tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67848543739565882292024-03-13T10:49:35.553-05:00Bonnie FarmerBonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-48806212670580792512016-01-10T13:10:00.001-06:002016-01-10T13:10:34.426-06:00Ponder On That!<br />
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Like many at the beginning of a New Year, my home church is
kicking off a season of new resolve.
We have been encouraged to set aside a time each day to pray not only
for the goals set forth in our church, but individually as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As I sat down to pray, I couldn’t help but feel like I had
done this so many times before. I
was discouraged as I remembered past resolutions being overtaken by the
pressing event of the day until they were completely forgotten. Nonetheless, I settled in with pen and
paper eager to hear from my Father. I was reminded of our last time together on
Christmas Eve when after having poured out my heart in prayer, I rested in His
presence waiting for a response.
He simply said, I Love You.
Ponder on that!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Today, He expanded on that point, “Remember last
time when I told you I love you?
This needs to be at the forefront of your mind not a list of Do’s and
Don’ts. This will change your
focus throughout the day. How many
times do you mindlessly go off and do things without thinking about Me? Am I going too…not just will I approve,
but am I there in your midst? I love you. That’s the point of this life Bonnie,
My love toward you and it extended through you to others. If you must have a life goal, let it be
love. If you must accomplish
something each day, let it be love.
Love in all its forms; giving, receiving, helps, hope, encouragement,
significance, seeking, soul searching…all in love and nothing but love so help
me God. (Yes, He really said that)
Life is supposed to be FULL not filled. Look it up!”</div>
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</div>
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So, I did.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Webster’s definition of FULL is as follows (parenthesis,
mine):</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Containing as much (love) or as many (instances) as is
possible.</div>
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Complete (love) especially in detail, number or duration.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lacking restraint, check (questioning) or qualification
(worthiness).</div>
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Having distinguishing characteristics (of a child completely
loved by God), enjoying all authorized rights and privileges.</div>
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Not lacking in any essential, perfect (love).</div>
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Being at the highest or greatest degree, full speed, full
strength.</div>
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Being at the height of development (all in love).</div>
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<br /></div>
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Look, I know life is not all rainbows and unicorns, but if I
gave in love and received in love, if I extended help, hope and encouragement
through love, if while soul-searching I found significance in His love.
Wouldn’t this obliterate most of the items on my To Do list? </div>
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<br /></div>
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So, this is my new resolve, to accept the fullness of God’s
love toward me and let Him love others through me. Ponder on that! </div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-76132337369319418882013-12-17T17:38:00.006-06:002013-12-17T17:44:53.149-06:00The Prosperity Test<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The Prosperity Test<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
December 10, 2013<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Who are you going to honor with your
finances?<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">It depends on who receives the first portion
that leaves your checkbook.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5c1101;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #DDDDDD; margin-bottom: 2.5pt;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The following is the scriptural precedent for receiving a
double or confirmation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #DDDDDD; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444;">“Now as for the
repeating of the dream to Pharaoh twice, it means that the matter is determined
by God, and God will quickly bring it about.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #DDDDDD; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.0pt;">Gen 41:32 NAS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #DDDDDD; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The Dream.</span><span class="textgen-41-33"><span style="color: black;"><sup><o:p></o:p></sup></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span class="textgen-41-33"><span style="color: black;"><b><sup>33 </sup></b></span><span style="color: black;">“Now
therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the
land of Egypt.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-41-34"><span style="color: black;"><b><sup>34 </sup></b></span><span style="color: black;">Let
Pharaoh do <i>this,</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-41-34"><span style="color: black;">and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect
one-fifth</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-41-34"><span style="color: black;"><i>of the produce</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-41-34"><span style="color: black;">of the land of Egypt in the seven
plentiful years.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-41-35"><span style="color: black;"><b><sup>35 </sup></b></span><span style="color: black;">And
let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up
grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-41-36"><span style="color: black;"><b><sup>36 </sup></b></span><span style="color: black;">Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the
seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may
not perish during the famine.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span class="textgen-41-36"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt;">Genesis 41:33-36 NKJV</span></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span class="textmal-3-8"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tithing affects every area of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="textmal-3-8"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will a man rob God?
Yet you have robbed Me!</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textmal-3-8"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But you say, ‘In what way
have we robbed You?’</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textmal-3-8"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In tithes and offerings.</span></span><span class="textmal-3-9"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>9 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textmal-3-9"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You are
cursed with a curse,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textmal-3-9"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For you have robbed Me,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textmal-3-9"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Even</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textmal-3-9"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">this whole nation.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>10 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That there may be food in My house,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and try Me now in this,”</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Says the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">of hosts,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and pour out for you</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>such</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">blessing
That</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>there will</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">not</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>be room</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">enough</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textmal-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>to receive it.</i></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span class="textmal-3-11"><b><sup>11 </sup></b></span><span class="textmal-3-11">“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textmal-3-11"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span><span class="textmal-3-11"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textmal-3-11"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Says the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textmal-3-11"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">of hosts;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="textmal-3-11"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="textmal-3-11"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Malachi
3:8-11 NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<span class="chapternum"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Don’t give
your tithe to a Christian University, A TV evangelist or a Christian
Organization; bring the whole tithe into the church (storehouse).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<span class="chapternum"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Because
you’re not tithing YOU ARE under a curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is not cursing you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re cursed because we live in a cursed world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fallen cursed world and what God wants
to do is bring your finances out from under that curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to give the first 1/10 of your
finances because that’s how you redeem the other 9/10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord says if you do this He will
open the windows of heaven and bless you AND HE will rebuke the devourer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="chapternum"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There are two common testimonies:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="chapternum"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tither – “We are so blessed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="chapternum"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Non-Tither – “I can’t afford to tithe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<span class="chapternum"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You will
never be able to afford to tithe until you tithe because you’re under a
curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time you start to get
ahead something else goes wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The devourer is devouring your finances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in;">
<span class="chapternum"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>13 </b></span></span><span class="textexod-13-1"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-1"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">spoke to
Moses, saying,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-2"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>2 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textexod-13-2"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Consecrate
to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-2"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>both</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-2"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">of man and
beast; it is Mine.”</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Exodus 13:1-2 NKJV<span style="color: #5c1101;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in;">
<span class="textexod-13-12"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>12 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textexod-13-12"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">that you shall set apart to the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-12"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">all that
open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you
have; the males</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-12"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>shall be</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-12"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textexod-13-12"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">’s.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-13"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>13 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textexod-13-13"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and
if you will not redeem</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-13"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>it,</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-13"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among
your sons you shall redeem.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="right" style="background: white; text-align: right;">
<span class="textexod-13-13"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Exodus
13:12-13 NKJV</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;">The
verse says “if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is saying you are going to lose it
anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tithe is going out of
your account whether you give it or the devourer takes it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why don’t we give the tithe to God and
the other 90% is blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>90%
blessed by God is going to go a lot further than 100% not blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #5c1101; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in;">
<span class="textgen-47-26"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>26 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textgen-47-26"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And Joseph
made it a law over the land of Egypt to this day,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-47-26"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>that</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-47-26"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pharaoh
should have one-fifth, except for the land of the priests only,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-47-26"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>which</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-47-26"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">did not
become Pharaoh’s.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="right" style="background: white; text-align: right;">
<span class="textgen-47-26"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Genesis
47:26 NKJV</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was not an Egyptian practice this was a God principal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Firstborn Must Be Sacrificed or Redeemed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do you know whether you sacrifice it or redeem it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is a clean animal it had to be
sacrificed (like a lamb).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
unclean it had to be redeemed by the sacrifice of the clean animal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everything in the Bible points to Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Where
you born clean or unclean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-
Unclean (we were born in sin)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Was
Jesus born clean or unclean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>- Clean<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Firstborn clean (Jesus) had to be sacrificed so the
unclean (you and I) could be redeemed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jesus is God’s Tithe.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God gave Jesus first, while we were yet sinners….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Firstfruits Must Be Offered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in;">
<span class="textexod-23-19"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>19 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textexod-23-19"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the
house of the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-23-19"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">your God.
You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="right" style="background: white; text-align: right;">
<span class="textexod-23-19"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Exodus
23:19 NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="textexod-23-19"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The scripture says <i>bring </i></span></span><span class="textexod-23-19"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">because you can’t give what doesn’t belong to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring it to the house of the Lord.</span></span><span class="textprov-3-9"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="textprov-3-9"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>9 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textprov-3-9"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Honor the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textprov-3-9"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">with your
possessions,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textprov-3-9"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and with the firstfruits of all your
increase;</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textprov-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>10 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textprov-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So your barns will be filled with plenty,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="textprov-3-10"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and your vats will overflow with new wine.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in;">
<span class="textgen-4-3"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>3 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textgen-4-3"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And in the
process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of
the ground to the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textgen-4-3"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-4-4"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>4 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textgen-4-4"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat.
And the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-4-4"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">respected
Abel and his offering,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textgen-4-5"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>5 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textgen-4-5"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">but He did
not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance
fell.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="right" style="background: white; text-align: right;">
<span class="textgen-4-5"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Genesis
4:3-5 NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="textgen-4-5"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why did God accept Abel’s
offering and not Cain’s?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Firstborn
belongs to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Firstfruits belong
to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scripture says, “in
the process of time”, meaning when he got around to it, Cain brought “an”
offering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not the first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God doesn’t receive second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is never in second place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is always first. When you give Him
an offering that is not first it is not accepted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In His nature He cannot accept it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Tithe
Must Be First.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in;">
<span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>30 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And all the
tithe of the land,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>whether</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">of the seed of the land</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>or</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">of the fruit
of the tree,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>is</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">’s. It</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>is</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">holy to the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></span><span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="right" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; text-align: right;">
<span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leviticus 27:30 NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Don’t touch what is
Holy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t leave it in your
account.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring it to the house of
God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The tithe is the first 1/10
that LEAVES YOUR HAND. The first one is the redemptive portion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can redeem the other 9/10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a heart issue not a legalistic
issue. When you put God first everything else falls in line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="textlev-27-30"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Therefore…</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in;">
<span class="textexod-13-14"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>14 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textexod-13-14"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying,
‘What</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-14"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>is</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-14"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-14"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">brought us
out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-15"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><sup>15 </sup></b></span></span><span class="textexod-13-15"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go,
that the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-15"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">killed all
the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn
of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="textexod-13-15"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">all males
that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Exodus 13:14-15 NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was in bondage, but God…with a Mighty hand delivered me.
Therefore I gladly bring to God the first of all my income.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything I have I know it came from
His hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a privilege to give
Him the firstfruits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Please visit www.gatewaypeople.com and watch The Prosperity Test.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-23083277602226364112013-12-17T13:34:00.003-06:002013-12-17T13:34:28.980-06:00The Power Test<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The Power Test</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
December 3, 2013</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Definition of Power – The ability to do something or act in
a particular way as a faculty or quality. The capacity or ability to direct or
influence the behavior of others or the course of events. - Webster’s</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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1. From where
does power come?</div>
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In John 19:10-11 we see that power was given.<span class="textjohn-19-10"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="textjohn-19-10"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not
know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” </span></span><span class="textjohn-19-11"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus answered,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">“You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been
given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater
sin.”</span>
</span> John 19:
10-11 NKJV<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
word power in this New Testament passage is Strong’s 1849 exousia (in the sense
of ability) jurisdiction strength of judicial decision – </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jn 19:10</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In Psalm 62:11 we see Power as an attribute (an
inherent part) of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="textps-62-11"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">God has spoken once,</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />
</span><span class="textps-62-11"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Twice
I have heard this:</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />
</span><span class="textps-62-11"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">That
power</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="textps-62-11"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><i>belongs</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="textps-62-11"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">to God. </span></span><span class="textps-62-11"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 10pt;">Psalm
62:11 NKJV</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">The word power in this Old Testament passage is Strong’s 5797 oz,
oze; or (fully) Power is one of God’s attributes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The desire for power comes from God. Why, to help people. It is only Satan that distorts it.</div>
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2. To whom does
power come?</div>
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The humble.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 10pt;">James 4:10</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text1pet-5-5"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="text1pet-5-5"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><i>your</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="text1pet-5-5"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">elders. Yes,
all of</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="text1pet-5-5"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><i>you</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="text1pet-5-5"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for </span></span><span class="oblique"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">“God resists the proud,</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span class="oblique">But
gives grace to the humble.”</span><span class="text1pet-5-5"><b><sup> </sup></b></span><span class="text1pet-5-6">Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time, </span></span><span class="text1pet-5-6"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">1Peter
5:5-6<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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3. Why does
power come?</div>
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So that He may establish is covenant. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power,
who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for
God was with Him.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Acts
10:38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Summation: All
power is inherently God’s. He
gifts power (to steward) to further His kingdom. I interject steward because as we have learned we will be
tested by how we steward any gift of God.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-44343428162043475562013-11-27T15:08:00.000-06:002013-11-27T15:08:02.162-06:00The Prophetic Test
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<b>The Prophetic Test
– Study Notes<o:p></o:p></b><br />
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November 26, 2013<o:p></o:p></div>
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Definition of Prophecy - Any utterance, whether including a
prediction or not, of one who has received his message from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NAS <o:p></o:p></div>
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Prophetic words can be either conditional or unconditional<o:p></o:p></div>
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He sent a man before them— Joseph—<i>who</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> was sold as a slave.<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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They hurt his feet with fetters, He was laid in
irons.<b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Until the time that his
word came to pass, The word of the Lord tested him</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Psalm 105:17-19 NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I have included the New Living Translation because the last
sentence is so clear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them Joseph,
who was sold as a slave.<b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">They bruised
his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar.</span><b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the
Lord tested Joseph’s character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Psalm 105:17-19 NLT<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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his word – dabar – what is said, the actual word itself<o:p></o:p></div>
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The word – imrah – commandment, the literal word of God,
torah<o:p></o:p></div>
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God tests Faith with Prophetic words<o:p></o:p></div>
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God tests Character with the Literal Word of God<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I Submit
My Word to His Word<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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For we know in part and we prophesy in
part.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Corinthians 13:9 NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Prophetic words are like a piece of a puzzle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I Test My
Word<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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All prophetic words should be tested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though the word may be pure it is being
delivered through an earthen vessel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So test it against the pure word of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">1
Thessalonians 5:18-21 NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hold on
to My Word<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Until your word comes to pass, cling to your faith in Christ
and keep your conscience clear. Pastor Morris states the way to a clear
conscience is through upright actions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you,
based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight
well in the Lord’s battles. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your
conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences;
as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. Hymenaeus and Alexander are two
examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn
not to blaspheme God. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">1
Timothy 1:18-20 NLT<span style="color: #421808;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Again, I have included another version for clarification.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m passing this work on to you, my son Timothy. The prophetic word that
was directed to you prepared us for this. All those prayers are coming together
now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on
your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in. There are
some, you know, who by relaxing their grip and thinking anything goes have made
a thorough mess of their faith. Hymenaeus and Alexander are two of them. I let
them wander off to Satan to be taught a lesson or two about not blaspheming.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Timothy 1:18-20 The Message</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Definition of Blaspheme – (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance
#987 Blasphemeo)<o:p></o:p></div>
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To vilify, to speak impiously (not pious<b>:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> lacking in reverence or proper respect (as
for God or one's parents), speak evil of, rail on, defame, revile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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This word means to use speech to bring down another’s value,
honor; due-respect; to injure another’s reputation in the eyes of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any contumelious (scornful, insulting,
insolent (rude, arrogant, lack of respect)) speech, as of those who railed at
Christ, those who speak contemptuously of God or of sacred things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Please keep in mind that these study notes are merely
highlights from the teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
encourage you to watch The Prophetic Test at <a href="http://www.gatewaypeople.com/">www.gatewaypeople.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for clarification and greater
understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-48429359814235237082013-11-20T10:48:00.000-06:002013-11-20T10:48:25.660-06:00The Prison Test
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The Prison Test –
Study Notes</div>
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November 16, 2013</div>
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Every test Joseph encounters has to do with
stewardship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have seen him
steward actions, body, attitude, other people’s property and now perseverance.</div>
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“And not only <i>that,</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that <b>tribulation
produces perseverance</b></span>;<b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
</span><b>perseverance, character</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">; and </span><b>character,
hope</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">. Now </span><b>hope</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> does not dis</span><b>appoint</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">, because the love of God has been poured out in our
hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5: 3-5 </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">(bold, my addition)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Tribulation
Produces Perseverance<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Patience is keeping your heart right while your waiting.</div>
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Perseverance is a fight or battle while you are
waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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“These things I have spoken to you,
that in Me you may have peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the
world.” <span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">John 16:33</span></div>
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A Trial is short.</div>
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Tribulation is a long trial.</div>
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<br /></div>
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2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Perseverance
Produces Character</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The bible does not say that anything else produces character
aside from perseverance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The worst
thing you can do is to deliver someone from a trial that God is using to
produce the character they will need in their destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Our response to the trial determines how long we are in it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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God never rewards manipulation. (Genesis 40: 14-15, 23)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph asked the cupbearer to “mention
me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was two years later that the cupbearer remembered
Joseph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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God is waiting for your character to come up to your
destiny.</div>
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<br /></div>
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3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Character
Produces Hope</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Hope is that God will walk with us through our trials not
deliver us from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Character is not only how we act, it’s how we react.</div>
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<br /></div>
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4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Hope
Produces Appointments</b></div>
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“Now hope does not disappoint, because
the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was
given to us.” Romans 5:5</div>
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<br /></div>
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The statement, hope does not disappoint is a double
negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not and dis are both
negatives so we can restate this as….Hope appoints.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We can look forward to being used through God appointments
because<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“the love of God has been
poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Prison Test teaching can be found at www.gatewaypeople.com Enter The Prison Test in the search bar and look for the video from March/April of 2013. </div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-23139641424323892312013-11-15T16:42:00.020-06:002013-11-15T16:42:17.593-06:00The Purity Test
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aKkmTu8pgTSSrNMo51PDO1c7GFOQAa85PFB4ri0L9wzJV8f_D_urp5DlR4VK3xuU8JOJ8AbVzM6642gQkDPIzKVPHEg4k8YoxmSY6JKhV3Ief9oC_ZUq0mcqLbzR-5rlSLxNqqf5pNj-/s1600/eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aKkmTu8pgTSSrNMo51PDO1c7GFOQAa85PFB4ri0L9wzJV8f_D_urp5DlR4VK3xuU8JOJ8AbVzM6642gQkDPIzKVPHEg4k8YoxmSY6JKhV3Ief9oC_ZUq0mcqLbzR-5rlSLxNqqf5pNj-/s200/eyes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This week we explore Joseph's Purity Test in Genesis 39. Needless to say, sexual morality it is not a popular topic. However, it is worth exploring because it not only affects our life, but the lives of those we love as well. </div>
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<b>The Purity
Test – Study Notes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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November 12, 2013</div>
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Sexual morality has everything to do with character. A
person who will be immoral in this area of his or her life will also be immoral
in other areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sexual immorality
opens the door to a host of other sins such as lying and deception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Impurity
Affects Your Family<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
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Iniquity
– inward and dwells in the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lust is an iniquity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sin
or Trespass means to cross the line or transgress<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– outward movement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b> “</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our
iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we
are healed.” Is 53:5</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8.0pt;">KJV</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I understood that Jesus died for my sins, but bruised for my
iniquities gave me pause.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“God…keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving
iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting
the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to
the third and the fourth generation.” Ex 34:6-7<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you have a blind spot for a weakness in your own life you
are not going to see it coming in your children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not sins of the father visited on the children as
commonly quoted, but inward iniquity of the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Impurity
Affects Your Faith<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you keep immorality in your heart it will affect your
relationship with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine
coming before God worshiping with raised hands and a covered heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Impurity
Affects Your Future<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Satan will lie and tell you no one will ever know about your
sexual immorality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are two
people who already do: God and you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Immorality is disobedience toward God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such disobedience will cost you the presence of God that you
need in order to reach your destiny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Impurity
Begins in the Eye <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Genesis 39:7 says, Potiphar’s wife “cast longing eyes on
Joseph”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Where I look <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Symbol;">-</span> What
I hear <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Symbol;"> - </span>What I feel <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Symbol;"> - </span>What I expect<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I actually borrowed that last line from Beth Moore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each statement has an affect on the
next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t want to get
caught in the trap DON’T LOOK. (Matthew 5:28; Psalm 101:3; Proverbs 27:20;
Matthew 6:22-23; Job 31:1)<o:p></o:p></div>
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As always, I encourage you to visit www.gatewaypeople.com and check out the teaching from Pastor Robert Morris. Enter The Purity Test in the search bar in the upper right hand corner and click on the teaching from March/April of 2013. These notes are directly from the video and Pastor Morris' book, From Dream to Destiny.</div>
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Blessings!</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-66296139178592939942013-11-06T15:56:00.000-06:002013-11-06T15:56:42.812-06:00The Palace Test
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<b>The Palace Test –
Study Notes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
November 5, 2013</div>
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The Palace Test is a test of Stewardship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are you going to do with those
things that have been entrusted to you by God?</div>
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At this point in our story <span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">(Genesis
39)</span> Joseph is installed into Potiphar’s home and entrusted with “all
that he had”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We soon find
that whatever Joseph put his hand to prospered because he was a faithful
steward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before we see how let me just
say…</div>
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<b>Prospering is not
a bad word!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Lord would like for your
marriage to prosper, your children to prosper, your work to prosper and your
relationships to prosper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants
you to succeed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Don’t let a bad prosperity doctrine
or the enemy’s guilt steer you away from God’s blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are 63 mentions of prospering in
the Old Testament alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
it’s safe to say prospering is God’s idea.</div>
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1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>The Key
to Prospering is the presence of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Gen 39:2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man.” <span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Orthodox Jewish Bible says; “…a man God makes
prosper.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very clear that
the cause of success is the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>The Key
to the Presence of the Lord is Obedience.</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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2 Chronicles 17:3-4 – “ the Lord was with
Jehoshaphat….because he walked in God’s commandments.” <span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">NKJV</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #421808;">1 Samuel 18:14 - </span>“David
was prospering in all his ways for the Lord <i>was</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> with him.”</span><span style="color: #421808; font-size: 8.0pt;"> NASB</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>The Key
to Obedience is Faith.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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If we really believe, we will obey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Hebrews 3: 18-19 “And to whom did He swear that they would
not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could
not enter in because of unbelief.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">NJKV</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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It was not disobedience that prevented them from entering
in – it was unbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they had
believed God’s words, they would have obeyed Him. And if they had obeyed Him,
they would have entered into His rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>The Key
to Faith is hearing the Word.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This is the best news yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is something we can all do…hear the Word of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Romans 10:17 – “So faith <i>comes</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">NASB</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Isaiah 55:10 – “So will My word be which goes forth from My
mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And
without succeeding <i>in the matter</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> for
which I sent it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">NASB<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Word accomplishes, succeeds, transforms, heals, equips,
restores, protects, enlightens and gives hope. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There is power in the Word of God!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Summary:<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Word produces Faith<o:p></o:p></div>
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Faith produces Obedience<o:p></o:p></div>
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Obedience produces the Presence of the Lord<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Presence of the Lord produces Prosperity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I encourage you to watch this teaching at <a href="http://www.gatewaypeople.com/">www.gatewaypeople.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best way to find this video is
enter – The Palace Test in the search bar located in the upper right hand
corner of the main Gateway website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A list of videos will come up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Select The Palace Test from March/April of 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May God bless you in hearing the
word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-67307960061952992222013-10-30T11:18:00.000-05:002013-10-30T11:18:00.803-05:00The Pit Test<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCJNG_nMwCyIolJ5LhoMsRdSM2BxorYuq6UrfoArvELCafAh40EjIAQep2J8bmBlwUnQ1hSAAgXAnoCTh-AAVgbVwgTM4dxJ6SLasP2qsB2rplbCe6HCa_epJU4waURwrGP7SZngjuLUa/s1600/hole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCJNG_nMwCyIolJ5LhoMsRdSM2BxorYuq6UrfoArvELCafAh40EjIAQep2J8bmBlwUnQ1hSAAgXAnoCTh-AAVgbVwgTM4dxJ6SLasP2qsB2rplbCe6HCa_epJU4waURwrGP7SZngjuLUa/s200/hole.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Last night was awesome! Great teaching followed by great discussion. I think we all have a new appreciation for the purpose of the pit. I honestly thought this was going to be a depressing study. I found only a loving Father gathering His children unto Himself. Be Blessed! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>The Pit Test – Study Notes<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">October 29, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">What is it in my <u>character</u>
that God is trying to mold or shape to allow me to reach my destiny?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Position of the Pit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">How did you get in this
position?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">If
you are struggling with relationships ask – How do I present myself?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Pride
says, “It’s not pride in me, it’s envy in them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in a blame society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you feel the issue is on the other side you need to
ask this question because you may be the reason a bridge is not being
built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">If
you are struggling with bondage ask – Am I blaming others?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Whether
a financial bondage or a recurrent sin (Rom 7:15<b> “</b></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I don’t understand what I do. I don’t do what I want
to do. Instead, I do what I hate to do.”) We need to take responsibility for
our part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Joseph’s father gave him a
gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our father gives us
gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph was proud of his
gift so he lost it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Is
your identity in your gifting?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do
you tell others about your gifting?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do
you work your resume into conversations?</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">When Joseph repented he not
only regained what he lost, but more importantly the relationship with his
Father was restored. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Perspective of the Pit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">When we fall in the pit often
the first voice we hear is that of the accuser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s get God’s perspective on the pit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Conviction
– Is specific and constructive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>i.e.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You did this
_____.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is what you need to do
now________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Condemnation
– Is general and oppressive. i.e.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are a bad person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will never accomplish anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God can’t use you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">GOD NEVER CONDEMS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">John 3:17 “For God <b><u>did
not</u></b></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"> send his Son into the world
to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">NIV</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Purpose of the Pit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">To deliver us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">To bring us back to the
Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">When Joseph was thrown into
the pit he probably blamed everyone around him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we stop kicking and spitting we will most likely come
face to face with ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Jonah
2:2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I cried by reason of mine
affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and
thou heardest my voice.” </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">KJV</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">You
may be sitting in a pit, but you don’t have to remain there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus went to the pit so we wouldn’t
have to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cry out with sincere
repentance and be restored to the Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">To watch The Pit Test go to www.gatewaypeople.com </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-65689263110413682702013-10-23T14:58:00.001-05:002013-10-23T15:59:40.619-05:00The Pride Test<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;"></span></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Over the next ten weeks I will be sharing from our home study group. Last night we had our first of ten studies in the Dream to Destiny series. The Pride Test was very eye opening. Please do not read the first line, "God has a dream for you" and say, "Heard that 1,000 times...no thank you." Pastor Robert Morris makes some very good points about how we never reach our destiny because of known or unknown pride in our life. If you are thinking, "I've already dealt with pride." Did you know that with each new level of responsibility or authority comes a new pride test? This is an issue we will visit many times in our life.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>If we missed you this week, you can view The Pride Test at <a href="http://www.gatewaypeople.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.gatewaypeople.com</a> Click on the media tab and look for the broadcast from April 2013. It's not to late to join us next week. Looking forward to jumping in the pit with you and viewing, The Pit Test. Sounds fun! </b></div>
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<b>The Pride Test –
Study Notes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has a
dream for you.</div>
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If you want to know what the dream is you are going to have
to get to know God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t brag
about the dream.</div>
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Don’t tell everyone, just be faithful and do it!</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pride always has to have a voice.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pride always has to have an opinion.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pride always interrupts people.</div>
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<br /></div>
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3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deal with
the root of pride.</div>
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The root of pride is insecurity.</div>
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<br /></div>
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4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dream
you were given is not the same as the destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dream is a maturing time to get ready for the destiny.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Joseph was given a dream that his brothers would bow down to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The objective/destiny was not
that he would have others bow down to him rather that he would be in a place of
authority to save them (famine).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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The most misquoted verse in the bible:</div>
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<br /></div>
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Pride goes before ____________.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most would instinctively say, “fall”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Proverbs 16:18 tells us “Pride
goes before destruction.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
think if I fall I will just get up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Destruction is a whole different ballgame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God in His grace and mercy will allow difficulties and
obstacles so we will stop and turn toward him lest we be destroyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
1 Corinthians 4:4 <span style="color: #421808;">(NASB) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>4 </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">For I am
conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the
one who examines me is the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Application Point:<o:p></o:p></div>
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1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use the
three pride statements above as a jumping off place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each night this week set aside 5min to ask one of these
questions. Do I always have to have a voice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I always have an opinion? Do I interrupt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, what is the root of my
insecurity that causes this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
merely looking for an opportunity for God to speak to each of us individually
about things we may or may not know. <span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">(1Cor 4:4)</span>
If you don’t feel these questions apply to you, ask anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might be surprised where it leads.
Remember the end goal is not condemnation, but rather allowing God to equip us
for our destiny, which will ultimately glorify Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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Blessings – Bonnie</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-85414157597706129102013-01-28T18:34:00.001-06:002013-01-28T18:34:18.859-06:00The Red Leather Coin Purse
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufAUK1ou_yJklArrIYT5wUF-f_IVgAfkmCpnFecWdCNiVDiPiAVR3aie82xN3khIgcaQ7MGNbZ4tfqCcQCs6cxYiGheeLtNK5uNkiop0dlz430RxktOqnte7I63pnuwEd6obIyLTX08ln/s1600/5429672401_caa09b45f2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufAUK1ou_yJklArrIYT5wUF-f_IVgAfkmCpnFecWdCNiVDiPiAVR3aie82xN3khIgcaQ7MGNbZ4tfqCcQCs6cxYiGheeLtNK5uNkiop0dlz430RxktOqnte7I63pnuwEd6obIyLTX08ln/s320/5429672401_caa09b45f2_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>The first time I went to see her I was a little afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother had warned my brothers and I
to be on our best behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No
running around, be quiet and use your manners”, she stated firmly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tentatively approached the old brick
building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door was opened but
it was so dark inside our eyes couldn’t make out anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we moved down the hallway we
came to a sitting room with sparse furnishings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The back windows were open and as our eyes adjusted we
noticed an elderly lady sitting in a chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she rose to welcome her guests I noted that she was
all of four foot nothing and quite stiff as she moved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect now my mother feared we would
blow her over with the slightest movement, thus the warning to mind our
manners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled warmly and
greeted us with a twinkle in her eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had a surprise and had been waiting all day for us to come
visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked over to a table
and picked up a jar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She handed it
to my father who was instructed to spread the contents out on the carpet “for
the children” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat
down as he poured out hundreds of shinny copper pennies. We couldn’t believe
our good fortune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up to
see the little lady beaming from ear to ear, but she wasn’t done yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went back to the table, grabbed her
handbag and pulled out a beautifully worn red leather coin purse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She handed it to my father and motioned
for him to add it to the pile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
cheerfully gave all that she had right down to the last cent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brothers and I spent a great deal of
time counting out the coins and dividing them up equally. All the while, my
parents visited over a cup of coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every time I glanced their way she seemed to notice and would turn and
smile at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It clearly gave her
great joy to bless us with all she was able to give.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This little lady was my great grandmother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was born and raised in England and
was everything you can imagine an English Lady to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well mannered, soft spoken, sweet, gentle and loved us with
all her heart simply because we were her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must admit I was immediately taken with her sweetness and
I loved her too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, we lived
in another state and were only able to visit a few times before she went home
to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that time, I was
given her beautifully worn red leather coin purse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It became my prized possession as it reminded me of the
little lady who not only loved me without condition but, gave all she had
because of it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I kept the coin purse in my drawer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just finished counting it’s
contents, a whole seven dollars, which I accumulated from my chores when my
brother came into my room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told
me he had a special secret hiding place for his money and at the ripe old age
of ten, I discerned this was very wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I went to my father and told him I needed a special secret hiding place
of my own and he suggested I put the coin purse in his sock drawer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brilliant!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one would ever suspect I put my money there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A week or so later I went back to my
special secret hiding place and to my surprise the coin purse was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I immediately went to my father and
asked him what happened to the coin purse and he replied “What coin purse? I
don’t know what you are talking about. ”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My prized possession, my red leather coin purse was
gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never mind the seven dollars
I had amassed in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gift from
my Great Grandmother was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was heartbroken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I only tell you the next part of the story to say it is not
the point of my telling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems
like a logical end, but as it turns out God had a better ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I loved my earthly father with all my heart, but the simple
truth is, he had a drinking problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I realized shortly after this event that the cost of a case of Schlitz
beer, his drink of choice, was…you guessed it… seven dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exactly the amount contained in my coin
purse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After wrestling with
betrayal, loss of trust, dishonesty and down right selfishness, I mean let’s be
honest this child was sideswiped, I decided to love the man and hate the
brokenness. This practice served me well over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to put up healthy boundaries
and keep my heart intact and un-jaded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While this is truth, as I said there is a better ending to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a side note, I am happy to say my
father recommitted his life to Jesus, was sober and I have no doubt he loved me
with all his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While doing my morning study I came to a verse that
immediately brought to mind this event and with one fell swoop completely
overtook my previous mindset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
when I thought it was settled and completely in the past the old pit in the
stomach came back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one where
you know that you buried something in your own understanding and God was about
to reveal a truth so amazingly beautiful it would bring tears to your eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit that my eyes are
spilling over just now as I write this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is so complete in our restoration that he leaves no stone
unturned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the ones we stomp
into the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am getting
ahead of myself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Indulge me a moment while I share the verses from my Beth
Moore study Beloved Disciple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Romans 5:8 says “God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we
were still sinners, Christ died for us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of the most significant qualities found in Gods brand of love is
that it is demonstrative. In other words, show me don’t tell me! Christ
directed His followers to love as He loved them. 1 John 3:18 says, “Little
children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and
truth.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, one of the most
important dimensions of agape love is that it is demonstrative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what did I learn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gift was not the red leather coin
purse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was the love behind
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A gift that could never be taken away. </span>The love that Christ
demonstrated is the same love we as believers are instructed to extend to
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My great grandmother gave
everything she had simply because of who I was, to her. This was the true
gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is there a loss, which has left a big gaping hole in your
heart; a relationship, a better time, perhaps even an object that was merely a
symbol of affection?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could it be
that the love behind each of these things is tucked deep inside your heart
where it can never be taken away?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, if my Great Grandmother, being of flesh, gave so
much simply because of who I was, to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Imagine the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love
simply because of who we are, to Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-23349732449620920112012-11-08T17:43:00.001-06:002012-11-08T17:45:18.158-06:00Hold On<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIC123xEtucpJ6MJ9maTrNBeRc7vxWYNpIrGSd1uSeq_OTYjCHpBJLn1exublraf7dMPk4SL8MQHCovdVlUQ0_vPDxLr40jk8EOi9u7q1hIf8cbxNyxilRXZzjsD0aSM4L0QILVN5_rL9/s1600/crowd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIC123xEtucpJ6MJ9maTrNBeRc7vxWYNpIrGSd1uSeq_OTYjCHpBJLn1exublraf7dMPk4SL8MQHCovdVlUQ0_vPDxLr40jk8EOi9u7q1hIf8cbxNyxilRXZzjsD0aSM4L0QILVN5_rL9/s320/crowd.jpg" width="320" /></a>Do you ever feel like the whole world is pressing in on
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Feel </span>like you are trapped
with no feasible way out? I have never been comfortable in confined
spaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am certain that when I
was an infant swaddled in a blanket I was screaming inside, “Let me out!”
Frankly, that feeling has not diminished as an adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I met my husband he played in a band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved live music so while dating we
went to many concerts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to
focus on the music, but my stress increased throughout the evening as I looked
at the size of the crowd and anticipated the mass exodus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the time came, the only way I
would survive without a full-blown anxiety attack was to grab my husband’s arm,
close my eyes and walk just slightly behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would forge a way through the crowd and if I happened to
peek the only thing I saw was his broad back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I knew it, I was outside breathing in the fresh
air….free.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This wasn’t my only option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could have walked into the hallway and yelled, “ Move
aside and let me pass.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturally,
they would question, “Who are you?” and would be correct in doing so as I had
no authority in that situation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could have waited an hour or so for the crowd to naturally
dissipate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, how much of my
life do I want to give up to fear?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could have jumped into the crowd without a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have quickly become overwhelmed
as I was crushed on every side lacking the strength to push my way out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank goodness I had the thought to trust someone bigger
than myself. One who not only formulated a plan as he could clearly see the
exit door, but also had the strength to forge a path for me. One who grabbed my
hand, as I threaded it through his arm, and never let go until I was free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have heard from many who are going through a tough
season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some wonder why
their prayers for direction are met with silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, May I encourage you that Jesus has authority over
every obstacle you encounter. If you are met with silence you have a clear
decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust or not trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the concert I had to literally shut
my eyes to change my focus. I did not need to understand how we were going to
get out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply needed to trust
in the one who was holding my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ironically, when we feel so lost and out of control these are the times
we are most richly blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a
lesson is no longer something we simply read in a book, but actually experience
it changes your paradigm forever.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grab onto the Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you see your hand threading into His, know there is
neither cause to hide in fear or jump without a plan for He has already forged
a path you need only hold on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-45125983714942496782012-09-26T10:12:00.000-05:002012-09-26T11:07:33.546-05:00Yom Kippur - The Day of Atonement<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSfWXbCdpbx_gnS3Pd2suOskO73d72mpa_3mp97jKTAHDF5o62B2OJLat3ULRzWXxMloSsfGCwNYGcfHxqN36U86-R1-Fp8ECNUV5v4Kaas879wsCDtY95K8147tzdlqygSODyn4pML0a/s1600/3493592912_273862e988_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSfWXbCdpbx_gnS3Pd2suOskO73d72mpa_3mp97jKTAHDF5o62B2OJLat3ULRzWXxMloSsfGCwNYGcfHxqN36U86-R1-Fp8ECNUV5v4Kaas879wsCDtY95K8147tzdlqygSODyn4pML0a/s200/3493592912_273862e988_z.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the last week, various organizations have sent out a
call to prayer for our nation, government and world situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prayer time was to begin today, Yom
Kippur, and end on Election Day, November 6<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This initiative included a list of
prayer requests for each day so we could be unified in our voice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning I was completely prepared to humble myself, cry
out for forgiveness and mercy and seek blessing. I sat down with my journal,
dated the top of the page and began with The Lord’s Prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not typical, but inspired so I went
with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I continued on with
the “list” of prayer requests I felt less and less passion to continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized I was supposed to spend more
time listening than talking and here is what I heard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh, what is man without a Savior?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can he exist for any good purpose when flesh rules and
reigns?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have tried everything
without Me, but it was never intended to be that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have compassion for the lost and weary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world is a cruel master.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not my creation but how it has been
exploited…for gains, not sustenance…for profit, not pleasure…for greed, not
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Return to Me oh people of mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have redeemed you long ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Savior, my own Son, brought forth in great pain of my
heart, but also with great love for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>See the sacrifice as an open door to enter my Kingdom… to come to Me
freely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hated the veil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The separation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the way is open and so few choose to
come near.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the message of
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come Near to Me My
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be your
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To hold you up, to walk out
this life into the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
relationship will be eternal.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was a little girl and went to my father to confess my
wrongs I was usually sent to my room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Separated from my family with a grounding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today when this little girl came before her Heavenly Father, she heard
“Come Near to Me…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the
heart of our Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has come
to restore and redeem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, that we
would let Him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-36999403384678240752012-04-10T14:41:00.003-05:002012-04-10T14:49:40.645-05:00Help, is where I am<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu_QcK_TsavNJRoIWx3zvSDNtp1Kzm7CXyWufA6WQbnyfL0hX7vxtj32VPHT7PQItFHvBnBDFAGN2L94WwPwIcYUXumGOiXYGCJnQwLbbDfnk5m6Qi6zLR4GfXmxZbUXiYnfdw9DheOce/s1600/1424235805_4469d6e3a4_o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu_QcK_TsavNJRoIWx3zvSDNtp1Kzm7CXyWufA6WQbnyfL0hX7vxtj32VPHT7PQItFHvBnBDFAGN2L94WwPwIcYUXumGOiXYGCJnQwLbbDfnk5m6Qi6zLR4GfXmxZbUXiYnfdw9DheOce/s320/1424235805_4469d6e3a4_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729860585226957538" /></a><br /> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>485</o:Words> <o:characters>2769</o:Characters> <o:lines>23</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>3400</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>11.1287</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotshowrevisions/> <w:donotprintrevisions/> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:usemarginsfordrawinggridorigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">When I was younger I watched Gilligan’s Island almost every day after school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The show so preoccupied my thoughts I even dreamed one night I was on the island with the whole crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was very sad when I woke up because I really wanted to stay there and oh how I tried to get back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For several weeks I went to bed with a picture of the island in my head and said, “I want to go to Gilligan’s Island” over and over until I fell asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m sorry to say I never visited again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Are you hoping and praying for things that are not coming to pass?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This morning in my prayer time I heard the following:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Help, is where I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Turn not from the desires put in your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hold on to righteousness for righteousness is Christ!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You can impact many more than you realize if you will just start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Just start and I will be there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Help, is where I am…loving you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Having never heard the phrase, “Help, is where I am” I decided to do a little research on the word help and here is what I found out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Greek word <span lang="EL" style="mso-ansi-language:EL">Bonoela</span> (boetheia <i>bo-ay-thi-ah</i><span style="font-style:normal">) is from the word aid; specifically a rope or chain for frapping a vessel; - help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><i>Boetheia</i><span style="font-style:normal"> denotes (1) “an answer to a cry for help”:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help (</span><i>boetheia</i><span style="font-style:normal">) in time of need”, Heb 4:16 literally, “(grace) unto (timely) help”; and (2) in Acts 27:17, where the plural is used, the term is nautical, “frapping”: “Which when they had taken up, they used helps (</span><i>boetheia</i><span style="font-style:normal">), undergirding the ship and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Frapping means to use ropes or chains to wrap around a ship to prevent its demise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(Strong’s Expanded Concordance)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I believe God has put things on your heart just like He has mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They were not put there to dream about, or petition nightly in hopes they would come true, but to actually “do” them as they were meant to impact others for good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s time to tackle the dream, start the “good works” we were created to accomplish, and honestly look at the personal shortcomings, which hold us back.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never get off the same old path if you don’t stop and walk a new direction.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never be more loving unless you love without expectation.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never encourage others if you are afraid to speak.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never be more giving until you start giving things away.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never be humble if you don’t repent.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never keep your integrity if you don’t maintain it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never truly know God’s heart unless you read His word.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never know peace until you stop trying to “make it happen”.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never do the greater things until you complete the lesser things.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never forget to thank God if you continually talk to Him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never learn from others if you believe they have nothing to teach you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never witness the lame walk or the blind see unless you “go for it”. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never share your story of salvation if you are afraid of rejection.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never be a light on a hill if you are unwilling to take the hill.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">However…if you step out in Faith</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You will never need to worry about becoming shipwrecked like Gilligan…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In answer to your cry for help, God will wrap His arms around you to prevent your demise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For He says “Help, is where I Am”.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-69649610287148936852012-02-10T13:52:00.007-06:002012-02-11T08:57:10.166-06:00Spring<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh1kPQr4CF_qTDFhvCci-rHyay_6qpQsnou_u8tJTI4ChckfSwqZNwt2VjS39nwhR8OTQ8Q7I8I_fG4AA8q2mx2ffyWDUDkAzn6Gg_h32hRwYM76zjWDqFjpQZyuXV-mBIRivkgH6KkmO/s1600/5703387817_3f999080b5_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh1kPQr4CF_qTDFhvCci-rHyay_6qpQsnou_u8tJTI4ChckfSwqZNwt2VjS39nwhR8OTQ8Q7I8I_fG4AA8q2mx2ffyWDUDkAzn6Gg_h32hRwYM76zjWDqFjpQZyuXV-mBIRivkgH6KkmO/s320/5703387817_3f999080b5_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707597872263544114" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Ten years ago when we bought our home, there was a climbing rose bush on the front fence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My husband and I decided we would leave it up for privacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Over the years I would prune it a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Honestly, only enough to prevent my husband from getting marred when he cut the grass. As time went on the blooms began to fade from pink to white, small mulberry trees had grown up in the middle and the old dead branches were so interwoven with the new growth it became impossible to discern where to prune.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The bush was now more than 10 feet tall by 15 feet wide and was so heavy it was breaking the fence and pulling it off its foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This was no longer a simple pruning job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was time to take this monster down. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I went out one unusually mild January afternoon with the plan of cutting it little by little each week so that by spring it would be gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was not outside more than 15 minutes when a white truck pulled up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Out stepped a man who asked, “Do you need any yard work done?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I laughed out loud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“What would you charge me to take out this rose bush?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He gave me a price of $30 plus the brush dump fee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Amazingly, that was all I had at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Within an hour the bush was gone, the pieces were swept up and the fence repaired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is no longer any evidence of the monstrosity that once dominated my front yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now before you all ask for the number of my incredibly reasonable new yardman may we consider a few things?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had a monster that I put off dealing with for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My first excuse was it provides privacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How many times in our own lives do we ignore things because it gives us a place to hide?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How many times do we fail to address issues until they actually begin to break our ability to stand and pull us off of our foundation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In my rose bush I actually had new growth coming from dead shoots.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What a deception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I honestly don’t understand that, but in reality what kind of flower, if any at all, could come from this foundation?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Within a few minutes of my decision to tackle this bush (issue) a white truck showed up. He had actually been driving up and down the neighborhood looking for people who needed help.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Who does that sound like? And the price was really nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was more of a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A gift like the one we received from Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were a snarling mess of thorns and fading blooms, the appearance of life interwoven in death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As we made a decision and took one step toward Him, He cut the whole thing down to the foundations. Not to destroy us, but to build us up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He gave everything He had in exchange for everything we had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the end there is no evidence of what once was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is however the expectation of new growth in the spring. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mark 1:15</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-64901901728101090562012-02-04T15:31:00.003-06:002012-02-04T15:35:26.906-06:00Lost and Found<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVALxwJu9b-iwld7ArGzCcNQjWTHij2d0DGNHt-Ec9TBIZozWyxA9fyyNbDRPPnye-Lxr5UOjro_M2rpQrXPu9PydUqgvoLKUBXWCoNcSU4IdVavsJWrHXN_0py0bnXcBLfK7L_OXLoHF/s1600/LostandFound.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVALxwJu9b-iwld7ArGzCcNQjWTHij2d0DGNHt-Ec9TBIZozWyxA9fyyNbDRPPnye-Lxr5UOjro_M2rpQrXPu9PydUqgvoLKUBXWCoNcSU4IdVavsJWrHXN_0py0bnXcBLfK7L_OXLoHF/s200/LostandFound.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705396857868384834" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">During my quiet time last week I heard the following word. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“You have been found.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Everyone is telling my people they are lost. (lost hope, lost future, lost dreams)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Tell them they have been found!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“You have been found righteous through Christ.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You have been found a friend.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You have been found loved by a Father.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You have been found with a future.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You have been found with a hope.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You have been found realizing your dreams.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Set your eyes on Me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have my eyes on you.”</p> <!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-24404880001620997582011-12-16T12:30:00.002-06:002011-12-16T12:35:54.254-06:00Dear Sister,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBnd_kpf1Lc7rdd064xFuxH4D5_07pCVa-7qjvRDNeGJXgdNd1W7FyDzy3VFO9MFs1b-aI_g_ZX1CdnmXn0ucgFVrdMSyjT5gAy69DrlnS7OGISucagN03mQ808Cw56MnB8lWK5Kp3mSS/s1600/4994562708_8d76105c63_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBnd_kpf1Lc7rdd064xFuxH4D5_07pCVa-7qjvRDNeGJXgdNd1W7FyDzy3VFO9MFs1b-aI_g_ZX1CdnmXn0ucgFVrdMSyjT5gAy69DrlnS7OGISucagN03mQ808Cw56MnB8lWK5Kp3mSS/s200/4994562708_8d76105c63_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686795504256580258" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dear Sister, </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> It has been a while since I have written and I have so much to tell you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Mrs. Periwinkle down the street passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She was the one who wore all those silly hats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In spite of our many compliments, I remember the days we would spend laughing away with our girlfriends talking about those hats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The one with the bird’s nest and the one with the pinecones and squirrel tail…don’t get me started. Well, you won’t believe what happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At her funeral all of those hats were lined up on a table and beside each one was a card with the name of the girl whom she bequeathed it to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t know how she knew, but by the end of the ceremony each one of us departed wearing the ridiculous hat we most disliked.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I guess she got the last laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I volunteered to bake pies for the fundraiser at church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ok, so I’ve never made a pie in my life, but Bradley Hunt was standing right next to me when I was asked so what could I do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ve liked him forever and I thought maybe if he saw how charitable I was and believed I was a good cook it could improve my chances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He did smile when I volunteered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, he looked quite shocked when I delivered said pies to his mother’s home, until….. I explained that my six-year old adopted cousin, from the orphanage, helped bake the pies and then his smile returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, to be fair it did look like a six-year old made the pies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I just hope he never finds out I don’t actually have a cousin. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had lunch with Belinda, Marcie and Rachel last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Belinda is so rude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh, if she wasn’t so popular I swear I just wouldn’t bother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Anyway, she asked to borrow my green dress for the Swanson’s dinner party and had the gall to add, “Even though I may have to take it in a little.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, I fixed her good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I took the dress in two inches on each side and then delivered it with a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I showed up to the Swanson’s dinner party I asked her why she didn’t wear the dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In all her regal ness she replied, “It didn’t hang right on me.” then turned around and left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, I’m off to write my novel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oh, I didn’t tell you Bradley also thinks I’m a published author and we are discussing my new book this weekend on our first date….wish me luck! </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Sincerely</i><span style="font-style:normal">,</span> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Your Sister </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wow, that was fun to write.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I do have a point by the way actually one for each situation in the letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>First, deep down people know when you are being genuine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The only person you are fooling is yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Second, give out of your gifts and talents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>People will appreciate you for being you. Finally, be gracious in every situation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It will be your face you see in the mirror the next morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-79621618537779341132011-12-10T14:57:00.004-06:002011-12-10T14:59:59.661-06:00Grand Opening<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oDOTDXTW8xeJ610zPa_OJ0W5C1n4AgzXhvsTp_kN_xSq0wQLspzDWRGO05Zl4aTs2x3p7J8wZLEme_tXkFxpX-uLM9OerJEKFNFmfldIS-zJKquimPwvaWkO-If1pbgyIBVGPr2NXbUa/s1600/4110838700_aaba5348b3_o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oDOTDXTW8xeJ610zPa_OJ0W5C1n4AgzXhvsTp_kN_xSq0wQLspzDWRGO05Zl4aTs2x3p7J8wZLEme_tXkFxpX-uLM9OerJEKFNFmfldIS-zJKquimPwvaWkO-If1pbgyIBVGPr2NXbUa/s200/4110838700_aaba5348b3_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684607034253511426" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">The grand opening sign was quite small and unassuming, but what was happening inside was the biggest thing to hit our town yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had been waiting months for the store to open and some had been waiting years for something like this to actually happen. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I waited in line, I couldn’t help but take in the spectacle around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The brick building was small at a mere five-feet by seven-feet with drive up windows on each side. I had inched my way up and was only a few feet from the “menu”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I knew I must weigh my options carefully realizing my first time here I couldn’t order “one of each” even though I really wanted to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The line was moving at a good pace in spite of the many cars wrapped around the block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I couldn’t help but notice everyone drove away with a smile. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finally, I am next in line. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="border:double windowtext 4.5pt;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="Charcoal CY"font-family:";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span lang="RU" style="font-family:";"><b>Main Menu:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;">Deeper Knowledge of God<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;">Healthy Lifestyle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;">Hear God Speak<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;">Children That Mind<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;">Respect at Work<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span lang="RU" style="font-family:";"><b>Sides:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;">Peace<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;">Joy<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;">Organized Schedule<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;">Happiness<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-left-alt:thin-thick-small-gap;mso-border-bottom-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-right-alt:thick-thin-small-gap;mso-border-color-alt:windowtext;mso-border-width-alt:4.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family:Constantia;">Good Night Sleep<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:13.5pt;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together"><span style="font-family:Constantia;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:13.5pt;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together"><span style="font-family:Constantia;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:13.5pt;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together"><span style="font-family:Constantia;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:13.5pt;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together"><span style="font-family:Constantia;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:13.5pt;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together"><span style="font-family:Constantia;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:13.5pt;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:lines-together"><span style="font-family:Constantia;"><span style="mso-tab-count:4"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Chalkboard;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Just as I had finished perusing the menu an angelic voice came over the intercom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Welcome to Blessings R Us….How may I bless you today?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Yes, thank you, I will take a Deeper Knowledge of God with a side of Good Night Sleep.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The intercom clicked on again, “Please pull forward.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was thinking how easy that was when I suddenly realized she didn’t say how much it would cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I pulled up to the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As it opened a slender hand reached out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“I don’t know what you want….you didn’t tell me the cost?” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A woman leaned slightly out the window and quietly replied, “Surrender.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Surrender?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Surrender what?” I wondered out loud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She gave me a faint smile and simply said,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Your way.” <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Those two little words slammed hard into my chest though she said them without judgment or even the slightest hint of animosity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“ All I have to do is surrender and I will get A Deeper Knowledge of God and A Good Night Sleep?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“In a manner of speaking.” Finally, we were getting to the bottom of it. “What’s the catch?”, I asked. “No catch, you surrender your way and His way will naturally come through.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had surrendered one night many years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But as I sat there areas came to mind…ones that I had taken back over time and some in truth I never fully gave up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now that I thought about it, these were the very areas in which I struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As the light of understanding came into my eyes she nodded and handed me a card. “For your next visit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I looked at the card:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <div style="border:ridge windowtext 6.0pt;mso-border-alt:three-d-emboss windowtext 6.0pt;padding:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;border:none;mso-border-alt:three-d-emboss windowtext 6.0pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt"><span style="Edwardian Script ITC"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;border:none;mso-border-alt:three-d-emboss windowtext 6.0pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt"><span style="Edwardian Script ITC"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;">Please Come Back Soon</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;border:none;mso-border-alt:three-d-emboss windowtext 6.0pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“What no coupon?” I snarked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“No, next time it will cost you the same, but we are so sure you are going to be satisfied with this visit you will be back until you’ve received everything on our menu.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I drove off I glanced into the rear view mirror to catch a glimpse of the next unsuspecting person and I couldn’t help but notice my own smile in the mirror.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-63397025395710292502011-09-30T18:36:00.002-05:002011-09-30T22:14:32.422-05:00The Big Board<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEns84tBhmg2oVZhi3orZNoaxOnx6WkpQa4qC1LyK8an_BmM5WuHjorHVH9WMIrCMDIELFfwsDXUpCfxrQmtzFNmZhAtskfVT4OmLUJi3_UiMQCin17QObKX7Q4885kmzq_Cm4mCaMl65r/s1600/109308471_fae993fdec_o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEns84tBhmg2oVZhi3orZNoaxOnx6WkpQa4qC1LyK8an_BmM5WuHjorHVH9WMIrCMDIELFfwsDXUpCfxrQmtzFNmZhAtskfVT4OmLUJi3_UiMQCin17QObKX7Q4885kmzq_Cm4mCaMl65r/s320/109308471_fae993fdec_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658301805067094978" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">The small attic bedroom shared by two sisters was full of schoolbooks, clothes, ice skates and dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was a simple time with simple expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Eventually, each found a love to build a life and got married and started a family.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There were bumps in the road as expected, but nothing that couldn’t be overcome…until it that day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The day when one sister’s existence changed from simply living to fighting for her husband’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Six months, a blur of doctor visits, treatments, medicine and pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then as suddenly as it began it ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hodgkin’s had claimed a beloved father in his early 30’s.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yes, his pain had ended, but my Aunt’s was just beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So devastated from the loss of her husband she crawled into her own little world.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Getting up in the morning was a battle often lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In her despair she asked her sister to take her three little ones and raise them as her own.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was a young girl when this happened, but I distinctly remember the many conversations about my Aunt.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Things progressed to a point where My Grandparents sold their home and moved in with her for several years until she was able to heal. As a child I could not understand her inability to function in her sadness. But it caused me to write a “rule on my big board”...Don’t ever let this happen to you!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">For many years I refused to give anyone my whole heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In an effort to protect myself, I had reserved a piece that would allow me to survive if I lost someone I truly loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Strong’s defines abundantly as “beyond measure”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The word might, implies choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was choosing to measure my risk in every situation and allowing the enemy to rob me of this promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Have you lost a loved one?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Did someone you trust mistreat you?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Did a friend betray you?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Did a child take you for granted?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Were you unjustly ridiculed?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">All of these can cause us to play it safe and live under our potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To not only miss the “abundant” blessings but keep us off the playing field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What’s on your list of rules? These are still simple times with simple expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Erase the big board and choose an abundant life!</p> <!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-74060244943212327902011-09-16T15:49:00.004-05:002011-09-16T22:04:57.812-05:00Baby Girl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NMNlDscohmcTvKAR8PhoFqyjcZ35Lbiv_fAHuy60k1A-Ywjeq16Kdgp-OcTF3Nds7hOEzUzM4KrTT0qhC5Ca76Mc6WatKFZbugtnD8f88gaMopxzPC0-MTq2qV2y5PHu4-mNCj2lzrBL/s1600/Library+-+2408.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NMNlDscohmcTvKAR8PhoFqyjcZ35Lbiv_fAHuy60k1A-Ywjeq16Kdgp-OcTF3Nds7hOEzUzM4KrTT0qhC5Ca76Mc6WatKFZbugtnD8f88gaMopxzPC0-MTq2qV2y5PHu4-mNCj2lzrBL/s320/Library+-+2408.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653063805934482178" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">The moment Emma, “Baby Girl”, opened her eyes she was swooped up into the loving arms of Aibileen.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The kindly woman held tight to her precious bundle as she sat down in a rocking chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Her warm hug affirmed, “I Love You!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She set Baby Girl up so they were eye to eye, and as she held her little face in her hands she said, “You is smart, you is kind, you is important.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is my favorite scene from the movie <i>The Help</i><span style="font-style:normal">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Baby Girl was born into a world of privilege yet she seemed to have no favor at all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Her crime, she was not beautiful by her mother’s estimation and therefore shown no love.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">How harsh the world’s standards of beauty, prosperity, education and accomplishments can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While Baby Girl’s mother was more focused on how shiny the silver was or how she looked in her new dress, Aibileen was focused on instilling identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She knew that Baby Girl would need that grounding in order to walk out her position in life with grace.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Don’t we all want that?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know I want to be gracious in the face of impossible and often crushing expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The only way to do that is to let God instill our identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While praying about this post, I felt very strongly that He wanted a moment with each and every one of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Please take this time to come before Him…He has something to tell you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Picture yourself standing before the throne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Your Father is smiling and so happy you have come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now, crawl on up and sit on His lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Look Him right in the eyes and feel His hands take hold of your precious face as He says....<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“You are mine.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“I have chosen you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“No one can snatch you from my hand.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Baby Girl, this is who you are.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Never forget that your name is engraved into the hands of the One who holds you up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No matter what we must temporarily endure it does not compare to what is ours eternally. </p> <!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-76396233314288732312011-09-09T15:10:00.005-05:002011-09-10T14:24:52.475-05:00"You Either Trust Me or You Do Not."<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZsSR_p6UDzwbVNYmpJtnyybhih5rxUa_KOCJDtw7ONfZ0u4Ojg-kaHp3reiSjaFqSVNMdgIQG1jVIsgRXjwRKf7f2iAc_0yD_H0IX1kbSPnhHjamKcanYcP3PAzVBpkSw7-aQpXXpw4H/s1600/5552967169_92fc359654_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZsSR_p6UDzwbVNYmpJtnyybhih5rxUa_KOCJDtw7ONfZ0u4Ojg-kaHp3reiSjaFqSVNMdgIQG1jVIsgRXjwRKf7f2iAc_0yD_H0IX1kbSPnhHjamKcanYcP3PAzVBpkSw7-aQpXXpw4H/s320/5552967169_92fc359654_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650455339611420738" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">On a cold winter night as the world slumbered under a new blanket of snow, one man remained awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The innocent, the sweet, and the unsuspecting could not even imagine the menacing force that prowled outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He scoured the neighborhood seeking whom he may devour indiscriminate in his quest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And then he found it, an unlocked door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Within minutes one child’s life was ended, another permanently scared and a third ripped from her home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After her innocence was harshly stolen, she was discarded as cruelly as the acts perpetrated upon her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My friend was a beautiful girl of seventeen who could light up a room with her smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I learned of her violent end on the nightly news.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In my eighteen years nothing had so profoundly affected me as this random event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I cannot begin to imagine all that has followed for this sweet family, but I can attest to the impact it has had on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To this day, I walk around the house and check all the doors before going to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Though I clung to Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will both lie down and sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me to dwell in safety.” it would be many years before I was able to give the fear over and trust in these words.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Last night as I was preparing for bed I noticed an open window in the bathroom my husband is remodeling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is very old and so badly warped I could not with all my strength muscle it shut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was growing anxious as I thought; a man could definitely fit through that opening, my daughters bedroom is right next door, can I wake my husband up in time if someone were to come through it…..on and on it went.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then I caught my self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I needed to talk to the only one who had the power to affect the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I prayed and asked God to watch over my house and keep us safe I heard “You either trust Me or you do not.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Old wounds have a way of resurfacing from time to time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I believe it is inevitable, but what we do with the situation determines much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I could have believed that since my fear had returned God never really healed me. I could have let fear keep me awake and give the enemy victory over the night. I could have tried to solve the problem myself and hammer the window into place or board it up. I could have dismissed the prompting to pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Because I chose to pray, I was not only blessed with a night’s sleep, but also reassured that when God heals it is done, finished, and complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was able to look an old wound right in the face and say…you have no power over me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One last thought.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I mentioned that to this day I check the doors before I go to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I do this because it is the prudent thing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If you were an alcoholic you would not go to a bar every night saying, “God has removed this temptation from me.” Likewise, no sane person would stand in the middle of a six-lane highway and say, “God will not allow me to get hit by a car.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">Being wise in your decisions does not mean you lack faith. </span> However, when you have done your part, "You either trust Him or you do not." </p> <!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-13753957780041565212011-08-19T15:45:00.002-05:002011-08-19T15:57:35.218-05:00Ask!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLU7y8-Aea58y646mYHFsOWMDdlmhG-OE4kmmQJiAFf3MikpnAk0qKg1cgX1_DB8_F9D0ETtcJSmno3pSEB-MfaWXMmJwgj3LSYjXFrltT8ap3GZnQQEz0GY8vw4jzhIfYgQQ0iyp9Pk7/s1600/3582881939_2a6232b9d2_o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLU7y8-Aea58y646mYHFsOWMDdlmhG-OE4kmmQJiAFf3MikpnAk0qKg1cgX1_DB8_F9D0ETtcJSmno3pSEB-MfaWXMmJwgj3LSYjXFrltT8ap3GZnQQEz0GY8vw4jzhIfYgQQ0iyp9Pk7/s320/3582881939_2a6232b9d2_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642674059366161554" /></a>
<br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">About two years ago God started talking to me about starting a bible study with three of my neighbors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>None of these ladies showed even the slightest interest in faith in our conversations, but He was extending the invitation just the same. I had no problem approaching the first two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The third lady, who I will refer to as Linda, was a bit intimidating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had only one thing in common, we both loved to garden, but our differences were vast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had been married over twenty-five years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She was on her fourth relationship with children from three different husbands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was a suburban soccer mom and she was a country girl who could plow the back forty and still party with the boys all night long. Just saying, I was not the kind of person she would normally hang out with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In fact, I heard from a mutual friend she called me a “Bible Thumper” behind my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Needless to say, I was not very confident the outcome would be positive.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After some time, I finally got up the courage to invite her to the study and she accepted. In the first few weeks she attended we were actually becoming friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She was participating and I think she really liked it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unfortunately, in the middle of the fourth week her boyfriend called and really laid into her.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Apparently, she was responsible for making dinner every night when she came home from work. (Despite the fact that he was unemployed and she was working two jobs to make ends meet.)<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dinner was late and he was angry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She ended the call, quietly made her excuses and left, never to come back again. Over the next several weeks I tried to keep the door open by inviting her back to the study, asking her to join me on a walk and even to come over for coffee. The last time I stopped by her house her boyfriend was very rude, he clearly did not want her to have anything to do with faith and as she shut the door I could hear him harassing her.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With every invitation Linda chose the security of a relationship with her boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After much rejection I gave up pursuing her. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">A few months later, I woke up at 2 o’clock in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I stood straight up next to my bed and as I looked around the room trying to comprehend what was going on, I could not for the life of me understand why I was awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am sorry to say I did not even ask as I crawled back into my bed and closed my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The next morning I heard from a friend that Linda had tried to commit suicide around 2am.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Linda’s boyfriend left her.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She had finally hit bottom, lost all hope and in her time of desperation I was sleeping away in my warm bed. I count this as one of the biggest failures in my spiritual life. It took me quite some time to reconcile this situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You don’t know how many times I wished I had asked “Lord, why did you wake me up?” How many times it ran through my mind, could I have gotten up, walked down the street and helped her? Yes, she had to do her part and choose to walk towards her Father. However, I often questioned if my walking away telegraphed it was a limited time opportunity?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This begs the question, when is it time to walk away?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have come to realize my failure was in not asking this very question. I know some would never even consider it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After all how can we think of walking away when God never gave up on us?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So what did I learn? First, I will never again hesitate to approach someone based on his or her outward actions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our hearts had much in common and if given the time Linda would have seen God’s desire to heal what He so graciously healed in me. Secondly, God clearly invited me to be a part of what He was doing in Linda’s life for a season. The timing should have been left completely in His hands. Lastly, if you clearly hear you are to walk away from someone do not carry guilt. God will not harm you to help another.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He may use you for a season, but if it becomes an emotional detriment or complete sidetrack from our purpose it is time to ask for direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Doing “good” to this extreme is the enemy’s plan not His.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God will not give up on those He loves.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His next step just may not include you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ask!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-29987998239685825632011-06-21T16:12:00.005-05:002011-06-22T13:22:59.442-05:00We Just Don't See Eye to Eye<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadi_wxrEGkAt_YhNsZ6Hab5eC8zcnFC88uQqxXiIuswrOP0znYxYNgCW-O4X_ByXMT4maKwYRtp6Xd8y9vV3fXKDUO90q6NxctuIjGbho5nsieQD5wyD3Y7RsifKRtA4dGLjSKgo51q9n/s1600/3157581845_e5d8a185e2_o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadi_wxrEGkAt_YhNsZ6Hab5eC8zcnFC88uQqxXiIuswrOP0znYxYNgCW-O4X_ByXMT4maKwYRtp6Xd8y9vV3fXKDUO90q6NxctuIjGbho5nsieQD5wyD3Y7RsifKRtA4dGLjSKgo51q9n/s320/3157581845_e5d8a185e2_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620785168835210226" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">During elementary school our children are given the opportunity to earn a trip to the Chicago museums by getting on the honor roll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My youngest daughter Jessica accomplished this the final quarter of last year. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Since Jessica is the last of my five children I have already taken this trip four times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I can literally run up and down the halls of the museums in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is so much to see, but certainly I have my favorites like the Mummies, Dinosaurs, Trains and the cobblestone walk of Yesteryear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As we traveled to Chicago last week, I was excited to see them again and watch Jessica explore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The first thing we did as we arrived at each museum was look at the map and circle the “must see” exhibits. To my dismay Jessica’s “must see” list was very different from the one in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She is what my husband and I refer to as a “Math/Science” brain and I am a “Creative/Art” brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We experience and learn very differently and frankly what inspires me is boring to her and vice versa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Obviously, I knew this about her, but I hoped seeing these things in real life would intrigue her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not a chance.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She stopped to see every bug under every microscope, read every fact on every computer and operate every machine on display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We even spent 30 minutes watching a baby chick peck its way out of an egg and stumble into the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She had a blast! </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jessica earned this trip and we wanted her to have fun, but my purposes for letting her “do it her way” go back a few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When Jessica was younger, I was having a day where my patience was a little short and her inquisitiveness got the better of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We must have been on question number 2,000 for the day and I needed a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I asked Jessica to give me some quiet time, but she was tenacious in her quest for answers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finally, I just prayed “God please make Jessica a little more amendable.” The response was immediate and as close to a shout as I have ever heard from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Do not squash her, I have made her this way for my purposes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This had such an impact on me I will never forget it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I realize this doesn’t mean I should let her run wild and forgo discipline, but I keep in mind my job is to guide her and challenge her to grow in her gifting not change her. God has unique plans for my daughter and I have no doubt a little tenacity will come in handy or He wouldn’t have created her that way. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Are you frustrated with some people in your life because they don’t see things the way you do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our inclination would be to say, “We just don’t see eye to eye” and steer away from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Perhaps God knew that we would stay in our comfort zone, see and experience the world merely from our perspective if we weren’t challenged to do otherwise. With all the choices at the museum I never would have taken the time to watch a baby chick hatch, but what a beautiful memory I have sharing this with my daughter. </p> <!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-8029961392677821472011-06-01T10:22:00.004-05:002011-06-06T14:05:23.175-05:00A Vision: Clash of the Kingdoms<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Nk0fi_1-EpbC9TNsqY8E128oLVG4fab2jcfNd7utmfhw1LHeICv_BnNWYauiUqDSSI7-Bb74K8T89iA0BSgG6r6f3ZNYIJeqbo54NLe2CqO1O-MbeMPoAq4u6D9YiBD-TfX347fLNMVN/s1600/4723061518_3a5b51dd68_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Nk0fi_1-EpbC9TNsqY8E128oLVG4fab2jcfNd7utmfhw1LHeICv_BnNWYauiUqDSSI7-Bb74K8T89iA0BSgG6r6f3ZNYIJeqbo54NLe2CqO1O-MbeMPoAq4u6D9YiBD-TfX347fLNMVN/s320/4723061518_3a5b51dd68_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613271863755986290" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Last night I was playing cards in the kitchen with my daughter Jessica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My husband was watching a show about storms in the other room.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I could not see the TV, but I could hear what was being said and I must confess it put my imagination into over load.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Rolling through my mind was image after image of devastation, lives lost, homes decimated and people overwhelmed with every kind of emotion as record numbers of tornados ripped through the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I found myself asking<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“God, why is all this happening?” The show ended with one man speaking…a pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He said, “When these things happen we are no longer black, white or of any race. We come together as one….and I couldn’t be prouder of America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>None of these “things” matter, it’s about people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We will get through this, together.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Later that evening I fell asleep in front of the TV and woke up around 1am to Glenn Beck. He was talking about all the uprisings that have taken place in the Middle East.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The media sold this as a young generation seeking freedom from the oppression of their leaders, increased education and a better life for their families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For many I believe this is true however, Glenn showed another layer, which was not reported by the media, the socialist agenda and its three primary leaders who were in the midst of these revolts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One of these leaders was teaching at a Socialist conference and he said all nations in the middle east would come together with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood to destroy their common enemy Israel, the Jewish Nation and United States capitalism.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then God gave me the following vision.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I saw a young generation of people ranging in age from teens to late 20’s amassing in a square somewhere in the Middle East.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was drawn up higher and the scene zoomed back to reveal the entire landmass of the middle-eastern region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It zoomed back farther still and widened to include the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At this point I understood there to be an equal number of this age group amassing in the United States as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A new layer was added to the image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could no longer see the landmasses, but what appeared to be wind swirling above each separate area somewhat like the weather satellite picture above.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wind over the Middle East swirled toward the left in a counter clockwise direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was fueled by evil emotion that was so heavy it was palpable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The wind over the United States swirled to the right in a clockwise direction its energy was clearly good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The winds on each side were swirling faster and faster as they grew larger and gained intensity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The winds swelled past their original boarders and each side was growing toward the middle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I knew they were going to clash.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was getting anxious because I thought this is not good there is no way to stop it. I knew that there were real people under these forces and I was concerned for the kids. The evil forces over the Middle East were relishing in anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could hear their thoughts “We have done it, we are mighty, we will finally crush them.” As I looked back at the force over the US I felt nothing but passion and overwhelming love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As the two winds began to clash over the waters I looked to God for understanding…to my astonishment, He was smiling and I immediately felt peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He said, “What the enemy has planned for evil I will use for good.” The enemy heard this and went into a panic, he tried to pull the force back and stop the clash, but the thrust forward had such momentum it could not be stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He was furious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So much hate went into building an army he was sure it was indefensible, but as soon as it clashed with the goodness of God all the hate melted away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some thoughts…I am by no means trying to trivialize the devastation of the recent tornados or even suggest that God caused these disasters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Please don’t go there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am merely highlighting the heart of our nation shining through these horrific situations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Likewise, I am not suggesting the people of the Middle East are in general “bad” people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Just bringing to light a heart I did not know existed within these recent events.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Having said that, there are so many levels to this vision I believe if you pray about it God will reveal truth about what’s happening not only in the world today, but our nation and even our own backyards. I will leave that to God to expand upon and give you understanding if you seek it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My take away...the clash of kingdoms is inevitable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On some level it’s happening every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Are we able to stand up under it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How about the young ones in my vision?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I feel very strongly that we need to be sowing into the younger generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Day after day I encounter young people who are Fatherless and Motherless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are being blown about by the wind because they have been left to raise them selves and afforded very little understanding or foundation of who God is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s heartbreaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Make no mistake </span>God is passionate about this abandoned generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes">We need to grab the hands of those who have been decimated by the storms of life, who are reeling from every emotion imaginable and say, "We will get through this, together". </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-23064748234115766942011-05-23T14:09:00.002-05:002011-05-23T14:15:30.011-05:00Hearing God Through An Intersecting Thought<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayseuqtfC0fTwOtk7Vkp1VGRZ0rr8NE2BvI767-nLa5aGlg771U3BrUxi6ZbFwmkGuafw-1jYb_IXz-SLnfzsubi62F_IH0TVjct1GXSh_TXAI7znUXqTMZk0iN_Di_qgfxKec-OMwYes/s1600/2162622676_a0236cc810_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayseuqtfC0fTwOtk7Vkp1VGRZ0rr8NE2BvI767-nLa5aGlg771U3BrUxi6ZbFwmkGuafw-1jYb_IXz-SLnfzsubi62F_IH0TVjct1GXSh_TXAI7znUXqTMZk0iN_Di_qgfxKec-OMwYes/s320/2162622676_a0236cc810_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609991344751698594" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Last weekend my husband and I caught a 5 o’clock movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Since we did not have time to eat beforehand, we went to IHop afterwards for a late dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The restaurant was pretty quiet and most of the tables were empty because the “late night” crowd had not yet arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A young man at a table on the other side of the restaurant caught my attention. I thought,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“He looks familiar…is that Bob?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could not see very clearly across the restaurant so I grabbed my glasses (no old lady cracks <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;">J</span></span>). When I put them on I noticed that although he looked somewhat similar it was not my friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, throughout dinner my attention kept coming back to this young man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I noticed that he was sitting by himself and had all the mannerisms of someone who frequently ate alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then I heard in my head, “Why do you think I said the name Bob?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ok, this got my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Experience told me this was God’s voice so I asked, “What are you trying to say Lord?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He just repeated, “Bob” and then I got it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He was trying to tell me that this young man was very similar to my friend in his background, his intellect and most of all the depth of his loneliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I got up and went to the hostess station and asked for a pen and a piece of paper.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I came back to the table and began to write the name of my church, the location, the time we met the next morning and the website address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I then got up and went over to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Needless to say, he was very surprised when I sat down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I slid the paper across the table and said “This is for you…if you choose to come I will introduce you to twenty kids your age and you will like them…if not then that’s ok too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He looked over all the information and very skeptically said “ok”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I believe there are many times when God is trying to get our attention and we brush it off as coincidence or just our imagination. This story is a perfect example of how God talks in intersecting thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Let me explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was minding my own business, having dinner with my husband when God highlighted someone in the room. This was my first clue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He then gave me a name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The name of someone I knew to a depth of what his personal struggles were.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This was used to give me insight into the person highlighted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Simple. So what do we do with this information? Please know that God is not giving you information for your entertainment or so that you “know” something about someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He is giving you insights because He wants you to “do” something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That’s where the questions come in; “What about Bob?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Why are you bringing him to mind?” “Lord, what would you have me do?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Notice in my story I did not go over and tell the young man everything that was revealed about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That would have been insensitive, not to mention awkward and it was not what I was asked to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was simply asked to extend an invitation no more and no less.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To be completely honest, for a split second it crossed my mind I could be rejected in this task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The young man could have said “You are a crazy woman… go away.” Honestly, that has never happened and if it did I would have thought God is just softening his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It often takes people several invitations before they actually say yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s not about the results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are not going to know the impact of half of the things we were asked to do until we get home and see the highlight reel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the meantime, what a blessing to be a part of what God is doing here and now.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some things to ponder: Before approaching people check your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Love and humility will open doors for people to receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God will ask you to; uplift, encourage, invite, bring into the fold, love, show compassion or be a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He will not ask you to judge, admonish, correct, convict of sin or rub in past hurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If you are hearing something negative make sure you are sensitive to the information given.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I find that when I am given these kinds of insights it is a call for me to pray and intercede in my personal quiet time on their behalf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784854373956588229.post-87585519393587908972011-05-06T17:31:00.004-05:002011-06-23T11:25:06.236-05:00Hearing God Through A Word<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabPxwV1UHrRfjh3Z2REzYVtUhMjffxizdfrA-WPnynp1VAHQ1X0xxZyyizzuVbBEa304Zjd20lJ4EziTvbr0CSL9xaO3E4dxTma8-vVpQIcEhkGbyldtxs7NVKqCLmantvneQ55yb40Yy/s1600/2337191278_8f4fb71701_o-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabPxwV1UHrRfjh3Z2REzYVtUhMjffxizdfrA-WPnynp1VAHQ1X0xxZyyizzuVbBEa304Zjd20lJ4EziTvbr0CSL9xaO3E4dxTma8-vVpQIcEhkGbyldtxs7NVKqCLmantvneQ55yb40Yy/s320/2337191278_8f4fb71701_o-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603736154586094946" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Wednesday night before bed I was reading some words that I had received over the past couple of years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Two examples of hearing God stuck out that I want to share. In June of last year, I was given the verse Psalm 44:4 and told God was speaking victory over me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Little did I know that reading this truth again was designed to get me through the very next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I woke up in the middle of the night to a loud knock on my door; I jumped out of bed and stood straight up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After a moment I realized that there was no one at my door, but now I was wide-awake and so I decided to get some work done. I looked at the clock and it was 4:44am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Of course it is!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I grumbled at the clock as my husband happily snored away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I got up and did laundry and then paid some bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I discovered that I had an added expense that did not fit in my budget, I was officially in a bad mood!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The day did not get better from there, but I will spare you the discouraging details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By the time night fell I was crawling into bed and telling God,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I just need this day to end.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The verse Psalm 44:4 came to mind again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God tried to tell me before my day ever started that it would be a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dare I say He even knocked on my door at 4:44am to try to get my attention?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was so busy reacting to my day, not one time did I stop to pray or ask God what to do about any of the situations that came up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He spoke victory over me, but I did not pursue it. Most often when we get a word it requires our participation.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This brings me to the second example I wanted to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The last part of the word I received was this statement, “Know that when you sit on the porch and you look up to the stars and you seek for my face that I am there and I hear your voice.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have to say this is just about the sweetest thing God has ever said to me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A few days before I received this word I was out late grocery shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It must have been close to 11:00pm when I got home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Everyone was asleep on this beautiful summer night. I looked up to the sky and said out loud “I know you are up there…I love you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This was His way of saying, “I love you” too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If I had been thinking more clearly the message I heard on Wednesday night would have been “you have a difficult day coming up, talk to me…I will listen and by the way I have victory for your situations.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hearing God is not some freaky, weird occurrence that only happens occasionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It does not need to be accompanied by angels singing, mist on the ground or glowing lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is completely natural and simply a Father loving His children and taking the time to walk out life with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some things to ponder:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is best to know the character and integrity of someone you receive a word from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Write down the words you receive and pray into them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Some words are not fulfilled for years, but you will notice confirmations, which are encouraging while waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Never make life decisions based on a word that is not prayed about, confirmed and discussed with someone you trust who is walking in a “Godly” manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Finally, God does nothing against His character so knowing Him makes His voice that much clearer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05086157895961204375noreply@blogger.com0