condemned the guiltless.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you have been in Christian services, mercy is a word that is prevalent. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As Christians, we understand that being saved means Jesus releases His mercy upon all of our mistakes (sins)...past, present and future. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In faith, we trust that God in His mercy has forgiven us, and my friends, if we have been sincere in giving our lives to Him, He definitely has forgiven and forgotten those missteps!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>But...do we offer that same mercy to each other?</i></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Matthew 10:8</span></span></b></div>
<div class="version-AMPC result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) </span><br /><br />8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely (without pay) you have received, freely (without charge) give.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="version-AMPC result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Matthew 12:7 amplifies what mercy looks that, to help, to spare, to forgive. Freely His mercy has been given to us, and freely we should give it to each other. The preceding verse talks about the mercy which spurs us to perform miraculous feats, and that is wonderful. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>But</i>... I want to focus on freely giving mercy to the person who talks behind your back, spreading lies and disunity. What about those who have misused their power to make your life difficult? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jesus doesn't say give mercy to your best buddy, and forget about those who have injured you in some way. As a matter of fact, I believe mercy is only applicable when a wrong has been committed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So...The next time someone who has hurt you is struggling be ready to help, to spare and to forgive, because you have freely received mercy. Now, freely give it!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jesus, empower us to give mercy freely. For Your glory, and in Your name, AMEN!!! </span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></div>
Beautiful Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17930340960877351759noreply@blogger.com0