tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44193715025690905002024-03-05T21:48:01.845-05:00Living Water for Those Who ThirstNot Religion, Relationship!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-13358176398010524732009-07-28T09:33:00.004-04:002009-07-28T09:44:33.385-04:00God's Promises For Your Every Need - TroublesI have been compiling a series of these videos from God's Promises For Your Every Need. This one presents scriptures for meditation when troubles have hit your life. I hope you will let these verses speak to your heart.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy0HlL2K_t_uurJbYQwmY79Ve-HMZmI8STllUdmTUJA2MJb-5VyoWV1x6JBWVRhF0fVAy5F0IqiuzL8a2uKEw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-69237102481494413562009-04-14T16:40:00.002-04:002009-04-14T17:12:22.871-04:00Eve Had Second-Hand Word<div class="lineheight"><br /></div><strong><div class="lineheight" align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">Eve Had Second-Hand Word</span></strong></div></strong><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><div class="lineheight"><hr /></div><div class="lineheight">Most of us are quite familiar with the story that describes the temptation of Eve. We know how the devil used his tactics of deceit to get Eve to doubt what God had said. But what I aim to point out in this little blog is that Eve, didn't really know God's word. Eve was relying on second-hand information.<br /><br />Here's a very familiar passage:<br /></div></span><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>3:1</strong>Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? <strong>3:2</strong> And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: <strong>3:3</strong> But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, <strong><em>neither shall ye touch it</em></strong>, lest ye die.</span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/genesis/3-1"><meta_verse start="1003001" end="1003003" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>Genesis 3:1-3</a></div></div><p class="lineheight"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">What I ask you to pay particular attention to is Eve's reply to the serpent in verses 2 and 3. Eve said, "<em>We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, <strong>neither shall ye touch it</strong>, lest ye d</em>ie. "<br /><br />Sounds like a legitimate response does it not? There's only one small problem that I notice here. God never said "<strong><em>neither shall ye touch it</em></strong>". Where in the world did she get that from?<br /><br />Eve either made that up all on her own, or that's the way Adam had explained it to her. Either way, that's not exactly what God had spoken. The command not to touch the tree was never given, at least not to the best of my knowledge.<br /><br />Here's the original command as given to Adam:</span></p><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>2:16</strong>And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: <strong>2:17</strong>But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.</span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/genesis/2-16"><meta_verse start="1002016" end="1002017" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>Genesis 2:16-17</a></div></div><p class="lineheight"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">God didn't say, "<strong><em>neither shall ye touch it", </em></strong>Eve said that.<br /><br />Now this may seem like it's not really a big deal. But I say that it is a great big deal. Anytime we add something to, or take away from the word of God, we have imparted traditions and doctrines of men and thereby made the word of God of no effect. Religion is famous for that.<br /><br />I believe that the added or additional contingency about not touching the tree played a big part in why Eve eventually did eat of the tree. Take a close look at the following verse:</span></p><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>3:6</strong> And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, <strong><em>she took of the fruit thereof</em></strong>, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.</span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/genesis/3-6"><meta_verse start="1003006" end="1003006" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>Genesis 3:6</a></div></div><div class="lineheight"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;"></span></div><div class="lineheight"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">Eve got deceived in to thinking that eating of that tree would somehow make her more like God. The truth is that she was actually more like God before she ate of the tree than after. But the point I am trying to make is, that according to the way this verse is punctuated, what did eve do first before she ate of the tree? She touched it. She, "</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><em>took of the fruit thereof".<br /></em></strong><br />It's very possible that Eve, having already been deceived, first reached out to touch the tree and held it for a while. And when she realized that touching the fruit didn't kill her, she wrongfully assumed right there that God's word must not be true. The problem with that is the word she thought she had, wasn't really God's word.<br /><br />Only after touching it, and continuing to live, <em>then </em>did she eat thereof. Had Eve known the truth, I am certain that the truth would have set her free.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>6:23</strong> But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. <strong><em>If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!</em></strong></span> </span></div><div class="verse"><div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/matthew/6-23"><meta_verse start="40006023" end="40006023" translation="KJV"></meta_verse><span style="font-size:85%;">Matthew 6:23</span></a></div></div><p class="lineheight"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I am going to cut this blog off right here cause I already feel like I could write a few pages from this point. But hopefully you can see from this example why it is ever so important that we, as individuals, get into the bible and discover for ourselves what it says. Too often we just take someone else's interpretation. I am certainly not trying to condemn anyone here, that's for sure. Because I myself have been, and still am guilty of this to some extent. It's so much easier just to listen to some audio message or watch a few videos. Maybe read a daily devotional or live the entire week just based upon what your pastor said. We need to have God's true word written on our hearts.<br /><br />Eve really didn't know what God's word said. Eve had a form of truth, but it wasn't the whole truth. Had she know the real truth, perhaps she would have been that much more reluctant to to finally eat of the forbidden fruit.<br /><br />Don't take man's word as basis for your doctrinal truths. Please, take some time today and every day to let the Word of God speak directly to you.</span></p></span><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>7:13</strong> Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. </span><div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/mark/7-13"><meta_verse start="41007013" end="41007013" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>Mark 7:13</a></div></div><div class="lineheight"><br /></div><p class="lineheight"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;">In love,<br />Michael<br /></span><br /></span><br />Related Blogs: <a href="http://www.mychurch.org/blog/311824/999-Trees">999 Trees</a>, <a href="http://www.mychurch.org/blog/104048/Thank-God-for-Death">Thank God for Death</a></p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-22532586660149492102009-04-11T11:11:00.003-04:002009-04-11T11:21:20.098-04:00My Wonderful Life<div class="lineheight" align="left"><div class="lineheight" align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">My Wonderful Life</span></span></strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><span style="color:#000000;"> <hr /></span></div><div class="lineheight" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">A couple of ways that the dictionary defines the word <em>wonderful </em>is that which is fantastic, extraordinarily good, or great. When I speak of how my life is absolutely wonderful, I can't honestly say that it finds it's home in either one of those definitions. Yet, I say that my life is wonderful because I am, and may always be, full of wonder.<br /><br />So what does that mean? Here's how the dictionary defines the word<em> wonder</em>: </span></div><div class="lineheight" align="left"><hr /></div></div><ul><li><div class="lineheight" align="left"><span style="color:#0000ff;">have a wish or desire to know something; "He wondered who had built this beautiful church"</span></div></li><li><div class="lineheight" align="left"><span style="color:#0000ff;">the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising</span></div></li><li><div class="lineheight" align="left"><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="color:#0000ff;">place in doubt or express doubtful speculation; "I wonder whether this was the right thing to do"; "she wondered whether it would snow tonight"</span></span></div></li><li><div class="lineheight" align="left"><span style="color:#0000ff;">something that causes feelings of wonder; "the wonders of modern science" </span></div></li><li><div class="lineheight" align="left"><span style="color:#0000ff;">be amazed at; "We marvelled at the child's linguistic abilities" </span></div></li><li><div class="lineheight" align="left"><span style="color:#0000ff;">curiosity: a state in which you want to learn more about something</span></div></li></ul><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="color:#000000;"><p><hr /><br /><p></p><p></span></span><span style="color:#000000;">Now here in these definitions I can see some of myself. Particularly in the last definition. "<em>curiosity: a state in which you want to learn more about something</em>". God has placed within me this marvelous desire to know more about Him. It's fantastic!<br /><br />The bible has much, much to say about knowledge; knowledge of God and His Son. In fact, Jesus himself said that knowing, or having knowledge of God and the One that He sent, is in and of itself, eternal life. Eternal life is knowing God.<br /><br />There are so very many verses that prove this all important truth about knowing God. Knowing God is the answer to the worlds problems. It's that powerful. What the world needs is God's grace. And not only His grace, but the peace that comes along with it. I believe that both grace and peace are truly a free gift from God. They are both imparted into the spirit of every born-again believer. But that my friends is not where this knowing God issue is to end.<br /><br />If we like the grace and the peace that comes from the born-again experience, then continuing to know God and His Son more and more, only magnifies, or amplifies if you will, those two ever crucial and ever so desirable gifts.</span><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord</em>,</span> <a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/2peter/1-2"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="61001002" start="61001002"></meta_verse>2 Peter 1:2</a></p><span style="color:#000000;">It is this wonderful experience of getting to know God that causes me to consider my life wonderful. Completely full of wonder and awe. It truly is marvelous.<br /><br />And that brings me a new definition for which I present. The word <em>marvel</em>. Here are a few ways the dictionary defines it:</span><span style="color:#000000;"> </span><hr /><br /><ul><li><span style="color:#0000ff;">wonder: be amazed at; "We marvelled at the child's linguistic abilities" </span></li><li><span style="color:#0000ff;">express astonishment or surprise about something</span></li><li><span style="color:#0000ff;">wonder: something that causes feelings of wonder; "the wonders of modern science" </span></li></ul><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="color:#000000;"><hr /><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">To me those seem like rather worldly definitions. But I can relate to "<em>something that causes feelings of wonder</em>". Knowing God is marvelous. And the more we know, the more we want to know. He most definitely causes within us feelings of wonder.</span></p></span></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The word <em>marvel</em> from the Greek is the word </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>tamahh</em>{taw-mah'}. It means:</span> <hr /><br /><ul><li><span style="color:#0000ff;">to be astounded</span></li><li><span style="color:#0000ff;">be stunned</span></li><li><span style="color:#0000ff;">be amazed</span></li><li><span style="color:#0000ff;">be dumbfounded</span> </li></ul><hr /><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">Based upon those definitions, I can honestly say that I often marvel over the things of God. His amazing love is at times more than my peanut-sized brain can fathom. He is truly amazing.<br /><br />I also find it quite interesting that I find in scripture only two occasions when Jesus himself marvelled over something. One time he marveled over the unsuspected faith of a Roman soldier:<br /><br />We read:</span></p><div class="verse"><span style="color:#000000;"><em>8:5And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 8:6And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 8:7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 8:9For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 8:10 When Jesus heard it, <u>he marvelled</u>, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.</em> </span><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/matthew/8-5">Matthew 8:5-10</a></div><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">Jesus was astounded, stunned, amazed, and dumbfounded by the level of understanding that this man had. Jesus literally marveled at his faith.<br /><br />The second time I see that Jesus was marvelled comes from a not-so positive instance. Jesus had entered back into His own home town to teach but He could do no mighty work there because they knew Him. But they knew Him not according to who He was in the spirit, but only according to who He was in the flesh.<br /><br />Let's read:</span></p><div class="verse"><span style="color:#000000;"><em>6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. 6:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this [man] these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 6:3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6:6 And <u>he marvelled</u> because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.</em></span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/mark/6-1"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="41006006" start="41006001"></meta_verse>Mark 6:1-6</a></div></div><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">Jesus was astounded, stunned, amazed, and dumbfounded by their level of unbelief.<br /><br />So what does this tell me? This tells me that there are only two things that really cause Jesus to stand up and take notice. Great faith and great unbelief. I really don't think He even sees a middle ground. There is no gray area. Maybe that's why He told us that he would rather we either be hot, or cold, not lukewarm?</span></p><div class="verse"><span style="color:#000000;"><em>3:16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.</em></span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/revelation/3-16"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="66003016" start="66003016"></meta_verse>Revelation 3:16</a></div></div><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">Friends, I title this blog, "My Wonderful Life" because knowing God, and getting to know Him more and more is what makes this life wonderful. When I think of His wonderful love and his amazing plan I am astounded, stunned, amazed, and dumbfounded. It really and truly is marvelous.<br /><br />Therefore I wonder. I wonder How Jesus sees me. I certainly hope that He would see me as marvelous. Not marvelous because of my unbelief, yet marvelous because of my unwavering faith. Have you ever asked yourself that question? What do you think his viewpoint of you would be?<br /><br />In love,<br />Michael<br /></span></p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-80690909067818257472009-02-02T10:21:00.001-05:002009-02-02T10:23:20.758-05:00God's View Of Those Who Gossip<strong><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">God's View Of Those Who Gossip</span></strong></div></strong><hr /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">How does God feel about people who gossip? Ephesians 4:29 says:</span><br /><br /><div class="verse"><strong><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Let no <u>corrupt communication</u> proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.</span></em></strong> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/ephesians/4/#29"><meta_verse start="49004029" end="49004029" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>Ephesians 4:29 KJV</a></div></div><p><span style="font-size:100%;">And then the following verse says:</span></p><div class="verse"><strong><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">And grieve not the holy Spirit of God........</span></em></strong> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/ephesians/4/#30"><meta_verse start="49004030" end="49004030" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>Ephesians 4:30 KJV</a></div></div><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The implication is that when "corrupt communication" comes out of a believer's mouth, it causes the Holy Spirit to be grieved.<br /><br />You see, gossip is a <em>sin</em> that grieves the Holy Spirit. Did you notice that Paul calls it "corrupt communication"? This phrase comes from the Greek word <em>phaulos</em>, which refers to <em>something that stinks </em>or to <em>something that is rotting, </em>such as meat that is full of maggots. This kind of communication is <em>dead, decaying, </em>and it <em>stinks. </em>It is <em>offensive </em>to the Spirit of God and it <em>grieves</em> Him.<br /><br />Gossip is so destructive and offensive that Paul <em>forbids </em>gossip in Second Corinthians 12:20. In this verse Paul says:</span></p><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong><em>For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall notfind you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, <u>whisperings</u>, swellings, tumults:</em></strong> </span><div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/2corinthians/12/#20"><meta_verse start="47012020" end="47012020" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>2 Corinthians 12:20 KJV</a></div></div><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Did you see the word "whisperings"? This is the the Greek word <em>psithurimos, </em>which means <em>gossip! </em>To make sure we know how evil gossip is, Paul lists it side by side with several other horrible attitudes and actions. Gossip is right smack dab in the middle of that list. So what does that tell you about what God thinks of gossip and those who are involved in the act of gossipping?<br /><br />Let's be sure we understand what the word "<em>gossip" </em>describes. It describes a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts, rumors, or reports of an intimate nature that are none of his business.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">For instance, gossip would include:</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><hr /><br /></span><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>Talking about other people's business and things that do not concern you.<br /><br />Repeating what someone else said, even though you don't know whether or not it's true.<br /><br />Talking to others as if you were an authority about matters that are other people's business, when in reality you don't know what you are taking about.</em></span></p></blockquote><hr /><br /><p><span style="font-size:100%;">In a certain sense gossip is like a deadly poison. It hurts people; it kills relationships; and it destroys trust. In the workplace, "gossip" usually happens between two employees who have become friends and feel like they can truly "share"with each other. They are often people who have been offended or hurt by the one who is the subject of their gossip. Therefore, every rumor they hear becomes a "choice morsel" to share with the other offended party. This is what Proverbs 18:8 is talking about when it says:</span></p><div class="verse"><strong><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.</span></em></strong> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/proverbs/18/#8"><meta_verse start="20018008" end="20018008" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>Proverbs 18:8 NIV</a></div></div><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Gossip is usually based on hearsay; it is usually inaccurate; it creates suspicion; and it divides people. It is so evil that we, the body of believers, should absolutely <em>forbid </em>it in our lives.<br /><br />It is interesting to note that the Greek word for <em>gossip</em> means to <em>whisper. </em>This means that <em>gossip </em>almost always takes place in secret. Just think about it - where does <em>gossip </em>usually take place? If you have engaged in <em>gossip </em>in the past, you probably listened to someone tell you the information or hearsay about other people, which you then <em>whispered</em> to someone else:</span></p><hr /><br /><blockquote><p><em><span style="font-size:100%;">In the women's or men's bathroom at the office.<br /><br />In your office when the doors were closed and no one was watching or listening.<br /><br />In the lunch-break room when it was only you and the person to whom you were talking.<br /><br />In a prayer meeting, where people often whisper about others under the camouflage of "prayer".<br /><br />In a corner where the boss, director, pastor, or subject of your gossip couldn't hear what you were saying.<br /><br />Or maybe even right here on MyChurch in private messages to others.</span></em></p></blockquote><hr /><br /><p><span style="font-size:100%;">You need to know that gossipers usually attract to each other like magnets. When they get together, they see things alike and therefore begin to think they are right. Thus, they form a little faction right inside the office or church, often concluding that they are doing God's business as they meet together to discuss all the problems going on in other people's lives, even though it isn't their business to discuss or solve these problems or to meddle in other people's affairs.<br /><br />Since the word <em>gossip </em>really means to <em>whisper</em>, it would be good when you are about to tell something you've heard to first ask yourself: <em>Would I say these things publicly? Would I say this in front of the person I am talking about? </em>If your answer is no, you can conclude that </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>you shouldn't say it privately either.<br /></em><br />So I urge you not to allow the devil to snag you and drag you into the sin of gossip. James 3:8 tells us:</span></p><div class="verse"><strong><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.</span></em></strong> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/james/3/#8"><meta_verse start="59003008" end="59003008" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>James 3:8 KJV</a></div></div><p><span style="font-size:100%;">But you can refuse to be the source of gossip or to participate in it when it takes place. If you really love Jesus, why would you want to participate in something that will poison people's opinions and ultimately divide and hurt others? Think of it - if it were you whom people were talking about, wouldn't it be hurtful to you to discover that they were talking this way behind your back?<br /><br />It's too hurtful to get into this business! If you have to whisper it, then you probably shouldn't be saying it at all. In fact, a good rule to live by is this: <em>If you can't say it publicly, don't say it at all! </em>Make that decision today to refrain from gossip and to stay away from those who practice it!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></p><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">My Prayer For Today<br /></span></strong></div><p><em><span style="font-size:100%;color:#0000ff;">Lord, I admit that I'm guilty of occasionally talking behind other peoples backs, and I'm wrong for doing it. I ask You to please forgive me for allowing the devil to use me in this way. I am asking You to help me keep a tight reign on my tongue and to refrain from gossiping about other people. When I find myself in a situation where the conversation turns to gossip, help me know how to graciously dismiss myself from the conversation so I can avoid participating in this sin and falling back into this trap. I repent for my activity in gossip, and I turn from it in Jesus name!</span></em><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">Questions For You To Consider:</span> <hr /><br /></strong><p></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>1. </strong>Do you find that you are tempted to repeat information about other people, even though what you are repeating has nothing to do with you and is none of your business? Be honest in your answer, because God has already observed your behavior and knows the truth!<br /><br /><strong>2</strong>. Sometimes gossip happens during prayer meetings. Have you ever witnessed a moment when a prayer request turned into a gossip session, and you felt guilty for talking so badly about that person before you prayed for him or her?<br /><br /><strong>3.</strong> If you've been involved in gossip, have you sensed the conviction of the Holy Spirit trying to tell you to stop this activity?<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><hr /><br /><br /><br /><br />In love,<br />Michael<br /></span><br /><br /><em>Note: This message was taken in part from Sparkling Gems From The Greek by Rick Renner</em><br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-16126771376415764452009-01-06T19:25:00.001-05:002009-01-06T19:27:20.475-05:00Recycle That Tree<hr /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><img height="213" hspace="10" src="http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z229/MichaelATL42/346171543_6cfbb59575.jpg" width="140" align="left" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">It's been several years since I brought a Christmas tree into my home and decorated it. It's not that I think there is something wrong with it, it's just that I personally don't celebrate Christmas in that traditional fashion any longer. I want to remind you, if you have still not removed your tree from your home, by now I am certain that it has become dry and brittle, and because of that, it is an extreme fire hazard, My advice would be to get that tree out of your home and into a recycle center ASAP!</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="213" hspace="10" src="http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z229/MichaelATL42/Copy_of_BF1.jpg" width="160" align="right" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;">I mention this because while on my morning train ride today, as I was reading in Psalm Chapter 1, the thought occurred to me that it is God's desire for us to be evergreen. There really should be no time in our lives when we are dormant and bearing no fruit. Not only are we to be prosperous, but our leaves, our experiences, circumstances, and life situations, even life itself, are not to ever wither, yet they are to be green and full of life all year long.<br /></span><br /></span><span style="color:#008000;"><em><span style="font-size:100%;">And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; <strong>his leaf also shall not wither</strong>; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.<br /><br /><br /><br /><hr /></span></em><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><br />Out of curiosity, I went to the dictionary this morning in hopes of getting fresh new insight into the word "evergreen". There are some very interesting definitions indeed, but the one that spoke most to my heart was as follows:<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>"<em>having green leaves throughout the entire year, the leaves of the past season not being shed until after the new foliage has been completely formed</em>."<br /></strong><br />Wow, to me that definition, particularly the ending statement, speaks volumes. There are so many ways to apply that directly to our walk with the Lord. Does that line also speak to you? I encourage you to read that last part again, only slower, and then feel free to share what the Lord speaks to you. I'd love to hear your thoughts.<br /><br /><hr /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><br />The tree you see in the first photo is in pretty rough shape, would you agree? It's in a terribly risky state and in extreme danger of being burned to a crisp. What happened to this tree to cause it's leaf to wither, for it to dry up and die. The answer is ever so simple. It became severed from the vine. Chopped down at the roots. Jesus said it like this:</span></span><br /><br /><br /><img height="213" hspace="10" src="http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z229/MichaelATL42/treefire.jpg" width="374" align="right" border="0" /><br /><p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /></em>Throw away that dead tree as soon as you possibly can my friend. Your own life and the lives of all those around you are in extreme danger because of it's dry, brittle, and withered state. One little spark and your entire world could be up in flames, and I assure you, you do not want that to happen.<br /><br />Speaking of your own life, I ask you, are you becoming withered, dry, and brittle? Is there a chance that you are on the verge of being burned? Does the thought of even one little spark frighten you and send chills up your spine? The answer to that problem is simple beloved. The answer remains in the vine!<br /><br /><br />In love,<br /><br />Michael</span></p></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-8506214911048554282008-11-23T12:31:00.002-05:002008-11-23T12:34:39.244-05:00<strong><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></strong><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span><br /><strong><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">Vain Imaginations<br /></span></strong></div></strong><span style="font-size:100%;"><hr /><br />Yesterday I wrote a blog entitled, "</span><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/blog/350048/The-WORD-is-Worth-1000-Pictures"><span style="font-size:100%;">The WORD is Worth 1,000 Pictures</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;">" and in that blog I talked about the power of our imaginations. We operate, whether realizing it or not, based upon the mental pictures we paint with our thoughts.<br /><br />In Chapter 1 of the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul lays out some very sound reasons why our imaginations can actually begin to work against us rather than for us, or better said, against the ways of God rather than in agreement with His master plan.<br /><br />First, Paul writes:<br /></span><br /><div class="verse">For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/romans/1/#18"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="45001020" start="45001018"></meta_verse>Romans 1:18-20 KJV</a></div></div><p><span style="font-size:100%;">What I see from these verses is that God has placed, or created, within every living creature an intuitive knowledge of right and wrong. When it talks about His wrath "is" revealed I believe it could be said that His wrath "has" been revealed for God "hath" shown it to them. People know when they are outside of God's way of life, there are no excuses.<br /><br />But Paul goes on immediately after this and begins to list out, what I believe, is a set of progressive steps people can take that can lead to being turned over to a reprobate heart. In other words, steps that cause our own separation from God, not Him separating from us.<br /><br />In verse 21 he describes what I consider to be four very crucial elements:</span></p><div class="verse">Because that, when they knew God,<br /><br /><span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong>(1)</strong></span> <strong><em>they glorified him</em></strong> <strong><em>not as God</em></strong>,<br /><strong><span style="color:#0000ff;">(2)</span><em>neither were thankful</em></strong>; <br /><span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong>(3)</strong> </span><strong><em>but became</em></strong> <strong><em>vain in their imaginations</em></strong>, and<br /><strong><span style="color:#0000ff;">(4)<em> </em></span><em>their</em></strong> <strong><em> foolish heart was darkened.</em></strong> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/romans/1/#21"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="45001021" start="45001021"></meta_verse>Romans 1:21 KJV</a></div></div><p><span style="font-size:100%;">In connection with yesterday's blog, I want to talk for just a moment about <strong><span style="color:#0000ff;">No. 3</span></strong>, becoming vain in our imaginations. I found several dictionary definitions of the word <strong><em>vain</em></strong> that speak to my heart this morning.<br /><br />To list a few: </span></p><hr /><br /><ul><li><em><span style="font-size:100%;color:#0000ff;">excessively proud of or concerned about one's own appearance, qualities, achievements, etc.; conceited<br /></span></em></li><li><div><em><span style="font-size:100%;color:#0000ff;">ineffectual or unsuccessful; futile<br /></span></em></div></li><li><div><em><span style="font-size:100%;color:#0000ff;">not yielding the desired outcome; fruitless:<br /></span></em></div></li><li><div><em><span style="font-size:100%;color:#0000ff;">characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance; "a conceited fool"; "an attitude of self-conceited arrogance"; "an egotistical disregard of others"; "so swollen by victory that he was unfit for normal duty"; "growing ever more swollen-headed and arbitrary";<br /></span></em></div></li><li><div><em><span style="font-size:100%;color:#0000ff;">naving no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying</span></em> </div></li></ul><hr /><span style="font-size:100%;">Ouch! I have got to publicly state that at times, I see myself in some of those definitions. Quite often I am painting the wrong picture with my mind. But here's the point that I am trying to make through all of this. I believe, we cannot get to step <strong><span style="color:#0000ff;">No. 3</span></strong>, becoming vain in our imaginations, unless we have first committed the critical errors as shown in steps <span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong>No. 1 and 2</strong></span>.<br /><br />When we fail to glorify, or magnify God, and place the utmost value on Him, then inevitably, we will begin to fail to give thanks. We live in a world that is predominately thankless and according to this verse, that all started when they, or we, began failing in our glorification of God. In Timothy we read where a lack of thanks is one of top signs of the end of time, or the last days. We enter into the very gates of God with thanksgiving, and we enter His courts with praise. I guarantee when the former, glorifying God, really and truly becomes our primary focus, then the latter, having an attitude of thanks, will become virtually automatic.<br /><br />Likewise, when we have failed to do the <em>positive</em> aspect of either of steps <span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong>No.1 and 2</strong></span>, then, it is inevitable that we begin to become vain in our imaginations, <strong><span style="color:#0000ff;">No.3</span></strong>. A lack of praise and a lack of thankfulness are the first two signs that we are: (<em><strong>pick any definition of vanity from above</strong></em>), ouch!<br /><br />As I mentioned yesterday, God's creativity will extend as far as your imagination will allow. But is it so very, very important that the pictures we paint, step<span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong> No. 3</strong></span>, are a result of our obedience to the <em>positive</em> aspect of steps <span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong>No. 1, and 2</strong></span>. It is then, and only then, that our thoughts begin to come in line with His will, His plan, and His loving perfection.<br /><br />I hope to, at a later date, compose a blog on the issues related to item <span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong>No. 4, </strong></span>but for the time being, my brain has enough to chew on. Thank you brethren for allowing me to express my thoughts and thank you in advance for your encouraging and challenging comments.<br /><br />In closing, I would like to exhort you in the way of pointing you back to these ever-so-critical keys to remaining full of God which Paul has eloquently documented for us. I can assure you that no matter where you are in your walk with the Lord, no matter how far you may have drifted away, the keys to drawing yourself back closer to His presence are listed right here. God loves you immensely and He is never the one who withdraws from us.<br /><br />I encourage you to go back to step <span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong>No. 1</strong></span> and begin from there. Glorify, magnify and praise His Holy name. Then begin to thank him for all He is, and has done, is doing, and for the things He shall do. Then you will begin to think thoughts that are in accordance with His will and as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.<br /><br />In love,<br />Michael</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-51663021694802616472008-11-20T19:17:00.001-05:002008-11-20T19:20:00.806-05:00<div align="center"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><strong>The WORD is Worth 1,000 Pictures</strong></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="color:#000000;"><hr /></span></div><div class="verse"><div align="center"><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he......</span></strong></em><br /></span><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/proverbs/23/#7"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="20023007" start="20023007"></meta_verse>Proverbs 23:7 KJV</a></div></div><p><br /><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">Imagination is a powerful force. Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly operating in the power of our imaginations. In other words, we think in the pictures.<br /><br />I believe we actually have at least three sets of eyes. We have these outward physical eyes that allow us to see things that are in the physical realm. Additionally, we have these spiritual eyes that allow us to see glimpses of the heavenly realm, or through the </span><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/blog/238161/the-eyes-of-your-heart"><span style="font-size:100%;">Eyes of Our Heart</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;">. <span style="color:#000000;">And then we have this internal set of eyes that is forever painting elaborate mental pictures, deep within our minds. It is with these eyes, in my opinion, that our lives go in the direction in which they do.<br /><br />If I were come to your city and stop you on the street for directions, you would visualize, in your mind, the steps required for me to reach my desired destination. You would see, internally, each of the turns and roads required to get me there. You would not have this information instantly available. You could not immediately recite the directions without thought. You would have to dig into the internal photo album of your brain and bring to the forefront the picture, or map if you will, in accordance with your previous travels.<br /><br />Thankfully, we have the ability, or the choice, to decide or control which pictures we keep on display. I know in my own life, there are some really dark photographs from a former life, that I have chosen to obliterate. Maybe I shouldn't use the word obliterate, because in actuality, they still remain, but I have chosen to no longer view those photos. They remain locked up and tucked away in an old unlabeled box way back in the corner of my attic. Covered with dust and worn by the elements, may they forever lay dormant, never used to give faulty directions again.<br /><br />Occasionally, the enemy will start flipping through my photo album in an attempt to duplicate or replicate a picture of who I used to be. But I have come to realize that he, and the dark-toned brushes of his deception, are precisely that, deception. Sex, lies, and videotape. That's old news. I can't imagine following that worn out blueprint any longer.<br /><br />One of the words that was used to translate imagination in the Old Testament is conceived. Our ear-gates and eye-gates are two major avenues of conception in our lives. From these venues come many of the internal slide shows which constantly play over and over again in our minds. While we cannot stop the reels from turning, we can however choose the film. We can grab the real reel, so to speak.<br /><br />Our lives are going to go the direction of our most dominant thoughts. We are the cartographers that layout the navigational guidelines for this journey called life. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. We cannot go anywhere in the natural that we have not first been in the mind. If we can see it, then we can be it.<br /><br />That sin that so easily besets you, and those weights that continue to slow you down, they didn't just come upon you like a seizure. You've just been watching the wrong movie. James put it like this:</span></span></p><p><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Then when lust hath <strong>conceived</strong>, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. </span></em></p><div class="verse"><div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/james/1/#15"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="59001015" start="59001015"></meta_verse>James 1:15 KJV</a></div></div><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Thoughts produce actions. As a man thinketh so is he. I guess you could say that in accordance with your internal eyes, or as a result of the photos you see, there you are and there you go. Life achieved from thoughts perceived.<br /><br />But how many of you know that our God is far greater than any Hollywood producer will ever be. He is the Master Artist. He always colors between the lines. God has created for us, in His Word, a powerpoint presentation like no other in history. He has composed multitudes of extraordinary, full color, and high resolution images and put them on his FTP site, available for all to download, free of charge.<br /><br />If we load these images up in a slide show and watch them over and over again. Soon we will be able to impersonate Him. We can take on His expressions. We can quote lines from His movie. We can call all of our friends and tell them about some of our favorite scenes. We can even imagine what it would be like to have a role in the movie. We may even be called in for an audition. And, we can definitely pull up the map with our internal eyes and give impeccable directions to those that are lost, amen?<br /><br />In closing, I would just like to encourage you to consider the pictures that are running through your mind today. What is it that is directing your life? Is it thoughts of who you were once were? Is it thoughts of all the things you are not, especially when you look in the mirror? Is it sex, lies, and videotape from days long since gone by?<br /><br />Or, is it that you are seeing in the spirit that you are the very righteousness of God in Christ Jesus? Can you see yourself seated with Christ in the spirit realm? Can you see that you have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing? Can you see yourself healed? Can you see yourself as a conqueror, no, more than a conqueror? Can you see that you have been sanctified, set apart, filled with the Holy Ghost, and that all things have been made new?<br /><br />There is one very consistent picture painted over and over again throughout the scriptures. The love of God. And that is a picture of an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, and all-mighty God with His arms reached out and ready to embrace you. God's love for you is immeasurable. Get a picture of that. Paint your own picture of that. Use lots of colors and textures. Be creative. Be imaginative. Recreate the masterpiece.<br /><br />And when you do, save that all important digital image using the greatest number of pixels possible, only limited by the amount of room you make available. And then, gather up some of the highest quality print paper you can find, load a brand new cartridge in to your high-tech printer, and print that bad boy out. Once printed, I recommend using thumb tacks, super-glue, and duct tape to permanently affix that image to the inside of your forehead.<br /><br />After that, when the devil tries to find that old box of pics in the corner of your attic, and when things in this world begin to get you down, just simply look up, on the inside, and absorb the beauty of who God says you are, and what God says you have. God's creativity will extend as far as your imagination will allow. But don't stop there. God's love is the big picture, and that one picture is all you need to be forever entertained, sustained. And, as there is no limit to His love, likewise His love is not the limit. There is always more yet to be seen.<br /><br /><hr /></span><strong><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">The WORD is Worth 1,000 Pictures</span></strong></div></strong><span style="color:#000000;"><hr /><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><em>What is it that you want to see?<br /></em></strong><br />And that's a wrap! Now, on with the show!<br /><br />In love,<br />Michael<br /></span><br /><br /><br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-40259342456319192902008-11-14T13:16:00.002-05:002008-11-14T13:19:16.925-05:00<div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><strong>Get Spirit = Get Holy</strong></span> <hr /></div><div class="verse"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em> </div><div class="verse"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.</span></em> </div><div class="verse" align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/galatians/5/#16"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="48005016" start="48005016"></meta_verse>Galatians 5:16 KJV</a></div><p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">I love this verse. But almost as much as I love what it says, I love what it does <em>not </em>say. It does <em>not </em>say, that if we do not fulfill the lust of the flesh, then we will be walking in the Spirit. It just doesn't work like that. That is not a kingdom principle. Flesh-less, does not ensure Spirit-full. However, Spirit-full enables flesh-less.<br /><br /><em>"God can't fill a dirty vessel" </em>Oh really? Well, I have news for you. God has no other type of vessel to fill. If we could get Holy on our own, then we would <em>not </em>need the Holy Spirit.</span></p><div class="verse"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.</span></em> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/1john/5/#3"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="62005003" start="62005003"></meta_verse>1 John 5:3 KJV</a></div></div><p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">If we keep the commandments, then we have the love of God, right? Wrong. But if we love God, then we will keep the commandments!</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></p></span><hr /><strong><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">You can live a holy life and not love God.<br />But you can't love God and not be holy.</span></strong></div></strong><span style="color:#000000;"><hr /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;">We can preach about sin from now till doomsday. Being sinless is the <strong><em>fruit </em></strong>of knowing God and <em>not </em>the <strong><em>root</em></strong>. Big difference.</span><br /><br /></span><div class="verse"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing <strong><u>that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?</u></strong></span></em> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/romans/2/#4"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="45002004" start="45002004"></meta_verse>Romans 2:4 KJV</a></div></div><p><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Wrath, smath....that's the wrong path. It is the goodness of God that leads a man to repentance!</span> </p></span><hr /><br /><p></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><em><span style="color:#000000;">The New Testament formula is:<br /> </span><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Get Spirit = Get Holy<br /><br /></span></strong></em><span style="color:#000000;">It's <em><strong>not</strong></em> Get Holy = Get Spirit</span></span></div><p><br /><br /><br /><br /> </p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-89847357381157593982008-10-21T18:25:00.002-04:002008-10-21T18:29:40.994-04:00Out Of Order<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><br />Out Of Order</strong></span></div><br /><hr /><br />Something is terribly wrong. Things are out of order. The world is in chaos. But not for long!<br /><br />As I wrote in <a href="http://www.mychurch.org/blog/271326/The-New-Earth" target="_blank">a previous blog</a>, I am thoroughly enjoying the book "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. It has completely changed my perspective on eternity and the future state of the believers. I have come to a greater revelation that this future state is however, not only for believers. Well, let me rephrase that, it's not only for humans that believe. But a closer look at the Word of God teaches that it is all of creation that fell when sin entered the world, not just humans.<br /><br />Everything is completely out of order. Nothing is as it should be. Life for not only us, but also for the animals, the plant life, the atmosphere, the galaxies, even the entire universe, since the fall of man, can be likened to fitting a square peg into a round hole. While it can be done, it often just takes too much effort and never feels quite right.<br /><br />Often when we think of "creation" our thoughts are immediately drawn to thoughts of people. While God is most definitely the creator of people, He is also the creator of all things. Everything. Things we can see and things we cannot see.<br /><br /><div class="verse"><em><span style="color:#000099;">For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:</span></em> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/colossians/1/#16"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="51001016" start="51001016"></meta_verse>Colossians 1:16 KJV</a></div></div><br /><p><br />All of creation cries out with an invisible cry, longing to be returned to the state in which they were designed to dwell. You can see this in the sad eyes of a puppy dog, or the squinted gaze of a cat perched in a window, longing for that which once was. You hear in the loud cracks of thunder that rumble the earth or fierce waves of the sea as they crash violently against a barrier wall. You can also see it by the fact that entire species of plants become extinct, extreme changes in weather patterns, or perhaps as a fallen star shoots across the sky. Everything is completely out of order.<br /><br />Paul speaks in detail of this:</p><div class="verse"><em><span style="color:#000099;">Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For <strong>all creation</strong> is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. <strong>Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse</strong>. But with eager hope, <strong>the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children</strong> in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that <strong>all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time</strong>. <strong>And we believers also groan,</strong> even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children,including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)it.</span></em> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/ASV/romans/8/#18"><meta_verse translation="ASV" end="45008025" start="45008018"></meta_verse>Romans 8:18-25 NLT</a></div></div><br /><p>You see, people, or believer's, are not the only ones that are groaning. Nor are we the only thing that is going to be redeemed. All of creation is. Notice these passages say "<strong><em>the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children</em></strong> ". It also says, "<strong><em>creation has been groaning......And we believers also groan" </em></strong>We are not the only ones suffering as a result of the curse. All of creation is. But not for long!<br /><br />Here's the Good News!</p><div class="verse"><em><span style="color:#000099;">And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, <strong>I make all things new</strong>. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.</span></em> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/revelation/21/#5"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="66021005" start="66021005"></meta_verse>Revelation 21:5 KJV</a></div></div><br /><div align="center">and......<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="verse"><em><span style="color:#000099;">Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, <strong>at the renewal of all things</strong>, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.</span></em> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/matthew/19/#28"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="40019028" start="40019028"></meta_verse>Matthew 19:28 NIV</a></div></div><br /><hr /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Thank you Jesus! </strong></div><hr /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">The redemptive work of Christ goes way, way beyond the salvation of our souls. It extends to the renewal of all things. We shall live and move and breath on a brand new earth. And even greater than that is the fact that the new heaven itself will come and join itself with us and we shall live forever in the very presence of God.<br /><br /><br /><div class="verse"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for <strong>new heavens</strong> and a <strong>new earth</strong>, wherein dwelleth righteousness.</span></em> </span><div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/2peter/3/#13"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="61003013" start="61003013"></meta_verse><span style="font-size:85%;">2 Peter 3:13 KJV</span></a></div></div><br />So my friends, take heart. You may have been starting to feel as though life has passed you by. Maybe physically or emotionally you are growing weary and you feel like your best opportunities are behind you. Perhaps dreams you once knew have crumbled, you marriage has fallen apart, or you have lost all <a href="http://www.mychurch.org/blog/113425/Get-Your-Hopes-Up" target="_blank">hope</a>.<br /><br />I encourage you today to set your sights on eternity. Life on this current earth is but for a moment. While this world we live in can be filled with evil, deceit, and decay, the earth itself and all of creation was never intended to be that way. The great news is that we get to enjoy forever the wonderful experience of a brand new life on a brand new earth in brand new bodies and in the very presence of a God that will never ever change. Isn't that awesome news?<br /><br /><hr /><strong><div align="center">It get's greater later!</div><em><hr /></em></strong><br />That's all I can share for today and besides this blog is growing too long already. The heart cannot absorb what the attention span cannot endure. Let me leave you with the following quote which I borrowed from Randy's book:<br /><br /><br /></span><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><em><span style="color:#0000ff;">I once scorned ev'ry fearful thought of death,<br />When it was but the end of pulse and breath,<br />But now my eyes have seen that past the pain<br />There is a world that's waiting to be claimed.<br />Earthmaker, Holy, let me now depart,<br />For living's such a temporary art.<br />And dying is but getting dressed for God,<br />Our graves are merely doorways cut in sod.<br /></span></em></span>-Calvin Miller <hr /></div><br />I love you brothers and sisters,<br />MichaelMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-9147108611995121612008-10-12T19:42:00.001-04:002008-10-21T18:30:22.047-04:00The Sun Rising in the West<span style="font-size:100%;"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img height="201" src="http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z229/MichaelATL42/presidential_seal_sm.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></div><br /><hr /><br /><p>Greetings brethren,<br /><br />Grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.<br /><br />I have spent much time over the past several weeks following the Presidential campaign, listening to messages, and watching news videos. Normally, I would not consider myself one who follows politics nor can I say that I have honestly ever supported one particular party or another. However, recently I was given a message that was preached by <a href="http://www.voe.org/" target="_blank">Perry Stone</a> and that very message has opened my eyes to some very frightening truths.<br /><br />Friends, I encourage you with every fiber of my being to set aside some time and prayerfully listen to this message. It may be one the most important messages you have ever heard. Due to the size of the file, I have broken this message down into three parts and posted them at the end of this blog.<br /><br />I have been self-debating on whether or not to attempt a post on this topic, but there is this voice deep inside of me that says every Christian and his brother needs to be aware of the bigger picture behind this election.<br /><br />For many of the things I am about to say, I am unable to cite the original source. For this reason I have been reluctant to post this. However, Perry does cite many of them in his audio message and I will again encourage my readers the listen to it in it's entirety.<br /><br />So what brother Michael, you may ask, is it that you are trying to relay? Well, I am glad you asked. What I am prayerfully asking you to consider is this: Is it possible that the current Democratic candidate for the the President of The United States of America is or has Muslim influence? Is there a bigger agenda that what the public wants us to see? I believe if you listen to the message and pay attention to the facts, that you cannot, beyond the shadow of a doubt, answer that question no.<br /><br />Is there proof beyond a shadow of a doubt on this issue? Not that I have been able to gather. But the information does in fact present reasonable doubt as to his authenticity.<br /><br />Consider that it has been stated by Islamic leaders that they intend to have complete control over the United States of America within the next 100 years. They also have stated that they will have people in places of power within the next 25 years. It is part of their overall agenda to get someone seated in the White House as soon as possible. Could it be that Obama has been groomed for a very long time now for this very purpose?<br /><br />Supposedly he has had a lot of financial support from Islamic organizations. I have heard it said that they contributed substantially to his education. Again, I don't have proof of that but it has been said.<br /><br />And then there are all those ties with the former Reverend Wright with many Muslims and Islamic leaders. I heard it stated that Reverend Wright himself was a former Muslim. Perry claims he has seen photos in which the Reverend Wright is posed with Islamic leaders and guess who also appears in those photos? That's right, Barrack Hussain Obama.<br /><br />While I am not claiming that Obama is definitely a Muslim, the possibility does in fact exist. He does claim to be a Christian. And supposedly he has publicly stated that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I suppose that could cause him some serious trouble if he were in fact a Muslim. But what bothers me is that the rest of the world sees him a a Muslim. </p><br /><p>I have heard it said that in other parts of the world they believe that if your father was a Muslim you are automatically a Muslim. Supposedly, other parts of the country are in awe at the fact that we are about to elect a Muslim for president. </p><br /><hr /><strong><div align="center"><strong>Too risky my friends. This candidate is much too risky.</strong></div></strong><hr /><br />There is so much more I wanted to share. But again, I don't have enough information to speak on this authoritatively. But before I finish. Let me present to you the following which is a quote from <a href="http://www.pakistanlink.com/religion/2000/05-12.html">http://www.pakistanlink.com/religion/2000/05-12.html</a>:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#0000ff;"><em>" The Qur’an and Sunnah tell us that this world is not a permanent place. It will end. Just as individuals die, so this cosmic order will die. Every thing will be destroyed and then the Day of Judgment will take place. Allah will then create a permanent or eternal world. There are many Surahs of the Qur’an that speak about the end of this world. But only Allah knows when the end will be. Allah says in the Qur’an, “Verily the Hour is coming - My design is to keep it hidden - for every soul to receive its reward by the measure of its Endeavor.” (Taha 20:15) Even the angel Gabriel (Jibril) and Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon both of them- did not know about the exact time of the Last Days. In the famous Hadith of Jibril, the Prophet -peace be upon him- was asked about the Last Hour and his answer to Jibril was “the one who is questioned does not know more than the questioner.” </em></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong>But the Prophet -peace be upon him- told us many signs of the Last Days and the Last Hour. </strong>Some are minor signs and some major signs. The scholars have collected from the Qur’an and Sunnah more than seventy signs of the Last Days. Some signs are ominous or disastrous. <strong>One of the disastrous signs is the <u><span style="font-size:130%;">“rising of the sun from the West”.</span></u> </strong>When this will happen it would indicate the end is very near. There are many Ahadith in almost all books of Hadith that speak about this sign of the Last Hour. There are many reports in Al-Bukhari and they all agree that this will be a terrible sign. There are many people, who when they will see this sign, would rush to believe in Allah, but it will be too late for them. "<br /></span></em></span><p><br /><br />There is a large sect of the Muslim society that believe this passage is speaking prophetically of the spreading of Islam into the western cultures, particularly the United States of America. They believe that the "sun" represents a new leader who will shed the light of the Muslim beliefs.<br /><br />Did you happen to notice the image of the current Presidential Seal I posted that the beginning of this blog? It is quite patriotic, would you agree? Well, take a look at the newly self-designed seal of the democratic candidate:</p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /><img height="201" src="http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z229/MichaelATL42/obama_seal_1.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></div><br /><br />Looks a quite a bit different, would you agree?<br /><br />So what's the point I am trying to make? Well, take a look at the very center of that seal. It's Obama's campaign logo. Do you see it? Let me blow it up a bit for you: <hr /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img height="200" src="http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z229/MichaelATL42/BT15843-1-2T.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Does that look patriotic to you? Look again. What is it a picture of?<br /><br /> It's a picture of the<em> <strong><u><span style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;">“rising of the sun from the West”.</span></u><br /></strong></em></div><em><strong><br /><hr /><br /></strong></em>Pretty scary stuff.<br /><br /><br />My friends, please don't take this election lightly. This election goes way beyond race. It's not a black and white issue. It's not really even about <em>the</em> issues. It's certainly not about one particular party over another. This race is about us being One Nation Under God! Not Allah, but God. The one true God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Anointed One!<br /><br /><div class="verse"><strong>2:21</strong>And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/daniel/2/#21"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="27002021" start="27002021"></meta_verse>Daniel 2:21 KJV</a></div></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><hr /><br /><div align="center">May God Bless America! <hr /></div></strong></span></span><br /><br /><strong><u>Note:</u></strong> The enemy has been doing everything he possibly can to prevent me from posting this blog. Twice I have lost content prior to being able to save. I have had one heck of a time finding a site to host the files so that I could provide a link to them. And once I did find one, the files disappeared twice again. What a liar he is!<br /><br />Also, I wanted to find a way to add these files to a playlist embedded within this blog but have not been successful in doing so. If you have some information you can provide as to an simple way to accomplish this it would be greatly appreciated. In the meantime, you will have to download the audio files from the following link. Once downloaded they will open right up in Media Player or some other device.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=ffb413695be716ceab1eab3e9fa335cac338f09427107efb" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:180%;">Audio Download</span></a></strong></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-10276389172226901192008-05-24T08:47:00.002-04:002008-05-24T08:50:39.618-04:00Who Made Satan?<span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><hr /><br />Who Made Satan? <hr /></strong></span></div></strong><br />Recently I have been listening to an interesting message about who made Satan. I want to try and explain the basic concepts of this message in hopes of getting some input and or feedback from the body. I like this message. If this is true, it only proves even further that we serve a loving, caring God.<br /><br />Before I begin to try and relay this theory, let me explain that the author of this message does in fact admit that some of his idea is speculatory. But it seemed to strike a chord of truth with me and I want to see if others have heard teachings along this same line.<br /></span><br /><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. <strong>This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one <u>deceiving the whole world</u>—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.</strong> </span><div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/ASV/revelation/12/#7"><meta_verse translation="ASV" end="66012009" start="66012007"></meta_verse><span style="color:#3366ff;">Revelation 12:7-9 NLT</span></a></div></div><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Most of us have grown to believe that Satan rebelled against God in Heaven and was thrown to earth along with one-third of the angels, right? While this has certainly been my belief according to Revelations chapter twelve, that story has never sat real well with me. Why would God place two innocent creatures in the middle of the Garden with this evil, demonic being? Just to see what their chances of survival would be? I don't think so. That's not </span><a href="http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/1002" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:100%;">The True Nature of God</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;">.<br /><br />There is so much about about God's Word that I have yet to gain an understanding of. The book of Revelations especially. Like the author of the message I am speaking of says, he is not certain whether this passage is speaking in symbolism or not. One thing that strikes me about the verses posted above is the fact that Satan is described as being the one already deceiving the whole world. According to the way I was taught, and if Satan was cast out of Heaven before mankind was created, then how could he have been deceiving the world already? The "world" did not yet exist. I don't know. Maybe I am just reading that wrong. But anyway, for the purposes of discussion, let's put these verses aside for a moment and let me continue with these thoughts according to the message. By the way, I am posting a link to this audio message at the end of this blog for those of you who would like to listen to it for yourselves.<br /><br /><strong>Here's the basic concept:</strong><br /><br /><hr /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#0000ff;">God didn't create Satan. God created Lucifer. Man made Satan.</span></strong></div><hr /><br />Lucifer was created as an angelic being. He was the anointed cherub.<br /></span><br /><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3366ff;">And God never said to any of the angels, </span><p><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong> “</strong>Sit in the place of honor at my right hand<br /> until I humble your enemies,<br /> making them a footstool under your feet.” </span></p><p><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Therefore, angels are only servants—<u>spirits sent to care for people</u> who will inherit salvation.</span></strong></p><div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/ASV/hebrews/1/#13"><meta_verse translation="ASV" end="58001014" start="58001013"></meta_verse><span style="color:#3366ff;">Hebrews 1:13-14 NLT</span></a></div></div><p><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></p></span><hr /><strong><div align="center"><strong>Angels were created to care for people.</strong></div></strong><hr /><br />So what if Lucifer was still in his perfect anointed state when God sent him to the earth? Is it possible that the transgression did not happen until after the creation of Adam? Could it be that God's plan was to send Lucifer as a ministering spirit for them?<br /><br />Some people believe that the following passages found in Ezekiel are actually speaking about Lucifer. Let's take a look:<br /><p></p><div class="verse"> <span style="color:#3366ff;"><span class="sup">13</span> </span><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong>You were in Eden, the garden of God;<br /></strong> Every precious stone <em>was</em> your covering:<br /> The sardius, topaz, and diamond,<br /> Beryl, onyx, and jasper,<br /> Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold.<br /> The workmanship of your <strong>timbrels and pipes</strong><br /> Was prepared for you </span><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong>on the day you were created.<br /></strong> <span class="sup">14</span> “</span><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong> You <em>were</em> the anointed cherub who covers;<br /></strong> I established you;<br /> </span><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong>You were on the holy mountain of God;<br /></strong> You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.<br /> <span class="sup">15</span> </span><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong>You <em>were</em> perfect in your ways from the day you were created,<br /></strong> Till iniquity was found in you.<br /> </span><div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/ASV/ezekiel/28/#13"><meta_verse translation="ASV" end="26028016" start="26028013"></meta_verse><span style="color:#3366ff;">Ezekiel 28:13-15 NKJV</span></a></div></div><br /><p><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">He was in Eden, the Garden of God. Who else was in the Garden? Timbrels and pipes? Wasn't Lucifer the worship leader? Could this be speaking of musical instruments built into this angelic being? Was Lucifer in the Garden in his perfect created state? Was he there to minister to Adam and Eve?<br /><br />Is it possible that the transgression against God happened after the creation of man? </span></p><p><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">1</span><span style="color:#3366ff;">:26</span></strong><span style="color:#3366ff;"> And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and <strong>let them have dominion</strong> over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and <strong>over all the earth</strong>, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. <strong>1:27</strong> And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. <strong>1:28</strong> And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and <strong>subdue it;</strong> and <strong>have dominion</strong> over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, <strong>and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.</strong> </span></p><div class="verse"><div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/ASV/genesis/1/#26"><meta_verse translation="ASV" end="1001028" start="1001026"></meta_verse><span style="color:#3366ff;">Genesis 1:26-28 ASV</span></a></div></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:100%;">As we see in these verses God granted great authority to mankind. We were created to be the gods of this world:</span></p><p><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong>82:6</strong> I have said, <strong>Ye are gods</strong>; and all of you are <strong>children of the most High.</strong> </span></p><div class="verse"><div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/psalms/82/#6"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="19082006" start="19082006"></meta_verse><span style="color:#3366ff;">Psalms 82:6 KJV</span></a></div></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Isn't it possible that Lucifer became jealous of man? Did he see this as an opportunity to finally gain the power and recognition that he had always wanted? Angelic power is a designated power. In other words, God could remove that power anytime he saw fit. But the power and authority He gave to man was irrevocable. He gave mankind dominion over this earthly realm and He would not go back on that promise. It became a law of God. (That's why Jesus had to come as a man by the way) Because man had authority over this earth it took a human body to house God's spirit and regain control. But that's another blog.<br /><br />Is it possible that Lucifer saw the innocence of Adam and Eve and recognized their vulnerability and it was at this point that he rebelled against God?<br /><br />And if this is so, could it not be said that because man fell for his deception that at this point we turned over our earthly authority to him unknowingly and, because of this it was actually man that made Satan?<br /><br />Satan is operating on human authority only. He has no supernatural powers. The only power Satan has is that which we allow him. He cannot do anything without our cooperation. The old saying "the devil made me do it" is nothing but a cop-out. <strong></p></strong></span><hr /><br /><div align="center">The devil is a punk!</div><hr />Anyway, that's all I have time to write for now. I thought this was a very interesting concept. How about you? What do you think? I would love to hear your thoughts, beliefs, arguments, or any other comments.<br /><br />Here's the link to the audio file. I would suggest right-clicking it then choose "save as". Once it downloads it will open right up in Media Player.<br /><br /><p></p><div align="center"><a href="http://downloads.awmi.net/teaching/awm_1057b_word2.mp3" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:100%;">Who Made Satan?</span></a></div><p><a href="http://downloads.awmi.net/teaching/awm_1057b_word2.mp3" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </p><br /><span id="fullpost"><br />Type rest of the post here<br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-31482389636090830392008-04-25T13:56:00.002-04:002008-04-25T14:02:17.781-04:00<span style="font-size:100%;"><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Jesus, The Great Mediator <hr /></strong></span></div><p>One of the dictionary definitions of a mediator is "one who intervenes between two disputing parties"
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<br />There a several great examples of mediators in scripture. One of the ones that amazes me is found in the the book of Exodus, Chapter 32. The people had resorted to worshipping hand made gods and were offering sacrifices unto them. But Moses stood in as a mediator to negotiate with God against His wrath. Let's look as a short passage of that chapter:</p></span><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3366ff;">32:7 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted [themselves]: 32:8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These [be] thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 32:9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people: 32:10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. 32:11 <strong>And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?</strong> 32:12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? <strong>Turn from thy fierce wrath, and <u>repent</u> of this evil against thy people.</strong>32:13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit [it] for ever. 32:14 <strong><u>And the LORD repented</u></strong> of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.</span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/exodus/32/#7"><meta_verse start="2032007" end="2032014" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>Exodus 32:7-14 KJV</a></div></div><p>
<br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Wow! Look at Moses in verse 12 asking God to repent. And then look at verse 14, <strong>And the Lord repented! </strong>I would have to say that Moses did a pretty good job of mediating, wouldn't you? </p></span><hr />
<br /><p></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>The Lord repented! Wow! </strong></span></div><hr />
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<br /></strong>Another famous mediator was Abraham. This is a familiar passage of scripture to most. Abraham was negotiating with God when He was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.
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<br />Let's look at a brief passage of that exchange of dialogue.
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<br /></strong></span><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3366ff;">18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 18:24 Peradventure <strong>there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place</strong> for the fifty righteous that [are] therein? 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 18:26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, <strong>then I will spare all the place for their sakes.</strong> 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which [am but] dust and ashes: 18:28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for [lack of] five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy [it]. 18:29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure <strong>there shall be forty found there.</strong> And he said, <strong>I will not do [it] for forty's sake.</strong> 18:30 And he said [unto him], Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure <strong>there shall thirty be found there</strong>. And he said, <strong>I will not do [it], if I find thirty there</strong>. 18:31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be <strong>twenty found there</strong>. And he said, <strong>I will not destroy [it] for twenty's sake</strong>. 18:32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure <strong>ten shall be found there</strong>. <strong>And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten's sake.</strong></span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/genesis/18/#22"><meta_verse start="1018022" end="1018032" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>Genesis 18:22-32 KJV</a></div></div>
<br /><span style="font-size:100%;">That was pretty bold of Abraham to keep on pushing the limit, would't you say? Now we all know</span> <span style="font-size:100%;">from further on in the story that not even ten righteous people could be found and God ended up destroying Sodom and Gomorrah and only one person escaped that destruction, and that was Lot. This is my opinion, and it's the only opinion I have, is that Abraham could have negotiated and got God down to one. I believe God would have agreed to save that city if even one righteous person could be found. But Abraham did a very good job of mediating, don't you agree?
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<br />And then, with one last example, I want to speak of an even greater mediator. <strong>His name is Jesus!</strong>
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<br /></strong><strong></strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><div class="verse"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3366ff;">Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing <strong>he ever liveth to make intercession for them</strong>.</span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/hebrews/7/#25"><meta_verse start="58007025" end="58007025" translation="KJV"></meta_verse><span style="font-size:85%;">Hebrews 7:25 KJV</span></a></div></div><div class="verse"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3366ff;"></span></div><div class="verse"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3366ff;">But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is <strong>the mediator of a better covenant</strong>, which was established upon better promises. </span></div><div class="verse" align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/hebrews/8/#6"><meta_verse start="58008006" end="58008006" translation="KJV"></meta_verse><span style="font-size:85%;">Hebrews 8:6 KJV</span></a></div>
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<br /><div class="verse"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#3366ff;">And for this cause <strong>he is the mediator of the new testament</strong>, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.</span> </span><div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/hebrews/9/#15"><meta_verse start="58009015" end="58009015" translation="KJV"></meta_verse><span style="font-size:85%;">Hebrews 9:15 KJV</span></a></div></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><div class="verse"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3366ff;">And to <strong>Jesus the mediator of the new covenant</strong>, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.</span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/hebrews/12/#24"><meta_verse start="58012024" end="58012024" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>Hebrews 12:24 KJV</a></div></div>
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<br /></span><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3366ff;">For [there is] <strong>one God</strong>, and <strong>one mediator between God and men</strong>, <strong>the man Christ Jesus;</strong></span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/1timothy/2/#5"><meta_verse start="54002005" end="54002005" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>1 Timothy 2:5 KJV</a></div></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant. He is the greatest mediator of all times! He is the link between us and God!
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<br />I hear people speak about how God is going to judge America. That God is about to pour out His wrath on us because we have drifted so far away from Him. While I completely agree that we have drifted away, and that we are self-destructing, I disagree that God's judgement and His wrath are about to be poured out on us.
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<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><hr />
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">If Moses can beg God to repent from His wrath and spare the people and becaue of this, God repented. And Abraham can negotiate with God to spare the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, and nearly succeed. Don't you think that Jesus can do at least that good of a job mediating with God on our behalf?</span>
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<br />Believing that God is about to judge America is a great big slap in the face of Jesus. It's like saying, "thanks, for all you've done, but it wasn't quite enough" Ouch!
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<br />Friends, God's wrath was poured out on Jesus, Every bit of it. He is well pleased. Not with us. Not because of our own good deeds, But because His Son took the punishment that we deserved. All of it!
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<br /><div class="verse"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong>Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him</strong>; he <strong>hath </strong>put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and <strong>the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper</strong> in his hand. 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] <strong>shall be satisfied</strong>: by his knowledge shall <strong>my righteous servant justify many</strong>; <strong>for he shall bear their iniquities.</strong></span> </span><div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/isaiah/53/#10"><meta_verse start="23053010" end="23053011" translation="KJV"></meta_verse><span style="font-size:85%;">Isaiah 53:10-11 KJV</span></a></div></div>
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<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><div align="center"><strong>God is not angry! God loves you! God is Love!
<br />Praise Him for that!
<br />Worship Him for that!
<br />Exalt His Holy Name! <hr />
<br /></strong></div></strong></span><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong>1:10</strong> And to wait for <strong>his Son</strong> from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, <strong><u>which delivered us from the wrath to come</u></strong>.</span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/1thessalonians/1/#10"><meta_verse start="52001010" end="52001010" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>1 Thessalonians 1:10 KJV</a></div></div>
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<br /><div class="verse"><strong></strong></div><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong>5:9</strong> For God <strong><u>hath not appointed us to wrath</u></strong>, but to obtain salvation by our <strong>Lord Jesus Christ,</strong> </span></div><div class="verse" align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/1thessalonians/5/#9"><meta_verse start="52005009" end="52005009" translation="KJV"></meta_verse>1 Thessalonians 5:9 KJV</a>
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<br /><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Jesus, I thank you and praise you for what you have done, are doing, and will continue to do for me. Thank you for not giving us what we deserve. You are my King!
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<br /><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">Amen!</span></strong></p>
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-87633457079735382562008-04-22T11:55:00.000-04:002008-04-22T11:57:59.452-04:00I Am Glad I Didn't Walk With Jesus<div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><hr /><br />I Am Glad I Didn't......</strong></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img alt="walk-jesus.jpg picture by MichaelATL42" src="http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z229/MichaelATL42/walk-jesus.jpg?t=1208461097" border="0" /><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Well, Sort of.... <hr /></strong></span></div></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Of course I am speaking here about walking with him in the natural, walking with Him in the flesh. In other words, walking with Him during His earthly ministry.<br /><br />Walking with Jesus would have been an incredible experience. Watching Jesus perform miracles. Watching Him teach the multitudes. Watching Him spread love and rebuke religion. That would have been amazing. Just being in his presence on a daily basis would have been unforgettable. But would it have been better than what we have available in Jesus today? Would it have been better than walking with him in the Spirit?<br /><br />Think about it. The disciples had to deal with Jesus in his flesh. They saw him get hungry. They saw him sweat. They saw him get tired. They saw him sleep. They saw him use the bathroom. They had to see the human side of Jesus. I can imagine that Jesus even stunk. I know that sounds bad but they didn't have Motel 6's back then. No one was leaving the light on for Him. As much as they traveled in the heat with no change of clothes and no place to bath, I can imagine you could smell Jesus coming a mile away. I believe it is for some of these exact reasons that some, if not all of them, had to deal with periods of </span><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/blog/162973/do-we-look-for-another" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:100%;">unbelief</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;">.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">But we have an even greater means of knowing Jesus. We can develop even greater levels of belief. We have the Written Word to study and meditate on. We have the privilege of learning from others who have gone before us. The prophets of old longed to have the ability to see and hear the things we can see and hear today.<br /></span><br /><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3333ff;">For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.</span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/matthew/13/#17"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="40013017" start="40013017"></meta_verse>Matthew 13:17 KJV</a></div></div><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Not only do we have the privilege of the written Word and the knowledge of those that have gone before us, but we have an even greater gift from whom we gain understanding. The Holy Spirit of God! Jesus in fact said that it would be to our advantage if he leaves.<br /></span><br /><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3333ff;">But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; <strong>It is expedient for you that I go away:</strong> for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, <strong>I will send him unto you.</strong></span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/john/16/#5"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="43016008" start="43016005"></meta_verse>John 16:5-7 KJV</a></div></div><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">What a great gift it is to have the spirit of God available to each of us, and within each of us who believe. To teach us and guide us. To reveal things of the future and give us understanding of things of the past. Yes, walking with the physical Jesus would have been just awesome, but what we have, because he went away, is even greater!<br /></span><br /><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3333ff;">But the <strong>Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost</strong>, whom the Father will send in my name, <strong>he shall teach you all things</strong>, <strong>and bring all things to your remembrance,</strong> whatsoever I have said unto you.</span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/john/14/#26"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="43014026" start="43014026"></meta_verse>John 14:26 KJV</a></div></div><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">We are to walk by faith and not by sight. Blessed is he that has not seen, yet still believes! I have often thought how great it would be to hear an audible voice from God. But now that I think about it, it just might ruin me. For if God spoke to me today, and then tomorrow silence, I would be devastated. I would be wondering what in the world I did to cause Him to leave. I would be spending the rest of my natural life trying to perform just to get God to speak to me one more time! But he speaks to me every day right now, he speaks through His Word.<br /></span><br /><div class="verse" align="center"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">For we walk by faith, not by sight!</span></strong> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/2corinthians/5/#7"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="47005007" start="47005007"></meta_verse>2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV</a></div></div><br /><br /><div class="verse"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: <strong>blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed</strong>.</span> <div align="right"><a href="http://www.mychurch.org/bible/KJV/john/20/#29"><meta_verse translation="KJV" end="43020029" start="43020029"></meta_verse>John 20:29 KJV</a></div></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Thank you Jesus for revealing yourself to us in your Word and by the power of your Spirit. It's great walking with you!<br /></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><hr /><br />What a man! What a plan! What a God! <hr /></strong></span></div><br /><span id="fullpost"><br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-17964150119004993472007-12-20T08:31:00.000-05:002007-12-20T08:43:42.862-05:00Get Your Hopes Up<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><strong><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><strong>Get Your Hopes Up<br /><br /></strong></span></strong></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">How many of you grew up being told “don’t get your hopes up”? </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">You had been planning, asking, and or hoping for something you really wanted. Maybe it was a trip to summer camp, or a new bicycle. Maybe you wanted to go to a Christian school or play in the band. Maybe you just wanted to have more time with your dad. How often, after expressing your desire for things such as these, were you told, “don’t get your hopes up”?<br /><br /></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">I was. I was told that many, many times. I believe that these negations proved to play a major role in some of the problems I faced as a young adult. Why do I believe that? It’s because all that I had been dreaming of or hoping for had been smudged out, instantly.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><div align="center"><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><u></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /><br />Proverbs 13:12 (NLT)<br /></span></u></strong></span><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#0000ff;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Hope deferred makes the heart sick,<br />but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.</strong> <hr /></span></em></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span></p></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Late in my early thirties, after being married for ten years, having three children, and owning my own business, my life took a serious turn for the worse. I found myself poured into a mold that did not line up with what I had hoped for in life. My life had been deferred down the broad and common road.<br /><br /></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Divorce, alcoholism, loss of business, cocaine addiction, crack addiction, homelessness and hopelessness led me straight into an eight month Christian rehab. Christ changed my life during those eight months, and I praise him for that. But that’s not exactly what I am here to talk about today. What I want to talk about are the effects I witnessed as a result of hopes deferred. Mine were quite obvious.<br /><br /></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">During these eight months I lived in a huge Victorian home with thirty other addicts, victims of abuse, drunkards, criminals, and the like. Sounds like a rough bunch, I know. Many times they would not stay through the entire program and others would come in their place. For many, the call of the world was too great for them to endure. But many others did endure. During this period I got to know, personally, many different types of people, from many different walks of life. And you know what I discovered? Each and every one of them had hidden gifts and talents. They were not addicts. They were people. </span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">They were people who's hopes had been deferred.<br /><br /><br /></span></strong></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">As I got to know each of them better, and eventually did some one-on-one counseling, I was able to glimpse into a portion of their childhood and recognize a hope once had. That hope, tragically, had been buried deep with layers upon layers of rejection, disappointment, and resentment. </span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Hope deferred.<br /><br /></span></strong></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">But as with myself, once these people sat under the Word long enough to realize the amazing love God has for them, and once they understood who they were in Christ, a majority of those childhood hopes were brought back into a foreseeable vision. </span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Hope restored.<br /><br /></span></strong></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">In preparing for this little lesson, I searched through the New Living Translation and found 189 verses which contain the word <strong><em>hope</em></strong>. Certainly I am not going to list all of those here. But I have got to tell you how encouraging it was reading through those verses. If you have found some pain buried deep within your heart, perhaps it is directly related to some lost hope. I exhort you to look up some verses that pertain to hope. God’s Word is health and healing to our souls.<br /><br /><br /></span></p></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /></span><strong><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">PUT YOUR HOPE IN JESUS</span></strong></div></strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">I could not list each and every verse that spoke to me this morning, but here are a few that I really want to share:<br /></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /><br /></span><div align="center"><u><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Psalm 10:17</span> </span></strong></u><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#0000ff;"><em>L<span style="FONT-VARIANT: small-caps">ord</span>, you know the <strong>hopes</strong> of the helpless.<br />Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.</em></span> </span><strong><u></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /></span></u></strong></span><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><strong><u>Psalm 25:5<br /></u></strong></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;"><em>Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.<br />All day long I put my <strong>hope</strong> in you.<br /></em></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><strong><u><hr /><br />Psalm 42:11<br /></u></strong></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;"><em>Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my <strong>hope</strong> in God!<br />I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!<br /></em></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><strong><u><hr /><br />Psalm 78:7<br /></u></strong></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;"><em>So each generation should set its <strong>hope</strong> anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.<br /></em></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><u><hr /><br />Proverbs 24:14</u></strong></span> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><em><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your <strong>hopes</strong> will not be cut short. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span></em></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><u><strong></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /><br />Jeremiah 29:11</span></strong></u></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;"><em>For I know the plans I have for you,” says the L<span style="FONT-VARIANT: small-caps">ord</span>. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a <strong>hope</strong>. </em></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><strong><u><hr /><br />Acts 2:26<br /></u></strong></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;"><em>No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises!<br />My body rests in <strong>hope</strong>.<br /></em></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><u><hr /><br />Romans 5:5</u></strong></span> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;"><em>And this <strong>hope</strong> will not lead to disappointment.<br />For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the<br />Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.<br /></em></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><u><strong></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /><br />Romans 15:13<br /></span></strong></u></span><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#0000ff;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">I pray that God, the source of <strong>hope</strong>,<br />will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.<br />Then you will overflow with confident </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>hope<br /></strong>through the power of the Holy Spirit.<br /></span></em></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><u><strong><hr /><br />Hebrews 6:19</strong></u></span> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;"><em>This <strong>hope</strong> is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.<br /></em></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><u></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /><br />Hebrews 10:23<br /></span></u></strong></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;"><em>Let us hold tightly without wavering to the <strong>hope</strong> we affirm,<br />for God can be trusted to keep his promise. <hr /></em></span><p></p></div></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:130%;">Hebrews 11:1<br /></span></u></strong><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;"><em>Faith is the confidence that what we <strong>hope</strong> for will actually happen;<br />it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. <hr /><br /></em></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Your parents loved you. And maybe they did tell you not to get your hopes up on occasion. But our parents could not teach us what they did not know.<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></div></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><div align="center"><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Jesus not only knows the answer, He is the answer.<br /></strong>And today Jesus has something that he’s been dying to tell you, literally:<br /><br /></span></span></p></div></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><div align="center"><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /><span style="font-size:180%;">GET YOUR HOPES UP</span> <hr /></span></strong></span><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span></p></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">I love you brothers and sisters,</span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Michael</span></p><br /><span id="fullpost"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Type rest of the post here<br /></span></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-72924846300957791512007-12-19T09:39:00.000-05:002007-12-25T10:57:39.422-05:00Life Threw Me a Curve<span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><div align="center"><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Life Threw Me a Curve</strong></span></span></span></div></strong><br />Standing at the plate of life, I glance out at the stands<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The tool to make my fans all cheer, gripped tightly in my hands<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The hurler looked me in the eye, ball held as to deceive<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I’ll bring my fans straight to their feet, if only I believe<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />He draws way back, his leg kicked high, anticipation great<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I’ll drive this ball straight to the wall, this one’s fast and straight<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">From the side his arm swung wide, the ball began to swerve<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I was thinking fastball, but life threw me a curve<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />With all my might I swung that bat, to my surprise I missed<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Strike one, I heard the umpire yell, while thousands sighed and hissed<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">That’s only one, I said inside. That will not happen twice<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Keep your eye upon that ball, they yelled to me advice<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I stepped back up, then tapped my cleats and spit upon the ground<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">With shame I looked out towards the stands, the crowd without a sound<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Once again he drew way back, again his leg kicked high<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thinking low and straight and fast, it curved and slid right by<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Strike two, I heard the umpire yell, one more and this game’s through<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I backed away, head bowed to pray, Oh Lord, what should I do?<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">His voice rose up within me, and I clearly heard Him say<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Step back up and set your sights, you will not lose today<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />With Jesus’ words inside me, I stepped back to the plate<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I looked that hurler in the eye, my confidence was great<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">From the side his arm swung wide, the ball began to swerve<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Man I need a fastball, but here’s another curve<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I waited a bit longer, I loosened up my grip<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Anticipation killing me, while biting on my lip<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I swung the bat more slowly, my eyes without a blink<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I’ll hit this ball straight to that wall as long as I don’t think<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Crack! - <span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I heard that sound so loud, the ball it took a flight<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Over the wall and then the stands, that ball was out of sight<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">My fans jumped straight up to their feet, the wave went round and round<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The hurler was defeated, his curve had let him down<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I trotted through the bases, tipped my hat and waved<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">They handed me a microphone but all that I could say<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">was; Jesus was the batter, cause I can't hit the swerve<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">If you prefer a fastball, let Jesus hit that curve!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">By: Michael E. Moore</span></span></span><br /><span id="fullpost"><br />Type rest of the post here<br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-59473700838649922132007-12-18T19:59:00.001-05:002007-12-18T20:01:11.786-05:00Keep Yourself in God’s Love<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;"><strong>Keep Yourself in God’s Love</strong></span></div><div align="center"> </div></strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">How does the title of this blog strike you? Keep yourself in God’s love. For most of my saved life, I have always prayed that <em>God</em> would continue to pour out His love on me. Sounds like a reasonable prayer. But the point I would like to bring out today is, that <em>we</em> can keep <em>ourselves </em>in God’s love. Meaning, it’s <em>our </em>responsibility. I know, you are probably thinking, “No, not more responsibility!” . Trust me, it’s not that difficult to do.<br /><br /></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><hr /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><strong>GOD DOES NOT WITHHOLD HIS LOVE, EVER</strong></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /><br /></span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Look at the following two verses:<br /></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><u><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">1 John 4:8 (New Living Translation)</span></u></strong></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;"><em>But anyone who does not love does not know God, for <strong>God is love.</strong> </em></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><strong><u>1 John 4:16</u></strong></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;">We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. <strong>God is love</strong>, and all who live in love live in God, and <strong>God lives in them</strong>. </span></em></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><hr /><br />GOD IS LOVE</strong><br /></span></span></div></strong></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><hr /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><u>John 4:24 (New Living Translation)<br /></u></strong></span><span style="color:red;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em>For <strong>God is Spirit</strong>, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”</em></span></span><span style="color:red;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /><br />AND GOD IS SPIRIT <hr /></span></strong></span></span></div></strong></span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">God, who is Love, and who is Spirit, is omnipresent. He’s everywhere, all the time. If we are feeling separated from His love, it’s not because he is holding it back. He’s not sitting up on his throne with his arms crossed waiting until you pray just the right words, or pay your tithes, or live a perfectly Holy life.<br /></span></span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span></span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><div align="center"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><strong><hr /><br />GOD IS ALWAYS TRANSMITTING <hr /></strong></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><br /><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">God is always transmitting. Think about radio signals. They are surrounding you right this very moment. You cannot see them, and unless your radio is on, you cannot even hear them. But they are there. If you have a radio, and you go turn it on, and it is tuned into a station, you will hear whatever the station is broadcasting. Now did they start broadcasting at the moment you turned on the radio? Of course not. They were broadcasting the entire time. It is your responsibility to turn on your receiver. As soon as you do, you pick up the signal that was there the whole time.<br /></span></span></p></span></span></span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And so it is with God. His love is all around you, and in you, right this very second. If you are not experiencing that love, you might consider changing the station.</span></span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">So, how, you might ask, do I do that?<br /><br /></span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /><br /></span><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">BY PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT</span></strong></div></strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><hr /><br />A controversial topic for many, I know. But I am here today to tell you that it works!</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">There are many, many verses in scripture that relate to this subject. It is not my intention here today to cover all of those topics. I am not even here to debate whether speaking tongues is for today. Praying in tongues is a very powerful way to keep yourself strengthened and in the love of God.</span></span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Look at these verses:<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><u>1 Corinthians 14:4 (New Living Translation)<br /></u></strong></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em><span style="color:#0000ff;">A person who <strong>speaks in tongues is strengthened personally</strong>, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.</span></em></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><u><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Corinthians 14:14 (New Living Translation)<br /></span></u></strong></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;">For if I pray in tongues, <strong>my spirit is praying</strong>, but I don’t understand what I am saying.</span></em></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><u><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Corinthians 14:39 (New Living Translation)</span></u></strong></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#0000ff;">So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and <strong>don’t forbid speaking in tongues</strong></span></em><strong>. </strong></span></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">We all want, need, desire, and were created to live in the presence of God’s love. Today, if you have never received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by speaking in tongues, I encourage you to receive this amazing gift. Jesus is the baptizer. If you ask him, he will baptize you with the fire. Receive it in the very same way you did your salvation, by faith!</span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Once you have this awesome gift then you will never have to feel separated from the love of God again. How so? Let’s let the Word speak for itself:<br /></span></p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /></span><span class="sup"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><div align="center"><span class="sup"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><u><strong>Jude 1:20-21<br /></strong></u></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#0000ff;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith,<br /><strong>praying in the Holy Spirit, </strong></span></em><em><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u>keep yourselves in the love of God</u>,</strong><br />looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.<br /></span></em></span></span></div></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#0000ff;"><em><br /><br /><br /></em></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><hr /><br />I LOVE YOU BROTHERS AND SISTERS, KEEP YOURSELF IN HIS LOVE <hr /></span></strong></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Thank you.</span></p></strong></span></span><br /><span id="fullpost"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Type rest of the post here<br /></span></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-81303511617072547522007-12-17T20:45:00.000-05:002007-12-17T20:47:22.742-05:00Thank God for Death<font size="3"><strong><div align="center"><font size="3"><strong>Thank God for Death<br /></strong></font></div></strong><br />How many of you would agree that death can be a blessing? Think about it. Life isn't easy. Life can be very painful. Life, on this earth, is not God's greatest.<br /><br />How many of you grew up believing that when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, God instantly became angry at them and banned them from the Garden? I did. I still hear that being taught and preached, even today. <br /><br />Let's go back into the Garden for just a moment and take another look:<br /><br /></font><font size="3"></font><font size="3"><div align="center"><font size="3"><u><strong>Genesis 3:22-24 (New Living Translation)<br /><br /></strong></u></font><font color="#0000ff"><font size="3">Then the L<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ord</span> God said, “Look, the human beings have become like us, <br />knowing both good and evil. <br /></font><font size="3"><strong>What if they reach out, take fruit from the tree of life, and eat it? <br />Then they will live forever!” <br /></strong><br />So the L<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ord </span>God banished them from the Garden of Eden, <br />and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. <br />After sending them out, the L<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ord</span> God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to <strong>guard the way to the tree of life.<br /></strong></font></font></div></font><font color="#0000ff"><font size="3"><br /><br /></font></font><font color="#000000"><font size="3"><div align="center"><font color="#000000"><font size="3">I see this as a complete act of <em><strong>grace, mercy, and kindness</strong></em>. <br /></font></font></div><br />He did not banish them because they disobeyed him. He banished them because God did not want man to have to live for eternity in a fallen state. At this time, there was no way for them to be born again. Had they been left to partake of the Tree of Life, all men would have lived forever. Can you imagine having to live forever? <br /><br />Think about those that are born deformed, or with mental illnesses. Think about cruel, rotten people. Think about the Hitler's. Think about the fact that there would never be a way to escape from evil. You would just have to live with it, forever, and ever.<br /><br />But God was not about to let that happen. He was, and is concerned for mankind. He took immediate action steps to prevent us from having to live for eternity. <br /></font><font size="3"><br /></font></font><font color="#000000"><font size="3"><div align="center"><u><strong>It was an act of Grace!</strong></u></div><p><br />Not only did he get them away from the tree, but he also made certain that it would be guarded, insuring that this tragic event would never happen. He knew that there was a better way coming. He knew that one day his Son would be sent and sacrificed as an atonement for our sin. <br /><br />Did you also know that God continued to walk and talk with Adam and Eve after this. If you read further along in chapter 4 you see examples of this. God did not remove himself from mankind as an act of punishment for our sin. He didn't do it then, and he certainly doesn't do it today.<br /><br />Our sins are not being imputed against us. Adam and Eve's sin was prior the the law being given. And hopefully you know that today, we are lo longer bound to the law. God is not counting our sins against us.</p><div align="center"><u><strong>Romans 5:13<br /><br /></strong></u><strong><font color="#0000ff">For until the law sin was in the world: <br />but sin is not imputed when there is no law.<br /></font><br /><br /></strong></div><p>I have to disagree with people that blame world's tragedies on God. It's just not God's nature to pour out his wrath on us. He poured out all of his wrath on Jesus.<br /><br /><strong><div align="center"><strong>GOD IS NOT ANGRY!<br /><br /><br /></strong></div><br /><br /></strong></p></font></font><br /><span id="fullpost"><br />Type rest of the post here<br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-55385371956892507062007-12-15T11:24:00.000-05:002007-12-15T11:50:12.245-05:00Hell Is Not That Hot<span style="font-size:18;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><strong>Hell Is Not That Hot<br /></strong></span></div></strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Pop pills, seek thrills, lusting for the fame<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">God who? Screw you. Don’t bow to any name.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Snort coke, drink beer, smoke a little pot<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Who’s God? Where’s God? Hell is not that hot.</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Livin large, me in charge, all about the game<br /></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">I am great, no debate, don’t believe in shame<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Running wild with flower child, Makin’ love, not war<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Get high, get by, that’s what life is for.</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">No hope, need dope, cannot stand the pain<br /></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Always high, wanna die, come on acid rain<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Snort coke, drink beer, smoke a little pot<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Who’s God? Where’s God? Hell is not that hot.</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Lifeless, unemployed, livin' on the street<br /></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Ruthless, careless, starting to feel heat.<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">No friends, no ends, beggin' for a meal<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Need a hit, can’t get it, gotta cheat and steal.<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Locked up, facing time, bouncing off this cell<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Cryin out, without a doubt, I’m going straight to hell<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">20 years, I’m in tears, can’t believe the deal<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Need God. Where’s God? God are you for real?</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Found the Word, flipped a page, lookin for a verse<br /></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Jesus lived, then he died, freed me from the curse<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Bowed a knee, cried a plea, searchin' for some love<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Somethin' broke, ain’t no joke, presence of a dove<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Set free, new me, brand new chance at life<br /></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Out of jail, free from hell, givin’ you advice<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Seek the Lord, all your heart, no need to understand<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Seek Him, serve Him, reach out and take His hand.</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">No pills, simple thrills, free from guilt and shame<br /></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">God you came through. Name above all names!<br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Diet coke, root beer, shrimp boiling in the pot<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">What a God! An Awesome God! My past he has forgot!<br /><br />By: Michael E. Moore</span><br /></span><span id="fullpost"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Type rest of the post here<br /></span></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-85856340022104702532007-12-14T15:32:00.000-05:002007-12-14T19:24:26.926-05:00One Thin Dime<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">One Thin Dime</span></strong></div><p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">There comes a time in each mans life when self is not enough.<br />We wake one day, hopes gone astray, and look upon our stuff.<br /><br />Unsatisfied, we cry inside, we’ve wasted so much time.<br />The things we have are meaningless, worth less than one thin dime.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Yesterday we had a dream; we’d make it to the top.<br />From others we’d gain envy, the cream of all the crop.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">But from the top we gain a view of things we’ve never seen.<br />We see the toes we’ve stepped upon while chasing down this dream.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">In looking down upon their frowns the thought to us occurs,<br />That reflective frown you’re seeing friend, I’m afraid that frown is yours.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Success is not about ourselves, not something to be gained.<br />For what success can be achieved from causing others pain?<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Come down from that high pedestal, down from your high plateau.<br />Come down and build relationships, the seeds of love to sew.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">From seeds of love comes true success, from seeds of love life grows.<br />You'll find that frown turned upside down, now washing those hurt toes.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">I’m thankful for the things I’ve had, from them this lessoned learned;<br />Material things within this world are destined to be burned.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">But love endures forever. Love stands the test of time.<br />I would not trade one ounce of love for ten million one thin dimes!<br /><br />By: Michael E. Moore<br /></span></p><br /><span id="fullpost"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Type rest of the post here<br /></span></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-27731447032017373952007-12-10T20:32:00.000-05:002007-12-10T20:33:14.865-05:00The Pain of Jabez<font size="3"><div align="center"><font size="3"><strong><br />The Pain of Jabez</strong></font></div><p><br />Pain is deep within my heart, it’s been there quite some time.<br />I used to try to kill this pain with cocaine, weed, and wine.<br />But temporary fixes, just leave me high and dry,<br />I feel the pain that Jabez felt in decades since gone by.</p></font><p><font size="3"><br />My pain is not within my bones, for there it could be healed,<br />But yet my pain is deep within, not yet to be revealed.<br />It is this pain that keeps me sane, paradoxically,<br />For if I did not feel this pain, I just might not be me.<br /></font></p><p><font size="3"><br />This pain is not about myself, but ones that I have loved.<br />I took them all for granted, not gifts from up above.<br />Now alone I find myself, with heart blood pouring out<br />It seeps from every thought I think, of this I have no doubt.<br /></font></p><p><font size="3"><br />I cry to live life over. I want another chance.<br />I want to learn to live my life; I want to learn to dance.<br />To dance with those who’ve loved me; with those that I’ve made cry,<br />If I could have just one more chance, I'd dance until I die.<br /></font></p><p><font size="3"><br />But wait! I have an option. There is a special way.<br />I could turn my heart towards Jesus, kneel down to him and say;<br />Lord, will you forgive me? Lord, please take me in.<br />Lord, how I have needed you, please forgive my sin.<br /></font></p><p><font size="3"><br />The moment that I do this, I will be born again.<br />He’ll look at me with loving eyes, and tell me I’m his friend.<br />He’ll show me things I’ve never thought, He’ll teach me about life.<br />He’ll heal that pain I’m holding, removing all the strife.<br /></font></p><p><font size="3"><br />Oh Lord, how much I thank you! Oh Lord, you are my King!<br />My brand new life has now begun, Oh death where is your sting?<br />And now I live with purpose, not prey to circumstance,<br />Oh Lord, how much I praise you! May I please have this dance?<br /><br /></font><font size="1">By: Michael E. Moore<br /></font></p><br /><span id="fullpost"><br />Type rest of the post here<br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-82258612157885754912007-11-28T21:21:00.000-05:002007-11-28T21:23:10.905-05:00Hope for the Homosexual<P>I wanted to share a very powerful testimony from a friend of mine. You can read the original version <A href="http://www.mychurch.org/blog/104077/Hope-for-the-homosexual-Sorry-guys-it-isnt-a-real-short-blog" target=_self>here</A></P><br /><P><STRONG><U><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Lucida Sans'">October 19, 1996:<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></U></STRONG><STRONG><EM><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Lucida Sans'"><SPAN> </SPAN>"My curiosity builds in the area of having a relationship with a female.<SPAN> </SPAN>I want to be with one…"</SPAN></EM></STRONG></P><br /><P><STRONG><EM><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Lucida Sans'"></SPAN></EM></STRONG><STRONG><U><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Lucida Sans'">December 3,1996:</SPAN></U></STRONG><STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Lucida Sans'"><SPAN> </SPAN><EM>"I've been contemplating telling my parents about my sexuality.<SPAN> </SPAN>What would I say?<SPAN> </SPAN>I know them pretty well, and I know christianity would be more than mentioned…"</EM></SPAN></STRONG></P><br /><P align=left><STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Lucida Sans'"></SPAN></STRONG><STRONG><U><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Lucida Sans'">December 17, 1996:</SPAN></U></STRONG><STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Lucida Sans'"><SPAN> </SPAN>"I also want to "come out of the closet" to my parents, or at least my mom.<SPAN> </SPAN>I had my heart set on doing it this Xmas, but talking to different people, I'm hesitant.<SPAN> </SPAN>Should I?<SPAN> </SPAN>Is it for the better, for the worse?<SPAN> </SPAN>Is it worth it?<SPAN> </SPAN>I don't know.<SPAN> </SPAN>I hate to hurt them so badly.<SPAN> </SPAN>I even called Kid's Help Phone.<SPAN> </SPAN>The counselor really didn't help though.<SPAN> </SPAN>I guess I was groping for unanswerable questions.<SPAN> </SPAN>I expected too much from one man on the other end of the line…I guess I want a wise man to tell me the "right" thing to do.<SPAN> </SPAN>This is really bothering me.<SPAN> </SPAN>It isn't an easy thing to tell your parents.<SPAN> </SPAN>What do you say?<SPAN> </SPAN>"Hey Mom and Dad, I'm bisexual—I like girls as well as guys!"<SPAN> </SPAN>Arrghh!<SPAN> </SPAN>I 've gotta just go with what feels right.<SPAN> </SPAN>I don't want to hide it anymore.<SPAN> </SPAN>I can't.<BR><BR></P></SPAN></STRONG><br /><P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=left><STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Lucida Sans'"><SPAN> </SPAN>The last week's been a mixture of depression, boredom and thought.<SPAN> </SPAN>I just wish I could find someone to lean on that could empathize and care.<SPAN> </SPAN>Is that too much to ask for?<SPAN> </SPAN>I dunno.<SPAN> </SPAN>Sometimes I feel old for my age, but then I feel so young.<SPAN> </SPAN>What to do.<SPAN> </SPAN>Who is there to turn to?<SPAN> </SPAN>God, probably, but I've drifted so far, and gone my own way…"</SPAN></STRONG></P><br /><P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=left><STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Lucida Sans'"></SPAN></STRONG> </P><br /><P class=MsoNormal align=left><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><SPAN> </SPAN>This came from my own, personal diary.<SPAN> </SPAN>I was 18 years old.<SPAN> </SPAN>I share this because I want to offer hope to parents of homosexual kids, and to those who are struggling with homosexuality.</SPAN></P><br /><P class=MsoNormal align=left><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><SPAN> </SPAN>Although some churches now condone it, the <EM>practice </EM>is clearly forbidden by God's word (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, Romans 1:26+27, 1 Timothy 9+10, 1 Corinthians 6:9+10).<SPAN> </SPAN>More bluntly put, it's an abomination and a sin.<SPAN> </SPAN>However, just telling someone caught up in it isn't enough.<SPAN> </SPAN>If anything, it just makes them feel <EM>more </EM>condemned, hopeless and angry with God.</SPAN></P><br /><P class=MsoNormal align=left><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><SPAN> </SPAN>I don't believe people are "born" <EM>gay </EM>(we'll use this term because it's much shorter than 'homosexual'.<SPAN> </SPAN>Please bear with me).<SPAN> </SPAN>You will see men who seem quite feminine in mannerisms who "turn out" gay.<SPAN> </SPAN>They may have more of certain <EM>hormones </EM><SPAN> </SPAN>present as research has shown, but that isn't what makes them gay.<SPAN> </SPAN>I've never done the stats, but I'd say most of the men who are gay, were molested by another male, lacked a male leader in the home (or the one they had was rarely home) and were raised mostly by females.<SPAN> </SPAN>As for the feminine qualities, people notice those things.<SPAN> </SPAN>Next thing you know, they're calling him a "faggot" or a "fruit".<SPAN> </SPAN>Then that sly devil comes in and starts whispering in his ear, <EM>"Maybe it's true.<SPAN> </SPAN>Maybe you are gay."</EM><SPAN> </SPAN>So the lie; the deception, begins.<SPAN> </SPAN>Same with molestation.<SPAN> </SPAN>The boy is naturally physically aroused, so the devil tells him, because it felt good, he must be gay.<SPAN> </SPAN>It's just like when you tell a child they're stupid all the time.<SPAN> </SPAN>After a while, the majority will start to believe it, and even act it.<SPAN> </SPAN>Words are powerful!</SPAN></P><br /><P class=MsoNormal align=left><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><SPAN> </SPAN>I was molested by relatives for a huge part of my childhood.<SPAN> </SPAN>I recall, for as long as I can remember, being attracted to women.<SPAN> </SPAN>As I grew older, I was used and abused by men to the point of which, for a while, I wasn't very attracted to men at all; more so women.<SPAN> </SPAN>Oft times, lesbians have been women abused by men.<SPAN> </SPAN>Or they lack female influence or are "tomboyish" as I was with two older brothers and no sisters.</SPAN></P><br /><P class=MsoNormal align=left><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><SPAN> </SPAN>What happens with many of these homosexuals who grew up in a Christian home and know what the Bible <EM>truly </EM>says about homosexuality, is they are hurt and confused.<SPAN> </SPAN>They are caught in a lie, and angry with God, declaring, <EM>"Why did You create me into what You hate?<SPAN> </SPAN>That's not fair!"<SPAN> </SPAN></EM>They are deceived into thinking they were <EM>created</EM> gay.</SPAN></P><br /><P class=MsoNormal align=left><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><SPAN> </SPAN>When I got born again, I thought that I should be "instantly delivered" of this.<SPAN> </SPAN>When I still found myself fighting the attraction, I lied to people out of shame.<SPAN> </SPAN>Some people <EM>are </EM>instantly delivered; I wasn't.<SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN></P><br /><P class=MsoNormal align=left><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><SPAN> </SPAN>So am I denying the feelings are real?<SPAN> </SPAN>No.<SPAN> </SPAN>They are as real as the air we breathe.<SPAN> </SPAN>But this is what it comes down to: <EM>"…Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fufill the lust of the flesh.<SPAN> </SPAN>For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things you wish." –Romans 5:16,17 (NKJV).<SPAN> </SPAN></EM>Your flesh desires what is contrary to God's Spirit; <EM>practicing</EM> homosexuality is one such thing.<SPAN> </SPAN>When we surrender to the Lord, and walk in the Spirit, this is a choice.</SPAN></P><br /><P class=MsoNormal align=left><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><SPAN> </SPAN>No, we were not born gay.<SPAN> </SPAN>Yes, the attraction, the feelings are real, but they are sin.<SPAN> </SPAN>And yes, you can choose to repent of it.</SPAN></P><br /><P class=MsoNormal align=left><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><SPAN> </SPAN>Parents of homosexuals; love them, don't nag them.<SPAN> </SPAN>Chances are, if they know the Word, they already know they're sinning. <SPAN> </SPAN>Don't brush it off.<SPAN> </SPAN>When I told a Christian woman who was counseling me when I was 16, that I thought I was bisexual, she said, <EM>"Oh, don't be silly!".</EM><SPAN> </SPAN>Case closed.<SPAN> </SPAN>Don't sugar coat either.<SPAN> </SPAN>They need to choose between their lifestyle and God's lifestyle.</SPAN></P><br /><P class=MsoNormal align=left><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'"><SPAN> </SPAN>For those of you who may be practicing this or struggling with it, there is hope.<SPAN> </SPAN>His name is Jesus, and He loves you.<SPAN> </SPAN>By His Spirit, you can turn from it, and He will fulfill any emptiness you may have.<SPAN> </SPAN>He <EM>will</EM> heal the wounds.<SPAN> </SPAN>Rest assured.<SPAN> </SPAN>But you must call it what it is: Sin.<SPAN> </SPAN>You aren't alone.<SPAN> </SPAN>I promise you God didn't create you to be gay, He created you to be in a relationship with Him.<SPAN> </SPAN>And He's waiting with arms of love for you….He's got something so much better!!<SPAN> </SPAN>Believe me; I know!!!</SPAN></P><br /><span id="fullpost">Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-22386295332059154022007-11-15T09:29:00.000-05:002007-11-15T09:32:23.240-05:00Spiritual Mirror<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>James 1:22-25 (New Living Translation)<br /></strong><br /><span style="color:#0000ff;">But don’t just listen to God’s word. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#0000ff;">You must do what it says.<br />Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.<br /><br />For if you listen to the word and don’t obey,<br />it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. <br />You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.<br /></span><br /></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img height="414" src="http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z229/MichaelATL42/GingerCat.gif" width="350" border="0" /></div><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color:#0000ff;">But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free,<br />and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard,<br />then God will bless you for doing it.<br /></span></span></p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">In the natural, the spirit realm can’t be seen or felt, <strong>the only way to accurately perceive spiritual truth is through the Bible</strong>. Simply take God’s Word and believe it! </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>Jesus said in John 6:63,</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”</em></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>God’s Word reveals spiritual reality. If you want to know what your spirit is like, you must find out from the Word, not relying on emotions or other perceptions. God’s Word is spirit and life! It’s the reflection of who you really are.</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">When you look at your face in a mirror, you aren’t really seeing yourself, you’re viewing a reflection. Even though it’s only a reflection, you have learned to trust it and act on what you see. <strong>God’s Word is just like that mirror; it reflects perfectly who you are in the spirit.<br /></strong></p><br /><strong><br />You must look into God’s mirror and trust the spiritual reality you see! It reflects your new born-again spirit, your innermost part. <br /><br /><br />The context of this message was taken from a teaching by: <a href="http://www.awmi.net/" target="_blank">Andrew Wommack</a><br />To read the entire article, <a href="http://awmi.net/extra/article/spirit_soul" target="_blank">Click Here<br /></a><br />This article is part of a series entitled "Spirit, Soul, and Body". It is an excellent series and I highly recommend it. Following are links to the audio lessons of that series.<br /><br /><a href="http://downloads.awmi.net/teaching/awm_1027a_basics.mp3">http://downloads.awmi.net/teaching/awm_1027a_basics.mp3</a><br /><br /><a href="http://downloads.awmi.net/teaching/awm_1027b_redemption.mp3">http://downloads.awmi.net/teaching/awm_1027b_redemption.mp3</a><br /><br /><a href="http://downloads.awmi.net/teaching/awm_1027c_faith.mp3">http://downloads.awmi.net/teaching/awm_1027c_faith.mp3</a><br /><br /><a href="http://downloads.awmi.net/teaching/awm_1027d_spirit.mp3">http://downloads.awmi.net/teaching/awm_1027d_spirit.mp3</a></strong><br /><span id="fullpost"><br />Type rest of the post here<br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-83751438604489649812007-11-07T09:18:00.000-05:002007-11-07T10:15:19.184-05:00A God of Second ChancesI am so grateful that we serve a God of second chances. The Word is full of examples of how God gave people another chance. It is full of examples of how God used, in a powerful way, people who were once far from him.<br /><br />I too was once far from the Lord. My life was filled with deception, lies, addictions, self-centeredness, selfishness, depression, low self-esteem, anger, bitterness, drunkenness; the list goes on and on and on. But praise God; on December 24, 2004 I was born again!<br /><br />Over the summer I spent a great deal of time studying the book of Romans. Romans is a very powerful book full of truths about the nature of God and the freedom that comes from being redeemed from the curse of the law. It is a book which reveals God’s amazing love, grace, and mercy.<br /><br />In context with the topic of second chances, I wanted to share something that God personally spoke to me while I was meditating on a portion of Chapter 9. Let’s take a look at a few of these verses:<br /><br /><span id="fullpost"><br /><u>Romans 9:6-13 (New Living Translation)<br /></u><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Well then, has God failed to fulfill his promise to Israel? No, for not all who are born into the nation of Israel are truly members of God’s people! 7 Being descendants of Abraham doesn’t make them truly Abraham’s children. For the Scriptures say, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted,” though Abraham had other children, too. 8 This means that Abraham’s physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children. 9 For God had promised, “I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”<br />10 This son was our ancestor Isaac. When he married Rebekah, she gave birth to twins. 11 But before they were born, before they had done anything good or bad, she received a message from God. (This message shows that God chooses people according to his own purposes; 12 he calls people, but not according to their good or bad works.) She was told, <strong>“Your older son will serve your younger son.”</strong> 13 In the words of the Scriptures, “I loved Jacob, but I rejected Esau.”<br /></span></em><br />Look closely at the line found in verse 12. <strong>““Your older son will serve your younger son.”.</strong> When I read that verse God immediately spoke to me and said this:<br /><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">“<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Michael, so it is with you. You have been born again. You are now the younger son. That means that the older son, the old you, has to serve the younger son, the new you!”</span></strong><br /></span><br />Wow! As simple as that may sound, it was and is a very powerful revelation. It means that no longer do I have to obey my old habits. No longer do I have to fall prey to old patterns of behavior. No longer do I have to be dragged around by my emotions. The new me, the born-again me, is in control.<br /><br />So now I can boss the old me around. I can say, “Body” you will get healthy. The Word of God says that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit and I command you to get in line with the Word. It has to obey!<br /><br />I can say, “Depression, The Word of God says that I am to rejoice always and be full of joy”. I command you to praise God and be thankful” It has to obey!<br /><br />I can say, “Limited thinking, The Word of God says that ALL things are possible with God”. I command you to stop putting limits on what can be accomplished in me through Christ. It has to obey!<br /><br />My friends, if you are born-again the same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells within you. As we know from 2 Corinthians 5:17, you are a new creature. All things have become new and everything that is old in your life has passed away. You have been given the authority to take control of yourself.<br /><br /><br /><u>Romans 6:16 says this:<br /></u><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.<br /></span></em><br />Make your old self obey the new, born-again you, which is indwelt with the very Sprit of God. Speak to those mountains. Cast those doubts into the sea. Resist the enemy and he will flee!<br /><br />I pray that this simple little message will help you overcome some of the obstacles in your life that are hindering you from experiencing the fullness of the abundant life that Jesus came to bring us.<br /><br />Take Control!<br /><br />(See also Genesis 18:10, 14; and Genesis 25:23)<br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-17359358784014280512007-11-03T09:56:00.000-04:002007-11-03T10:14:39.711-04:00How far is the East from the West?<div align="center"><strong>Psalm 103 (New Living Translation)<br />A psalm of David.<br /></strong><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.<br /><br />Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.<br />He forgives <u>all my sins</u> and <u>heals all my diseases</u>.<br />He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.<br />He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! </span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128614257037726546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFeTM1g-rwg8xLz2OuNDcXLc-ILrk2FnnpB2UbVS_H9IdG_ymvZ8vvZAhoAMzM7eLeiFSiy9MWGdw_Yv4taXG-pem7D9PRfLx3kZCoM25IT-afmmD_75f4N6k1dafHm_pvQ6LD28FxLo/s200/baldeagle.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.<br />He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.<br />The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.<br />He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong><u>He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. </u></strong></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><strong>Sidebar:</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivko7RoisL1wOFalVjpG_DPQKz054ZseJtT505pESBo2o6X_Pvk_vi0HBzggBDw4EdqhzUfw4DIlleQjYRcqQfWfLeoxAOqm9sTfKV8ThWZ_jAYMehGwOJ6fTOlvE_FCD3F5yfXjXKJPo/s1600-h/23344988.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutl4UdzJ09hLbVTOOk1yxFV76kUmo4w_it4a1ySJ7vnyR3bp0wkZ9zVNZIzLNkdwjj0B1SyVgwAzIEuBPOhcK2t1AMBR476nXSZp4FtX0PIwYKH9_H3hFQvXv2nCcf3dyJRsCKcygbzo/s1600-h/23344988.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128613475353678658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutl4UdzJ09hLbVTOOk1yxFV76kUmo4w_it4a1ySJ7vnyR3bp0wkZ9zVNZIzLNkdwjj0B1SyVgwAzIEuBPOhcK2t1AMBR476nXSZp4FtX0PIwYKH9_H3hFQvXv2nCcf3dyJRsCKcygbzo/s200/23344988.jpg" border="0" /></a>How far is the east from the west?<br /><br />Picture the globe. If you were located at any point on the globe and then began to travel in a northerly direction, eventually you would round the north pole and then be traveling south. Likewise, if you were located at any point on the globe and then began to travel in a southerly direction, eventually you would round the south pole and then be traveling north.<br /><br />However, if you were located at any point on the globe and then began to travel in a westerly direction, you could continue in that westerly direction for infinity. At no point in that journey would you be traveling east. Likewise, if you were located at any point on the globe and then began to travel in a easterly direction, you could continue in that easterly direction for infinity. At no point in that journey would you be traveling west.<br /><br /><strong>East does not meet West and West does not meet East!<br /></strong><br />And so it is with our sin. No matter where you are on the globe, once you accept Jesus Christ as being the Son of God and confess him to be the Lord, you can leave your sin right there, head in the opposite direction, and never have to cross that path of sin again!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><br />Now back to the passage:</strong></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.<br />Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. </span></div><span style="color:#3333ff;"><div align="center"><br />But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him.<br />His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! </div><div align="center"><br />The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.<br />Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! </div><div align="center"><br />Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom.<br /><strong>Let all that I am praise the LORD.<br /></strong></span><br /><br /><span id="fullpost"><br /></div></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419371502569090500.post-68887166974625800572007-10-27T22:45:00.000-04:002007-10-27T23:50:56.583-04:00Christ Is Supreme<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP0WWcU-6hD6rDqxgad2FFEmZrjI0SFRHY1yFpnTs8C1j9CTryxZPwqsJevw9gKON9etFSqkEKhFkp_ITLo7Mqll9M9jvPWhz5EXMNVYTCYbWebGcB4-UxcmziLCrgVAZbEeQXxcDJFM/s1600-h/Rhema_Word_of_God_2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126214074693898946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP0WWcU-6hD6rDqxgad2FFEmZrjI0SFRHY1yFpnTs8C1j9CTryxZPwqsJevw9gKON9etFSqkEKhFkp_ITLo7Mqll9M9jvPWhz5EXMNVYTCYbWebGcB4-UxcmziLCrgVAZbEeQXxcDJFM/s200/Rhema_Word_of_God_2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Colossians 1:15-23 (New Living Translation)</strong><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Christ is the visible image of the invisible God</strong>. He existed before anything was created and <strong>is supreme over all creation</strong>, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. <strong>Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body</strong>. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. <strong>He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross</strong>. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.<br /></span><br /><span id="fullpost"><br />Paul was one sold out dude. I just love his passion for spreading the news. The Good News. The Almost-Too-Good-To-Be-True-News. Here Paul is further educating us as to just who Jesus is. He tells us here that Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before all of creation. It was through Christ and for Christ that all things were created. He holds all things together.<br /><br />Notice that Paul is not speaking in the past tense here. Jesus is still and will always be supreme over all creation. He is the beginning and the end. How does Jesus operate today? Through the Word! You see, the bible clearly tells us that Jesus IS the Word. I wrote a blog a few days ago on this very topic. Included in it was this passage found in John Chapter 1. Verses 1 through 5 tell us this:<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”<br /></span><br />Then in verse 14 we learn this:<br />“<span style="color:#3333ff;">So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son”<br /></span><br />This is taught to us again in 1 John Chapter 1. I love this passage from Verses 1 through 4:<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">“We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.”<br /><br /></span>So then we know that it is only through Christ (The Word) that we can be reconciled to God. That means that no matter how far you may have strayed along the wrong path, no matter what crime you may have committed, no matter how bad you think your life is, through faith in Christ you can be made whole again in the eyes of God himself. Notice in the passage where it says this:<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">“This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Because of what Christ did for us, and because we believe in him, God not only brings us into his presence, but he sees us as “Holy” and “Blameless”, without a single fault! Isn’t that awesome? Without a single fault!<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Colossians 2, verses 13 & 14 say it like this:</span><br /><br />“</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.”<br /></span><br /><br />He canceled the record of the charges against us! Do you have some things on your record my friend that you are ashamed of? I know I did. I had a 40-year trail of bad records. My testimony is proof of that. But thank God for His Word. Thank God that he sent his word to us in human form so that we could believe. I encourage each of you to spend more time with Jesus. Spend more time in the Word. It is life, health, and healing to all. It will accomplish what he sent it to do!<br /><br />I am out of time again but want to thank you for stopping by. Please feel free to leave your comments.<br /><br />Michael<br /></span><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:0;"></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300372744003513864noreply@blogger.com4