tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76686160513640367812024-03-13T12:05:24.093-05:00S.O.A.P. for TodayEphesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.comBlogger689125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-69376892944653127482014-03-25T09:03:00.001-05:002014-03-25T09:04:08.352-05:00Running from a LEAF<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Scripture:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Leviticus 26:36-37</strong> "'As for those of you who are left, I will make their hearts so fearful in the lands of their enemies that the sound of a wind-blown<strong> leaf</strong> will put them to flight. They will run as though fleeing from the sword, and they will fall, even though no one is pursuing them.<br /><br /><strong>Observation:</strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br /></b>The list of curses for disobedience (Leviticus 26:14-15) is more than three times as long as the blessings for obedience. In a fallen and broken world, our proclivity toward disobedience seems to exceed our bent to obedience. Persistence in disobedience and violation of the covenant will be met with emotional and physical disease and the loss of their crops to their enemies who will conquer them (Leviticus 26:16-17). In contrast to the promised blessing, they will flee even when no one is pursuing them.<br /><br />Our verse today shows one of the things that will happen as a consequence of disobedience. They would be so fearful that "sound of a windblown LEAF will put them to flight..." That's being pretty nervous isn't it? A rustling leaf will send them running as if they are fleeing from the sword, even though NO ONE is pursuing them. Paranoia is rampant in our great country. Everybody thinks someone is out to get them. We here "rustling leaf's" all the time. Constant fear, and very little of God's peace. That needs to change! That is not how God intended for us to live our lives!<br /><br /><strong>Application:</strong><br /><br />Are you feeling afraid today? If so, listen to these words from the God who loves you beyond expression, protects you around the clock, and blesses everything you put your hand to.<br /><br />When there seems to be no way out, He says to you, "… fear not: stand still [firm, confident, undismayed] and see the salvation [deliverance] of the Lord, which He will work for you today… (<a href="http://www.thevine.co.nz/word/archive/2001/10/21/bible/book/exodus/14/13" style="font-weight: bold;">Exodus 14:13</a> AMP).<br /><br />When the problem looks too big, He says to you, "Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you" (<a href="http://www.thevine.co.nz/word/archive/2001/10/21/bible/book/deuteronomy/31/6" style="font-weight: bold;">Deuteronomy 31:6</a>AMP).<br /><br />When you feel like you just can't cope anymore, He says to you, "… do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with my [victorious] right hand… (<a href="http://www.thevine.co.nz/word/archive/2001/10/21/bible/book/isaiah/41/10" style="font-weight: bold;">Isaiah 41:10</a> AMP).<br /><br />When you long for peace of mind, He says to you, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance… continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace… which transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds… (<a href="http://www.thevine.co.nz/word/archive/2001/10/21/bible/book/philippians/4/6/-/7" style="font-weight: bold;">Philippians 4:6-7</a> AMP).<br /><br />According to Author Bob Gass: Worry is something you permit; peace is something you pursue. Jesus said in John 14:27, "Do not permit yourselves to be fearful." That means you can take control of what goes on in your mind. How? By doing three things:<br /><br />(1) By filling it with God's Word. Not just the Word you read casually, but the Word you process mentally, apply to each circumstance, and stand on in times of crisis.<br /><br />(2) By placing each situation into God's hands, and leaving it there with confidence.<br /><br />(3) By allowing the "Soldier of peace" to stand at guard of your heart and mind.<br /><br /><strong>Phippians 4:7</strong> And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.<br /><br /><strong>Prayer:</strong><br /><br /><em>"Lord, everything's in a panic! Even the sound of a LEAF will cause me to run in terror. There's far too much to do and never enough hours to do it. My head is clogged with all kinds of junk and my heart is ready to break. Lord, where are You? I feel like the disciples when the storm came up and the winds and waves rocked their boat. My cry is the same as theirs, 'Somebody go get Jesus - I'm about to drown out here!' The storms of my life have all but sunk my boat - I can't take much more. Prince of Peace I need You. Father, who never slumbers nor sleeps, take charge. I need the comfort and courage that comes from Your Spirit. Speak Lord, for the wind still remembers the sound of Your voice. Let me find in You a quiet place, a place where I can pillow my head on Your breast, hear Your heartbeat, and feel secure. In Jesus name, Amen."</em></span>Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-36850259691640395772014-03-17T08:15:00.004-05:002014-03-17T08:16:53.133-05:00Prince of Peace<div style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; height: 18px; line-height: 1.4em; overflow: visible;">
<span style="color: #000099;"><strong>Scripture:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Isaiah 9:6-7</strong> For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000099;"><strong>Observation:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a light who would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. He is both "Wonderful Counselor" and "Mighty God." This message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of his eternal Kingdom. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">This child, who would become their deliverer, is the Messiah, Jesus. Matthew quotes these verses in describing Christ's ministry (Matthew 4:15-16). The territories of Zebulun and Naphtali represent the northern kingdom as a whole. These were also the territories where Jesus grew up and often ministered; this is why they would see "a great light."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000099;"><strong>Application:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Ira Sankey provided the music for D. L. Moody's evangelistic meetings. One night after singing a solo called "The Shepherd's Song" a stranger asked him, "Did you serve in the Union Army?" When he said he had, the man asked, "Were you on picket duty one bright moonlit night in1860?" When Sankey said yes, the man continued: "Me too. But I was in the Confederate Army, and when I saw you I decided to kill you. Then you started singing that song, so I took my finger off the trigger, thinking, 'I'll let him sing then I'll shoot him." But you stirred up so many childhood memories of my Godly mother that it was impossible for me to follow through. That night when I thought of the God who saved you from certain death, my arm went limp."</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Such stories aren't unusual. One Christmas during WW1 as Americans and Germans were in their bunkers, somebody started singing, "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Immediately men who'd been shooting at each another started singing in German and English, "O holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas Angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord, Emmanuel." Jesus is <span style="color: red;">"The Prince of Peace," (Isaiah 9:6),</span> and the Bible says, <span style="color: red;">"Of… his government and peace there will be no end."</span> Where Christ rules, there's peace. Whether it's a sniper preparing to pick off a sentry, or a spouse planning to explode in anger, Jesus can change hearts and bring peace - if you let Him!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Worry is something you permit; peace is something you pursue. Jesus said, <span style="color: red;">"Do not permit yourselves to be fearful."</span> That means you can take control of what goes on in your mind. How? By doing two things:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">(1) By filling it with God's Word. Not just the Word you read casually, but the Word you process mentally, apply to each circumstance, and stand on in times of crisis.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">(2) By placing each situation into God's hands, and leaving it there with confidence. </span><strong><span style="color: black;">Here's a prayer to help you do just that:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #000099;"><strong>Prayer:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><em>"Lord, everything's in a panic! Everybody wants a piece of me. There's far too much to do and never enough hours to do it. My head is clogged with all kinds of junk and my heart is ready to break. Lord, where are You? I feel like the disciples when the storm came up and the winds and waves rocked their boat. My cry is the same as theirs, 'Somebody go get Jesus - I'm about to drown out here!' The storms of my life have all but sunk my boat - I can't take much more. Prince of Peace I need You. Father, who never slumbers nor sleeps, take charge. I need the comfort and courage that comes from Your Spirit. Speak Lord, for the wind still remembers the sound of Your voice. Let me find in You a quiet place, a place where I can pillow my head on Your chest, hear Your heartbeat, and feel secure. In Jesus' name, Amen."</em></span></div>
Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-12687034513344431412014-02-24T08:49:00.002-06:002014-02-24T08:49:41.537-06:00Release it!
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DAILY: Have you ever seen a dog that loves to run and enjoy
freedom, have a chair around his neck that jerks him back into reality as he
tries to run free? Well, bitterness is like a chain around the neck of your
potential; choking the life out of your freedom and joy, and making even the
sweet taste of success turn sour in your mouth. Maybe you’ve been hurt, and you’re
saying, “I’ll never forgive them unless they admit what they’ve done, and ask
for forgiveness.” What if they never do? Why should your happiness depend on
their ability to do what’s right, especially if they’re not in the habit of
doing it? You’re giving them too much power! Jesus said, “the thief cometh to
steal, to kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Notice, he’s a THIEF. Unforgiveness
is the window through which he enters, and you are the only one who can close
it. When Jesus was on the cross, He defeated His enemies by refusing to hold a
grudge. He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
(Luke 23:34). Once He said those words, He moved to a different realm, and you
can too! The word forgive literally means “to get it out.” It has nothing to do
with the other person. It’s a decision YOU make; like expelling carbon dioxide
from your body, because you know that holding on to it will only hurt you.
Release it! Blessings<o:p></o:p></div>
Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-33231396632959194742014-01-10T15:29:00.002-06:002014-01-10T15:30:17.840-06:00Arranging my Mind!<h3 class="post-title" style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #ba8247; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 13px 0px; padding: 0px;">
<b style="color: #0d2099; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">Scripture:</span></b></h3>
<div class="post-body" style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #ff1e16; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 32px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><b>2 Corinthians 4:16 </b>So we <b>do not lose heart</b>. Though our outer self is wasting away, <b>our inner self is being renewed day by day.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; min-height: 12px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; min-height: 12px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #0d2099; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; overflow: visible;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">Observation:</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; min-height: 12px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 128px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">Paul had faced suffering, trials, and distress as he preached the Good News. But he knew that they would one day be over, and he would obtain God's rest and rewards. As we face great troubles, it's easy to focus on the pain rather than on our ultimate goal. Just as athletes concentrate on the finish line and ignore their discomfort, we, too, must focus on the reward for our faith and the joy that lasts forever. No matter what happens to us in this life, we have the assurance of eternal life, when all suffering will end and all sorrow will flee away.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; min-height: 12px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 144px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">It is easy to lose heart and quit. We all have faced problems in our relationships or in our work that have caused us to think about giving up. Rather than quitting when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on the inner strength that came from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). Don't let fatigue, pain, or criticism force you off the job. Renew your commitment to serving Christ. Don't forsake your eternal reward because of the intensity of today's pain. Your very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; min-height: 12px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #0d2099; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; overflow: visible;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">Application:</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; min-height: 12px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">A 90-year-old widow was moving to a nursing home because she was legally blind. On the elevator when a nurse began to describe her new room, the elderly lady exclaimed, "I love it!" "But you haven't even seen it yet," said the nurse. "That doesn't matter," she replied. "Happiness is something you decide ahead of time! Whether or not I like it doesn't depend on how the furniture's arranged. <b>It's how I arrange my mind that's important</b>, and I've already decided to love it. Every morning when I wake I can choose to dwell on the parts of my body that no longer work, or give thanks for the ones that do! Every day is a gift, so as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the blessings of each new day, and all the great memories I've stored away." What an attitude!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; min-height: 12px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">Old age is sort of like a bank account; you get out only what you deposit. In fact, all stages of life are like a deposit. If you deposit lots of good stuff early on, you'll be able to withdraw it later when you need it.<b>So - what are you depositing today?</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; min-height: 12px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #ff1e16; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 48px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black;">Read again Paul's words from today's text: </span>So we <b>do not lose heart.</b>Though our outer self is wasting away, <b>our inner self is being renewed day by day.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; min-height: 12px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; min-height: 12px; overflow: visible;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #0d2099; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11px; height: 16px; overflow: visible;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">Prayer:</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px;">"Lord, I love the attitude of the 90 year old lady. She had already decided that she would enjoy her new room even before she had seen it. Why? Because she started out the day DECIDING and DETERMINING to enjoy whatever that day brought. She savored every moment that she had. Oh God, please help me to do the same thing. Please forgive me for the days that I have allowed to pass me by without savoring the moments. I am a blessed man, and I take so much for granted. Today, I determine that I will bask in and savor each moment. I deposit memories of blessings, even the seemingly small things. I will draw from those memories in days to come. When I go through a struggle, help me to remember what I am depositing today. In Jesus' name, amen!"</span></i></div>
</div>
Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-86707752456702529022013-10-31T11:37:00.000-05:002013-10-31T11:37:04.644-05:00The Obsession of Porn<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Scripture:</b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">(<b>Ezekiel 20:7 NLT) </b>Then I said to them, ‘Each of you, <b><u>get rid of the vile images you are so obsessed with.</u></b> Do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt, for I am the Lord your God.’</span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: blue;">Observation:</span></b><br /><br />Ezekiel, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, warns God's people over and over again about turning their hearts from Him towards other gods, and the rituals, and obsessions of their culture. They do not heed His warning, and they pay dire consequences. Generations after them paid as well.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: blue;">Application:</span></b><br /><br />Verse 7 is a direct command, and warning, "Each of you, get rid of the vile images you are obsessed with."<br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">America is obsessed with pornography</span>. Look at some of the most current stats:<br /><br />90% of children ages 8-16 have viewed porn. The largest consumers of pornography are 12 to 17 year old boys. 70% of men ages 18 to 34 visit a porn site in a typical month. 1 in 6 women struggle with porn. $10 to $14 billion is spent on porn annually, the same amount the US government spends on foreign aid. 25% of search engine requests are for porn. 50% of pastors regularly look at porn. 38% of adults say porn is morally acceptable.<br /><br />These stats are overwhelming to me. There is no doubt that America idolizes porn. We must hear again, the Words from the Spirit of God to His children:<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">"<b>Each of you</b>, get rid of the <b>vile images you are so obsessed with</b>. Do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt, for I am the Lord your God." </span><br /><br />Listen to this warning from God:<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. <b><u>Put away the gods that your fathers served </u></b>beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord."<b>(Joshua 24:14 ESV)</b></span><br /><br />The next generation is watching us. Don't kid yourself into believing that this "obsession" will not affect your kids. It has, it will, and will continue until you STOP and remove this idol from your life. Become obsessed with Jesus. Fill your mind with the truth from His Word!<br /><br /><b><u><span style="color: red;">Fix Your Thoughts on Jesus </span></u></b><br /><br />When you are tempted, do whatever is necessary to turn your attention to something else.<br /><br />Satan can't get your attention when your mind is preoccupied with something else. That's why the Bible teaches us to fix our thoughts on Jesus (Hebrews 3:1) and to fill our minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are "true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable." (Philippians 4:8 TEV)<br /><br />When we're serious about defeating temptation, we will manage our thoughts and monitor our media intake. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived warned: "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts." (Proverbs 4:23 TEV)<br /><br />Don't allow thoughts to run indiscriminately in your mind. Be selective. Choose carefully what you think about. Follow Paul's model: "We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5 NCV)<br /><br />This takes a lifetime of practice, but with the help of the Holy Spirit you can discipline the way you think.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: blue;">Prayer:</span></b><br /><br />"Lord, You know the obsessions that so easily become idols in our life. We can find our self worshipping, thinking about, spending money on, wasting time with, things that are so detrimental to our Christian walk. Help us to return YOU to the rightful place in our life...sitting on the throne and directing our every step, passion, word, and decisions. Help us to be obsessed with You. In Jesus' name amen!"</span>Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-5933321015648377882013-08-28T07:53:00.000-05:002013-08-28T07:53:00.081-05:00Resist the tempter<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">DAILY: </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">You may sometimes feel that a temptation is too overpowering for you to bear, but that's a lie from Satan. God has promised never to allow more on you than he puts within you to handle it. He will not permit any temptation that you could not overcome. However, you must do your part too by practicing biblical methods for defeating temptation. Sometimes we put all of our time, sweat and prayers into resisting temptation when we would be better off to resist the tempter. </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">We're told to "resist the devil," and he will run from us. (James 4:7) </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">The battle for sin is won or lost in your mind. Whatever gets your attention will get you. That's why Job said, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust upon a young woman." (Job 31:1 NLT) </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">And David prayed, "Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless." (Psalm 119:3a TEV). Blessings</span>Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-11972267178053536442013-08-21T07:35:00.001-05:002013-08-21T07:35:03.138-05:00Beware of "bad company"DAILY: Be careful who your closest associates are. Paul warns us that "bad company corrupts good character" (1 Cor 15:33). This is not just for young people but for adults also. Anyone who tries to pull you away from your spouse is bad company. Anyone who attempts to talk you into something that is contrary to God's Word, bad company. Anyone who when you spend time with them pushes you further from Jesus, bad company. Anyone who constantly tears down people, bad company. Anyone who constantly tears down your church and leadership, bad company. Anyone who leaves you feeling dirty when they leave, bad company. Anyone who texts, emails, or uses any social media to make contact with you behind your spouses back, bad company. Anyone, other than your spouse, who is constantly on your mind in a romantic or sexual way, bad company! Anyone, I don't care how long they have been a "friend", who pushes you further from your spouse when you guys talk, bad company. "Holy Spirit, help me to be sensitive to Your warnings today!" Blessings!Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-31805653105564328162013-08-21T07:27:00.003-05:002013-08-21T07:27:44.239-05:00Beware of "bad company!"DAILY: Be careful who your closest associates are. Paul warns us that "bad company corrupts good character" (1 Cor 15:33). This is not just for young people but for adults also. Anyone who tries to pull you away from your spouse is bad company. Anyone who attempts to talk you into something that is contrary to God's Word, bad company. Anyone who when you spend time with them pushes you further from Jesus, bad company. Anyone who constantly tears down people, bad company. Anyone who constantly tears down your church and leadership, bad company. Anyone who leaves you feeling dirty when they leave, bad company. Anyone who texts, emails, or uses any social media to make contact with you behind your spouses back, bad company. Anyone of the opposite sex who is constantly on your mind in a romantic or sexual way, bad company! Anyone, I don't care how long they have been a "friend", who pushes you further from your spouse when you guys talk, bad company. "Holy Spirit, help me to be sensitive to Your warnings today!" Blessings!Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-11216672769929024612013-08-20T06:20:00.001-05:002013-08-20T06:20:47.587-05:00"I was wrong!"<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">DAILY: "I was wrong" or "I need advice" are difficult phrases to utter because they require humility. Pride is an ingredient in every quarrel. It stirs up conflict and divides people. Humility, by contrast, heals. Guard against pride. If you find yourself constantly arguing, examine your life for pride. Be open to the advice of others, ask for help when you need it, and be willing to admit your mistakes. (See Proverbs </span><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">13:10</a><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">) Blessings</span>Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-70453963133704658382013-08-15T08:32:00.003-05:002013-08-15T08:32:32.517-05:00Great faith!<br />
DAILY: Matthew 15:21-28 tells the story of the Canaanite lady who brought her daughter to Jesus for healing. Three things happen that could have caused her to be offended and move on from Jesus. And if she had of, her daughter would have missed out on the miracle of healing and deliverance. First of all, when the lady brought the need to Jesus, He remained silent (v. 23). Have you ever been there? You cry out to God for your need, but it seems your prayers are getting no where. Or, you believed for healing, but the person you were praying for died, and it left you with questions of why was heaven silent? Secondly, the disciples tried to run her off. Has the church ever let you down? Hurt you, left you wounded, or didn't seem to care for you in your time of pain and despair? Are you offended from it? Thirdly, Jesus' Words were tough to take. He answered the lady with the following, "It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” Has the Word of God ever offended you? This Canaanite lady refused to be offended by the silence of God, the hurt from the church, or the Words from God that she didn't understand completely. She declared, "even the dogs eat the crumbs from the masters table." Jesus declared that He hadn't seen such great faith as hers, and her daughter was healed. I believe that great faith, is a faith in God that refuses to be offended at the ways and Words of God. That refuses to equate God with His people. That simply moves on and forward, trusting and following Jesus! This lady would have missed a miracle if she had left offended. And it would have affected the next generation...her daughter. "Lord help us to remember that our offense can, and very likely will, affect our children and grandchildren." Make up your mind today not to "throw off this confidence in God and HIs Word!" Blessings!<br />
Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-72986524729008050192013-07-31T09:00:00.002-05:002013-07-31T09:00:26.354-05:00Shake it off!<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">DAILY: In Acts 28, a venomous snake latched onto Paul's hand while he was collecting firewood. He miraculously shook it off and didn't even get sick. As I read that, God spoke into my heart that there are things in our life that poison our spirit and stubbornly hold on to us. It could be failures from the past, it could be offenses from years gone by, it could be dislike or hatred of a person, it could be unforgiveness. But the bottom line is, I must shake that poisonous creature into the fire. It is time to move on! It is time to walk in victory and to stop making excuses for the reason that I am allowing that poison into my life. I must adjust my attitude and begin to live like Jesus in every area of my life. How long will I allow the poison to effect my relationships with: my wife, my children, my co-workers, my church family, my friends? It is time to take action! It is time to move past your past! God can and will use your past today and in the future, if you stop allowing the poison to effect your spirit. King David cried out, "Lord, renew a right spirit within me" and God did. He will do the same for me! Blessings </span>Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-91888943777610133892013-07-30T08:45:00.001-05:002013-07-30T08:45:05.511-05:00The Lord Your PROVIDER!DAILY: In Genesis 22, Abraham faced a situation where he desperately needed God's provision. And God proved Himself to be Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider. I woke up this morning with an urgency to pray for someone who is like Abraham was. You MUST have God's provision. He must once again be Jehovah-Jireh for you. You laid in bed trying to sleep last night, but all you could hear was the enemies whisper that you will "never make it through this, and you will lose everything." This is a Word of knowledge for someone who will read this. God saw your tears last night. He took notice of your tossing and turning. He heard, He cares, He is still The Lord your Provider, and He will come through for you. He sees what you cannot see. When you thought you had the answer, The Lord knew about a problem that would come along, so He closed the door. He is not only providing for you, but He is protecting you as well. Abraham was ready for the miracle of provision by making preparations. You do the same by keeping yourself in His Word, celebrating His presence through praise and worship, give thanks for the times He has brought you through, and keep your faith in HIM, and your hope in His Word. Correct your meditations from ones of worry, to ones of faith! Remember, Jehovah-Jireh is the same God who brought you out and through the last time you faced a crisis! Blessings.Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-87096785667026393252013-06-06T07:25:00.002-05:002013-06-06T07:26:01.185-05:00Beware of the SLOW FADE!<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>2 Samuel 12:7-9</b> (MSG) "You're the man!" said Nathan. "And here's what GOD, the God of Israel, has to say to you: I made you king over Israel. I freed you from the fist of Saul. (8) I gave you your master's daughter and other wives to have and to hold. I gave you both Israel and Judah. And if that hadn't been enough, I'd have gladly thrown in much more. (9) So <b>why have you treated the word of GOD with brazen contempt,</b> doing this great evil? You murdered Uriah the Hittite, then took his wife as your wife. Worse, you killed him with an Ammonite sword!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>2 Samuel 12:9 (ESV)</b> Why have you <b>despised the word of the LORD</b>, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As a prophet, Nathan was required to confront sin, even the sin of a king. It took great courage, skill, and tact to speak to David in a way that would make him aware of his wrong actions. When you have to confront someone with unpleasant news, pray for courage, skill, and tact. If you want that person to respond constructively, think through what you are going to say. How you present your message may be as important as what you say. Season your words with wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was a year later, and by then David had become so insensitive to his own sins that he didn't realize he was the villain in Nathan's story. The qualities we condemn in others are often our own character flaws. Which friends, associates, or family members do you find easy to criticize and hard to accept? Instead of trying to change them, ask God to help you understand their feelings and see your own flaws more clearly. You may discover that in condemning others, you have been condemning yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have been blessed immeasurably by the Hand of God. I have a beautiful, godly wife who loves me very much. I have the best kids in the world who have never given me even a moment of trouble. Our family is blessed with good health, we live in the greatest country on the face of this earth. I pastor an awesome church with some of the greatest folk in the world. I could go on and on...but suffice it to say I am blessed. The Word of God says:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>James 1:17</b> Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What great gifts He has blessed my life with! God had also blessed King David with such great blessings, but yet he failed God miserably and had given an "occasion for the enemies of God to blaspheme" the Lord. What happened to this dynamic, anointed man of God? The problem is found v. 9. David somehow had begun to despise the Word of God. Nathan asked him "why have you DESPISED the Word of the Lord?" "Why have you treated the Word of God with brazen contempt?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Hebrews word "despised" used here is <i>bazah</i>: A verb meaning to hold in contempt or to despise. The verb means to hold in disdain, to disrespect. It can mean to prefer something more than the thing despised, e.g., Esau's birthright (<u>Gen_25:34</u>), or not to treat something with proper respect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">David despised the Word of God by not respecting it like he should. He preferred the PLEASURE of his sin over PLEASING God. He decided to do what he wanted and not what God wanted. You can read many of the Psalms and see how much David loved God and His Word. But during this occasion he DESPISED God's Word and it cost him just about everything. This despising of God's Word didn't happen overnight. It was a "slow fade..." Please read slowly the words to the song by Casting Crowns, "It's a slow fade."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Be careful little eyes what you see, It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings, Be careful little feet where you go For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow It's a slow fade when you give yourself away. It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray. Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away. People never crumble in a day. It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade Be careful little ears what you hear. When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near. Be careful little lips what you say. For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray It's a slow fade when you give yourself away. It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray. Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid. When you give yourself away. People never crumble in a day The journey from your mind to your hands. Is shorter than you're thinking. Be careful if you think you stand. You just might be sinking It's a slow fade when you give yourself away. It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray. Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid. When you give yourself away. People never crumble in a day. Daddies never crumble in a day. Families never crumble in a day</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When you begin to DESPISE the Word of God, and you choose PLEASURE of sin over PLEASING God remember that didn't happen overnight. Somewhere, some how, you began to DESPISE the Word of God, and you didn't stop it when you could. Why don't you right now spend some time in God's presence and determine the stop the slow fade, and ask Him to forgive you for the slow fade that has been going on in your life for some time. You call out to Him...He will hear and respond! Go ahead...why don't you do it right now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Lord, like David, I have allowed a slow fade to take place in my life. There was a time in my life where I would be broken when I chose the PLEASURE of sin over PLEASING you. I'm not broken very often anymore. Please forgive me. I know that godly sorrow brings about true repentance. I choose today to stop DESPISING Your Word. I give Your Word top precedence in my life today. I choose to allow it to guide my paths and choices today. I love you Lord, and return to the Joy of Your salvation in my life. In Jesus' name, amen!"</i></div>
Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-18538497152453250382013-03-06T08:32:00.001-06:002013-03-06T08:33:34.940-06:00Common Ground<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. (1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Under the law of Christ</b>-Paul did not think it necessary to observe the ceremonial commands of the law in relation to food (see his instructions in 10:27), but he did maintain the law of Christ (see Gal 6:2). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The weak </b>Refers to Christians who felt tempted to regress to idolatrous practices (see 8:7; Rom 14:1).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Paul said that, "I might win the weak" he demonstrated sensitivity to such believers, but he also desired that they mature in their faith (see 8:7–13).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When he said he wanted to be "all things to all people" Paul is not advocating syncretism or compromise of the gospel message. Rather, he is promoting a considerate evangelistic approach—one that accounts for different social circumstances, ethnicities, and religious convictions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The KEY to Paul's ability to minister to so many people, and to get along with even his enemies is found in this verse. I have a difficult time doing what he advocates very often. I am sure anyone who reads this will agree with me that is difficult, but God would not have placed it in His Word if it weren't important, nor unattainable. What is the key?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I try to find COMMON GROUND with everyone" This is so important in the kingdom of God. Paul tried to find common ground. Jesus always found common ground. The ones who always looked for differences, and ways to fight, and argue, debate, and make everyone uncomfortable were the Pharisees, the religious leaders. The very ones who crucified Jesus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That same spirit and "air" of arguing and debating, severely impacts, and kills the influence of Jesus to so many people in our world today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the church, we argue. At work, we debate. At home, we fight. At school, we have drama. On Facebook, we cowardly attack people underhandedly, and behind a keyboard. The same goes with Twitter. And all the while, the schism between the church and the world grows larger. Because we have to prove that we are RIGHT. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does God say about this? Let's look at a few verses:</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hebrews 12:14</b> "Strive for peace with everyone, and for holiness for without it no one will see God."</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Proverbs <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1362580005_0">19:11</span></b> "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense."</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Proverbs <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1362580005_1">17:14 </span></b>"The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts." </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Romans 12:17-18</b> "Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Proverbs 15:1 </b>"A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger."</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Philippians 4:2</b> "Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement"</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Matthew 5:23-24</b> “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Proverbs 20:3</b> (MSG) It's a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Proverbs <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1362580005_2">18:19</span></b> (ESV) A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Philippians 2:3-4</b> (ESV) Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Philippians 2:14-16</b> (NLT) Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your relationships can be sound, when you search for common ground!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prayer:</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, I do not want to be one who always argues and complains about everything. Nor do I want to be one who always seems to find something to fight about, or be mad about. In all of my relationships, help me to search for common ground, so that I can have sound relationships! In Jesus' name, amen!"</span></i></div>
Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-14337311321750138532013-03-05T14:05:00.006-06:002013-03-05T14:10:27.861-06:00Consistent!<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scripture:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. (1 Corinthians 15:58 AMP)</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Observation:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul concludes this letter with a summary, or closing exhortation. Just as Judaism often linked failure to believe in the future world with immoral living, and faith in future judgment with perseverance, Paul encourages believers to hold to the truth of the resurrection and so to right living. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul says that because of the resurrection, nothing we do is useless. Sometimes we become apathetic about serving The Lord because we don't see any results. Knowing that Christ has won the ultimate victory should affect the way we live right now. Don't let discouragement over an apparent lack o results keep you from doing the work of The Lord enthusiastically as you have opportunity.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Application:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Motivation gets you going, discipline keeps you growing!</b> </span><b><span style="color: blue;">The hallmark of excellence, the test of greatness is consistency!</span> </b>It doesn't matter how talented you are. It doesn't matter how many opportunities you receive. If you want to grow, consistency is key. <b>In fact "you've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction." </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our verse, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to be firm (steadfast, consistent), immovable, always abounding in the work of The Lord. The next part really challenges me, "always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of The Lord." The Holy Spirit is challenging us to be consistently consistent. To be "second miler's" not just one milers. It was Roman rule that a Jew had to walk one mile with a roman citizen if they came in contact with each other. Jesus raised the stakes and said, "dont just walk one mile, walk two." The first mile represents law, the second mile represents grace! We must stop dealing with people in LAW, and as a Christian, deal with them with GRACE. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we do this consistently, we can be sure that our work, labor, is not in vain, wasted or to no purpose!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is the responsibility of the Christian to live consistent with the great Name he bears, with his profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. One of the soldiers of Alexander the Great was called up to be court-martialed for desertion. 'What's your name?' asked the Commander of the Greek army. 'Alexander,' was the reply.<b> 'Change your name or mend your manners,' said the Emperor.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prayer:</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, help me to walk consistently in all You have called me to do. I want to be a "second miler" in everything that I do, and say, and in all that I am. In Jesus' name, amen!"</span></i></div>
Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-75804724509372976492013-02-12T10:30:00.002-06:002013-02-12T10:31:12.816-06:00The Overflow of a cheerful heart? A Smile!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Scripture:</span></b><span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f40000; font-family: Arial;">Proverbs 15:13 </span><span style="color: #f40000; font-family: "Noteworthy Light";"></span><span style="color: #f40000; font-family: Arial;">A glad heart makes a
cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. </span><span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Observation:</span></b><span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;">Even when facing very difficult circumstances, you can have a
joyful and happy heart (15:13)! The benefits will appear on your face, but also
on the faces of others as your joy lifts their spirits. I just got off of the
phone with a friend of mine whose daughter is in dire need of a miracle. Her
liver has shut down, and she is very sick. Yet, he had a joyful heart as I
talked with him. He spoke of God's goodness and faithfulness, regardless what
happened. He had a joyful, cheerful heart, even in the midst of sadness. That
is something you can't work up, or fake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;">Heartache not only makes for sad faces, but it crushes the
spirit. God is not commanding happiness, for He knows there are times for
sobriety (see Ecclesiastes 3:4). The call to joyfulness here in Proverbs is a
call to the behavior which makes one happy and avoids heartache, and a reminder
that our attitudes are contagious (Prov. 15:13). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Application:</span></b><span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;">Several years ago, there appeared in the newspapers the story of
a little boy who had come in contact with a live wire that had been allowed to
be unguarded. It touched one side of his face, burning and paralyzing
it. In court the boy’s lawyer asked the little fellow to turn toward the
jury and smile. He tried. One side of his face smiled, but the injured side
puckered up in a hideous and pitiful contortion. <b>The jury took just twenty
minutes to award the boy twenty thousand dollars.</b> That was certified as the
legal value of a smile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;">David H. Fink, author of Release From Nervous Tension, wrote an
article for the Coronet Magazine, in which he made a striking suggestion as to
how we can overcome mental and emotional tensions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4f3414; font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;">As a psychiatrist for the Veterans Administration he was
familiar with 10,000 case histories in this field. Thousands of people, who
were mentally and emotionally “tied up” had asked Dr. Fink for some short,
magic-button cure for nervousness. In his search for such a cure he studied two
groups; the first group was made up of thousands of people who were suffering
from mental and emotional disturbances; the second group contained only those,
thousands of them, who were free from such tensions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;">Gradually one fact began to stand out: those who suffered from
extreme tension had one trait in common—<b>they were habitual faultfinders,
constant critics of people and things around them.</b> Whereas the men and
women who were free of all tensions were the least faultfinding. It would seem
that the habit of criticizing is a prelude or mark of the nervous, and of the
mentally unbalanced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;">Think of Billy Graham as he preaches. Hundreds of
thousands of people who are otherwise hostile to the gospel still watch him on
television or attend his crusades because they see in him a conviction and a
passion. Even if they do not believe his message, many still listen because
they know he believes it. <b>His open gestures and his gentle and fatherly
smile are convincing evidence that his message is genuine.</b> No one—kings,
presidents, or peasants—feels threatened by Billy Graham, even if they reject
his message. Graham makes certain that his manner never gets in the way of his
message, but enhances it!</span><span style="color: #4f3414; font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Everyone knows how to smile.</span></b><span style="color: #272727; font-family: Arial;"> It's one of the greatest gifts God has given
us. A smile makes people feel good, and people look so beautiful when they
smile. When the joy in your life is obvious, it rubs off on others. But when
you keep God's joy locked inside you and don't allow it to show on your face,
you're depriving those around you of a pleasant and refreshing experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #272727; font-family: Arial;">Most people really don't understand how expressing joy will
change their circumstances and, perhaps, the lives of others. Living your life
with the joy of the Lord will chase off negative, depressing circumstances. And
when we have His joy deep down inside of us, we can't help but put it on
display by smiling!</span><span style="color: #4f3414; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Prayer:</span></b><span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #353535; font-family: Arial;">"Lord, I want to allow Your joy to saturate my inner man,
and when it does, it will affect my outer man. Help me to smile, and allow your
joy to bring cheer to those who come in contact with me. You already have so
many sour, critical, cynical children, so they have that side covered. I want
to be on the other side of the spectrum and have a cheerful, joyful, attitude
of gratitude...inner peace...that makes its way out to my face, in the form of
a smile. I thank You for the people in my life that have taught me that you can
have the joy of The Lord, even when facing extreme grief, and sadness. Thank
You Jesus for this Word today. I want to have a cheerful heart and face today!
I want to affect someone today, the way Billy Graham has affected millions. In
Jesus' name, amen!"</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-46681971456009849762013-02-11T15:03:00.002-06:002013-02-11T15:03:25.050-06:00Monkey Business!<strong style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000099;">Scripture:</span></strong><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><strong style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000099;"><br /></span></strong><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: red; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Numbers 32:7-9 Why do you discourage the Israelites from going over into the land the LORD has given them? (8) This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to look over the land. (9) After they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and viewed the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land the LORD had given them. </span><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"></span><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><strong style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000099;">Observation:</span></strong><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><strong style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000099;"><br /></span></strong><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel.... Which he suggests it would, should they settle on that side Jordan, since they would lose the assistance of two of their tribes, even two thirds of one of their standards in fighting with their enemies and subduing their land; and besides it might be thought that this request of theirs not only proceeded from selfish views and a love of ease, which might set a bad example to others, but carried in it a distrust of ever being able to enter into, at least to conquer and possess, the land of Canaan, and so might have a tendency to discourage their brethren. </span><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><strong style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000099;">Application: </span></strong><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"></span><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Four monkeys were placed in a room that had a tall pole in the center. Suspended from the top of that pole was a bunch of bananas.One of the hungry monkeys started climbing the pole to get something to eat, but just as he reached out to grab a banana, he was doused with a torrent of cold water. Squealing, he scampered down the pole and abandoned his attempt to feed himself. Each monkey made a similar attempt, and each one was drenched with cold water. After making several attempts, they finally gave up. </span><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Then researchers removed one of the monkeys from the room and replaced him with a new monkey. As the newcomer began to climb the pole, the other three grabbed him and pulled him down to the ground. After trying to climb the pole several times and being dragged down by the others, he finally gave up and never attempted to climb the pole again. </span><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">The researchers replaced the original monkeys, one by one, with new ones, and each time a new monkey was brought in, he would be dragged down by the others before he could reach the bananas. In time, only monkeys who had never received a cold shower were in the room, but none of them would climb the pole. They prevented one another from climbing, but none of them knew why. </span><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Perhaps others have dragged you down in life. They’ve discouraged you from dreaming. Maybe they resented the fact that you wanted to move up or to do something significant with your life. Or maybe they were trying to protect you from pain or disappointment. Either way, you’ve been discouraged from dreaming.Take heart. It’s never too late to start dreaming and pursuing your dreams. </span><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><strong style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000099;">Prayer:</span></strong><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span><br style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #000099; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><em style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">"Lord, help me to not allow discouragements to keep me from dreaming. There are always people around who just want to maintain status quo and never go forward. They will attempt to pull anyone down who begins to dream. They will pull down through gossip, backbiting, tale toating...Lord, I want to be smarter than the monkeys that we looked at today. Help me to encourage, not discourage. In Jesus name, amen!"</em><span style="background-color: #f7f0e9; color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span>Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-54767654098709279962012-10-24T08:23:00.001-05:002012-10-24T08:23:03.937-05:00Bitterness is lethal<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Scripture:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>2 Samuel 17:1-4</b> Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight. I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged. He and his troops will panic, and everyone will run away. Then I will kill only the king, and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. After all, it is only one man’s life that you seek. Then you will be at peace with all the people.” This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Observation:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">King David is being run out of the palace and place of authority by his own son. Absalom covets his dads authority and position. He also has anger and bitterness towards his dad. He had gone to a great effort to act on his bitterness and hatred towards his dad. He had horses and chariots, runners, and an entourage. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It is possible that having a chariot and horses and an entourage of fifty runners could be construed as official language for status as either a king or the heir to the throne. The chariots featured two yoked horses with one or two others harnessed beside. Two spoked, wooden wheels on a rear axle supported a small platform occupied by a driver and rider equipped with bow and spear. The sides only went up to midthigh on the standing occupants. The word used here suggests an ornamental chariot of the sort used both in Egypt and Mesopotamia. The luxury transportation of the day, these were typically gilded with all variety of gold, lapis lazuli and precious stones.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Those who run before chariots proclaim the presence of the king or prince and protect his person. In Hittite texts the gods are said to run before the king's chariot leading to victory. The men who run before the king's chariot function as heralds. Fifty was a regular unit within the military. Having such an entourage gave Absalom a bodyguard as well as the rank of captain. Wherever he went, his fifty runners would have raised attention and given credence to his claim to his status as heir apparent.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When a prince wishes to displace his father the king, it is inevitable that he will attempt to undermine the king's authority with public statements about corruption or governmental malpractice. For example, the Ugaritic king Keret is denounced by his son for not hearing the cases of widows, the poor or the oppressed. Absalom employs this same strategy, taking advantage of a lack of leadership on David's part (failure to appoint judges) and of growing discontent among the northern tribes. In addition to offering them a model of efficient administration of justice, Absalom also plays the “common man,” not allowing supplicants to bow to him but kissing them as an equal or friend.</span></div>
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Application:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Bitterness, covetousness, unforgiveness and anger are very dangerous and can be lethal to relationships. It is hard to imagine that Absalom was so full of bitterness that he approved his own dad being murdered. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Prayer:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"Lord, please help me be aware of any and all areas of unforgiveness and bitterness in my life. Search me oh God, and know my thoughts I pray. See if there be any wicked way within me. In Jesus' name, amen"</span></i><br />
Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-68372191837699693142012-10-20T14:48:00.001-05:002012-10-20T14:50:26.291-05:00Receiving more than we ask for<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Scripture:</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6 NLT)</span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Observation:</b></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Peter and John were going into the temple to pray as was their usual custom. On the way into the temple, a lame man began to beg for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said to the man, "look at us". The Bible says the man looked expecting to receive some money.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Peter told the man we do not have any money for you, but I have something that I will give you, and Peter reached out his hand to the man and said rise and walk. The man reached out his hand grabbed Peter's hand, and began to walk.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Observation:</span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Peter had to have something before he could give it. He didn't have money to give to the man, but he had something much, much better...a miracle. This beggar no doubt got up that morning hoping that he would receive some money to help him buy some food, or whatever else he may have needed. But instead he received a healing, where he could walk and work without having to beg anymore. He received much more then he asked for.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">James says that we have not because we ask not. May we not be afraid to ask the Lord for whatever we have need of, regardless of how large and impossible it may seem to us.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Prayer:</span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Lord, thank you for this lesson from your word today. May I be like Simon Peter and always have something greater than money to give to people. May I walk in your blessing, favor and anointing. I want to always ask in spite of how large or impossible my situation may seem to me. Lord you are the God of the impossible. Thank you for this word of encouragement that has lifted my faith and given me hope. In Jesus's name, amen!"</span>Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-49014955187279150952012-10-16T14:51:00.002-05:002012-10-16T14:51:19.039-05:00Whose in charge?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong><span style="color: #000099;">Scripture:</span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong><span style="color: #000099;"></span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>Mark 4:37</strong> A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: red;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong><span style="color: #000099;">Observation:</span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The "lake" is the Sea of Galilee, a body of water 680 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills. Winds blowing across the land intensify close to the sea, often causing violent and unexpected storms. The disciples were seasoned fishermen, who had spent their lives fishing on this huge lake, but during this squall they panicked.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Christian life may have more stormy weather than calm seas. The disciples needed rest, but they encountered a terrible storm. As Christ's follower, be prepared for the storms that will surely come. Do not surrender to the stress, but remain resilient and recover from setbacks. With faith in Christ, you can pray, trust, and move ahead. When a squall approaches, lean into the wind and trust God.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong><span style="color: #000099;">Application:</span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I would like to share with you some thoughts from Max Lucado on this subject:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #000099;">When the restaurant waiter brings you a cold hamburger and a hot soda, you want to know who is in charge. When a young fellow wants to impress his girlfriend, he takes her down to the convenience store where he works and boasts, "Every night from five to ten o’clock, I’m in charge." We know what it means to be in charge of a restaurant or a store, but to be in charge of the universe? This is the claim of Jesus.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #000099;">There are many examples of Jesus’ authority, but I’ll just mention one of my favorites. Jesus and the disciples are in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. A storm arises suddenly, and what was placid becomes violent—monstrous waves rise out of the sea and slap the boat. Mark describes it clearly: <strong>"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped" (Mark 4:37 NIV).</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #000099;">It’s very important that you get an accurate picture, so I’m going to ask you to imagine yourself in the boat. It’s a sturdy vessel but no match for these ten-foot waves. It plunges nose first into the wall of water. The force of the waves dangerously tips the boat until the bow seems to be pointing straight at the sky, and just when you fear flipping over backward, the vessel pitches forward into the valley of another wave. A dozen sets of hands join yours in clutching the mast. All your shipmates have wet heads and wide eyes. You tune your ear for a calming voice, but all you hear are screams and prayers. All of a sudden it hits you—someone is missing. Where is Jesus? He’s not at the mast. He’s not grabbing the edge. Where is he? Then you hear something—a noise … a displaced sound … as if someone is snoring. You turn and look, and there curled in the stern of the boat is Jesus, sleeping!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #000099;">You don’t know whether to be amazed or angry, so you’re both. How can he sleep at a time like this? Or as the disciples asked, <strong>"Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38 NIV).</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong><br /></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #000099;">The very storm that made the disciples panic made him drowsy. What put fear in their eyes put him to sleep. The boat was a tomb to the followers and a cradle to Christ. How could he sleep through the storm? Simple—he was in charge of it. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #000099;">He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples,<strong>"Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:39–40 NIV)</strong></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #000099;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #000099;">Incredible…Is it any wonder the disciples were willing to die for Jesus? Never had they seen such power; never had they seen such glory. It was like, well, like the whole universe was his kingdom. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #000099;">It’s only right that they declare his authority. It’s only right that we do the same. And when we do, we state without question: The ruler of the universe rules our hearts. He truly is the Master of not only the wind, but of the universe!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong><span style="color: #000099;">Prayer:</span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>"Lord, I am so thankful that You are not only the Master of the wind, but of every situation that I face. I choose to stay close to You today through prayer, Bible study, and meditation. Help me to remember this Word and story as I face whatever this day holds. In Jesus' name, amen!"</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634320; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span>Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-827498285661348482012-08-18T10:25:00.002-05:002012-08-18T10:25:49.607-05:00But God...<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099;">Scripture:</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">2 Corinthians 1:8-9 </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">We don't want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn't think we were going to make it. (9) We felt like we'd been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally--not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead!</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099;">Observation:</span></b></div>
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Paul does not give details about their hardships in Asia, although his accounts of all three missionary journeys record many difficult trials he faced (Acts 13:2-14:28; Acts 15:40-21:17). He does write that they felt that they were going to die and realized that they could do nothing to help themselves—they simply had to rely on God.</div>
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We often depend on our own skills and abilities when life seems easy and only turn to God when we feel unable to help ourselves. But as we realize our own powerlessness without him and our need for his constant help in our lives, we come to depend on him more and more. God is our source of power, and we receive his help by keeping in touch with him. With this attitude of dependence, problems will drive us to God rather than away from him. Learn how to rely on God daily.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099;">Application:</span></b></div>
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Paul said he went through somethings where he didn't know if he was going to make it through or not. There were times where he was imply in the dark when it came to when, where or how he was going to make it through this dark time in his life. Dark times...dark nights...are tough. Our faith is challenged. Our trust in God is tested. Paul's words and testimony show once again that even when we are in the dark about our situation, God, who is Light, knows exactly where we are. How often do we read in God's Word that it seemed like there was no way out, <b>BUT GOD....</b></div>
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Are you in the dark about the direction God seems to be leading you?</div>
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Jon Walker says, "The choice to do His will before we know the specifics... develops trust of His character. This is where many people get into a battle of wills, wanting Him to reveal His plan first. That's not how He works. God wants you to decide in advance to trust Him, believing that His will is best for your life. He knows your hesitancy. He won't be surprised if you say, 'I don't know that I'm willing to step out in faith without knowing everything that's going to happen, but I'm willing to be made willing.' One reason God doesn't give you the full picture... is you may be overwhelmed... it may appear impossible... but that's the point - there's no way you can fulfil your mission without Him."</div>
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When Joseph was reunited with his brothers in Egypt, he told them, '... do not be angry with yourselves... it was not you who sent me here, but God... ' (vv. 5-8). Joseph's brothers sold him out, 'but God' used it to preserve the Jewish race. The Israelites were in slavery, 'but God' sent Moses to lead them to the Promised Land. Jesus died on the cross, 'but God' used His death to save a lost world. Oswald Chambers calls God 'The Great Engineer, creating circumstances to bring about moments... of divine importance, leading us to divine appointments'. Think back; can't you recall some 'but God' moments of your own where you'd reached the end of your rope and He came through for you?</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099;">Prayer:</span></b></div>
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<i>"Lord, you know exactly where I am today, even if I do not. There are times that I am in the dark but I know you are not. I am facing a situation today that is testing my faith and trust. I am so thankful that I have seen time and time again YOU come through for me. I have many "but God" testimonies in my life. This will be another one! In Jesus name, amen!"</i></div>
Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-91524461806766835192012-07-25T07:20:00.003-05:002012-07-25T07:20:51.099-05:00Crushed by words<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Scripture:</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Job 19:1-3</b> Then Job replied: (2) "<b>How long will you torment me and crush me with words?</b> (3) Ten times now you have reproached me; shamelessly you attack me.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Observation:</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Violence begets violence. Job expected his friends to help him. Instead, they turn into his tormentors. The issue is between him and God, not between him and them. <span style="color: #1c39f6;"><b>Why do they add to his torture?</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">With all of the supports of the past and the present taken from him, Job can appeal only to the future. If only he could engrave his case in stone, he knows that ultimately he will be vindicated. Suddenly, in a flash of prophetic insight, Job knows that God is alive and will be his redeemer as well as his mediator and vindicator. While he is yearning for that moment, the reality of his torment takes over again. Turning back to his friends, he warns them that they too are open to God's wrath because of their cruelty toward him. The initiative now belongs to Job.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Application:</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black;">As I read the text this morning, verse two troubled me, </span><b>"how long will you torment me and crush me with your words?"</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Job is going through a crisis like very few have ever known. All of his children had died, he had lost all of his wealth, as well as his health. His wife was blaming God and telling him that he should just "curse God and die!"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">At least he had friends...<b>but his friends who had come to comfort him are not being very comforting.</b> They are tormenting him and crushing him with their words. They weren't very symphathetic, nor were they encouraging.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #0d2099;"><b>The Japanese have a saying: "One kind word can warm up three winter months." </b></span>In the book of Acts, Barnabas speaks words of encouragment to a young man by the name of John Mark. He reached out to him to encourage him. <b>Don't we all need that?</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">So many times God can use you to reach out to somebody. You know all of us find stress and difficulty in life and you can speak a word to a person, do something for them, believe in them, reach out and meet a physical need.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Sometimes, just a note. You know a written thing is sometimes better than a verbal one and I'll tell you why. Because when you write it you'll probably express your feelings better and the recipient will have it to go back to when he needs it and read it again. I know when you get a written word of encouragement, you keep it. When you get a note that tears you up, you tear it up. The human heart needs encouragement and Barnabas was a man who knew how to do it. Job's friends had no idea how to do it. Quite the contrary actually.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>What a contrast. Job being tormented and crushed by the words of his "friends" and John Mark receiving booster shots of encouragment from Barnabas early in his career.</b>Mark had a problem and Barnabas said, "Let me help you fix it."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">My question today is, "Are you a Barnabas type of person, or a Job's comforter type of person?" Do people feel refreshed after being around you, or drained? Are you careful with your words or careless?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">I pray that no one will ever say of me that my words have "crushed them" or "tormented them" because of my lack of compassion. I want to be an encouragement to everyone that God brings my way today. As you read this, why not ask the Lord, "who can I encourage today" through a text message, facebook, or email. Being careful applies to Facebook and Twitter as well. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Help us Lord!</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Prayer:</span></b></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">"Lord, forgive me for the times that my words have tormented or crushed. That is not Your purpose or will for my life. Help me today to be an encouragment to someone. In Jesus' name, amen!"</span></i></div>Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-72420443756000686842012-07-24T10:28:00.002-05:002012-07-24T10:28:28.748-05:00Focusing on the Giver and not the gift<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Scripture: </span></b><br style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;" /><br style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Judges 8:27</b> "Gideon made a sacred ephod from the gold and put it in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family."</span><br style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;" /><br style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Observation:</span></b><br style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;" /><br style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Gideon was asked to be the ruler over the Israelites and he refused saying that the Lord would rule over them. He asked everyone to bring gold to him. Gideon made an ephod but before long, the Israelites began to worship the ephod.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">An ephod was a linen garment worn by priests over their chests. It was considered holy </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">(Exodus 28:6-35; Exodus 39:2-24; Leviticus 8:7-8). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Gideon probably had good motives for making the ephod (a visible remembrance commemorating the victory). Unfortunately, the people began to worship the ephod as an idol. Sadly, many decisions that stem from good motives produce negative results. Perhaps no one stops to ask, "What might go wrong?" or "Is there a possibility of negative consequences?" In your plans and decisions, take time to anticipate how a good idea might lead to a potential problem.</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
Application: </span></b><br style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;" /><br style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">It is so easy to began to think more of the blessings from God and rarely think of the God from whom the blessing flows. what if Dorinda celebrated the wedding band I gave her but never talked about me, her husband, the one who gave her the ring? I am thankful for the blessings but I must always remember the One who blessed me. Worship the Giver not the gift. The Healer not the healing. The Savior not salvation. The Restorer not restoration. The Deliverer not deliverance. The Joy giver not joy. The Prince of peace not the peace. The Reconciler not renconciliation. The Baptisizer not the baptism. The Lover not love. The Life giver not life. The Rescuer not the rescue. The Conqueror not the conquer. The Forgiver not forgiveness. The Supplier not the supply. The Commander not the commands. The Soon coming King not the second coming. </span><br style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;" /><br style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Prayer:</span></b><br style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Help me Jesus to always worship You and not the things You bless me with. To stay focused on the GIVER and not the GIFT. In Jesus' name, amen"</span></span></span></span>Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-39526892034865553282012-06-27T07:49:00.000-05:002012-06-27T08:01:55.361-05:00What one generation NEGLECTS the next one REJECTS<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Judges 2:10 </b>After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, <span style="color: #1c39f6;"><b>another generation grew up</b></span><b> </b>who knew <b>neither the LORD</b> nor <b>what he had done for Israel.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One generation died, and the next did not follow God. Judges. 2:10-3:7 is a brief preview of the cycle of sin, judgment, and repentance that Israel experienced again and again. Each generation failed to teach the next generation to love and follow God. Yet this was at the very center of God's law<span style="color: #ff1f17;"><b> (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).</b></span> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is tempting to leave the job of teaching the Christian faith to the church or Christian school. Yet God says that the responsibility for this task belongs primarily to the family. Because children learn so much by our example, the home offers the most effective place to pass on the faith to the next generation.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Application:</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When Joshua's generation died out, the next generation lacked that personal knowledge of God which is the heart of biblical faith and quickly forgot all that He had done for their nation. This is a "generation gap" of the most profound and challenging kind, and, as usual, both sides were to blame. There is always a parental responsibility to pass on a living testimony of the reality of God's grace and power to our children. They have the right not only to be taught the truth but to see it embodied in godly leadership and example, both within the family and the church. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Please read again what God told His people in the following verses:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Deuteronomy 6:4-9 </b>Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (5) Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (6) These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. (7) <b>Impress them on your children.</b> <b>Talk about them when you sit at home</b> and when you <b>walk along the road,</b> when you<b> lie down and when you get up</b>. (8) Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. (9) <b>Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God was letting His people know the importance of teaching their children about WHO God is, and WHAT He had done for them. Somehow, some way, the children of Israel failed in this miserably. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our verse for today is one of the most challenging in the Bible for me. Another generation GREW UP not knowing God, nor His works. What have my kids grown up seeing? Do they see the importance of Jesus in my life? For you see, what <b>one generation neglects, the next one quite possibly will reject. </b>So the challenge for me today is, in my relationship with God, what am I <b>neglecting,</b> that may cause my kids and grandkids to <b>reject? </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If attending church is only a possibility for me, I shouldn't be surprised when it isn't a priority for my children when they are grown. When I sometimes serve the Lord, I shouldn't be shocked when my kids have nothing to do with Him in later years. Again, what one generation neglects, the next one very likely rejects. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On the other hand, if I neglect allowing this world to conform me, then I believe my kids will reject that pull as well. The bottom line is, I am a major influence in my kids and grandkids life, how am I using that influence to prepare them for life? It is something to meditate on.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1c39f6;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Prayer:</span></b></span></div>
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"Lord, what a troubling verse today. A generation grew up, and didn't know who You were, nor what You had done in the lives of Your children. It is hard to imagine that parents didn't pass down Your faithfulness to their kids. Before I give the Israelites too hard of a time, I need to look at my own life. I want to make sure I am daily talking about WHO You are and WHAT You have done in my life. It is my parental obligation and joy to do so. I want to be salt and light to my children so they will not have a tough time remembering who You are and what you can do when they face difficult times when I am no longer around. In Jesus' name, amen!"</span></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668616051364036781.post-67250434623760289722012-06-25T06:50:00.005-05:002012-06-25T06:50:54.337-05:00Do you believe this?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture:</b><b></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>John 11:25-27 </b><span style="color: black;"> </span>Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, (26) and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. <b>Do you believe this?"</b> (27) She said to him, "Yes, Lord;<b> I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world."</b></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Observation:</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The common belief of Judaism in this period was that the dead would be raised bodily at the end; indeed, Pharisees considered those who denied this doctrine (specifically Sadducees) to be damned for doing so.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The time and consolation of an important religious teacher who had come a long distance would be especially meaningful, though local students and teachers of the law joined in funeral processions when it was possible for them to do so. Greek and Roman philosophers emphasized sobriety and remaining calm and untroubled by bereavement; Jesus prefers the traditional Jewish form of expressing grief.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Application:</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus tells Martha, </span>"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,<span style="color: black;"> </span>and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Martha answers, </span>"Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world." </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jesus is telling Martha that He can raise the dead miraculously, right now. And asks Martha if she believed this. Martha assured Jesus that she believed He was the Son of God, the Messiah. She didn't mention whether she believed specifically whether Jesus could do the miraculous for her brother. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As I contemptlated this, I begin to think of reasons that she stopped just short of saying, "Yes Lord, I believe You can miraculously raise the dead, particularly my brother!"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Maybe the problem seemed too big. Maybe she couldn't get past the offense of Jesus not coming sooner. Or maybe it was because she had never seen the dead raised before. Whatever the case may have been, we know she believed in Jesus, she just wasn't sure that He could do what He said He could do.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Too often we are like that. We believe Jesus for salvation, forgivness for our sins, but stop just short of believing that He can work the miraculous in our life. Maybe you are addicted to drugs, alcohol, pornography, or gambling...do you believe Jesus can miraculously deliver you?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What about the disease in your body? Do you believe He can heal you? Fear? Worry? Depression? Broken family? Finances? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jesus is truly the same yesterday, today and forever. He is still in the miracle working business. Do you believe? "Yes Lord I believe, help me in my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Prayer:</span></b></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Lord, I am trying to believe, I really am. But there are times the situation seems so great, that I can't help but struggle with unbelief. Like the father of Mark 9:24 I declare 'Lord I believe, but help my unbelief!' I know the struggle. I have often been in the midst of it. I understand Martha stopping just short of complete belief in Your ability to perform the supernatural. I want to believe...I really do, but at times I struggle with unbelief. I thank You that You are still working on me! I believe Lord! Help my unbelief today. In Jesus' name, amen!"</span></i></div>Rusty L. Blannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178047959239085147noreply@blogger.com0