tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45800481032824420512024-03-05T15:40:30.154+00:00Christian Diary" Freely you have received, freely give " (Matthew 10:8)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-21923259104661406862020-06-16T12:51:00.001+00:002020-06-16T12:51:21.275+00:00Don't Talk Too Much π€πΆπ€«<div>PROVERBS 10:19 ICB <br></div><div>19 If you talk a lot, you are sure to sin. If you are wise, you will keep quiet.</div><div><br></div><div>1 PETER 3:10 LB </div><div>10 If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, and guard your lips from telling lies.</div><div><br></div><div>JAMES 1:19 NLT </div><div>19 My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.</div><div><br></div><div>PROVERBS 17:27-28 ICB </div><div>27 The person who has knowledge says very little. And a person with understanding stays calm. 28 Even a foolish person seems to be wise if he keeps quiet. He appears to have understanding if he doesn't speak.</div><div><br></div><div>ECCLESIASTES 5:3 NLT </div><div>3 Just as being too busy gives you nightmares, being a fool makes you a blabbermouth.</div><div><br></div><div>TITUS 3:2 NKJ </div><div>2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.</div><div><br></div><div>2 TIMOTHY 2:16 NKJ</div><div>16 But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.</div><div><br></div><div>1 TIMOTHY 1:6 NIV </div><div>6 Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk.</div><div><br></div><div>1 TIMOTHY 5:13 NKJ </div><div>13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.</div><div><br></div><div>MATTHEW 12:36-37 NKJ 36 "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. </div><div>37 "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-35257035902595782152020-06-16T09:20:00.001+00:002020-06-16T09:20:16.716+00:00I am always with you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 THE MESSAGE 13 No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.</div><div><br></div><div>All of us have been tempted to lose hope and give up. But we always have a choice: focus on God and stay in faith, or focus on the problem and give up.</div><div><br></div><div>Problems -- no matter how huge they seem to us -- are no problem to God. </div><div><br></div><div>Nothing is too hard, or complicated, for God to solve. But God wants us to trust Him.</div><div><br></div><div>So what should you do when you are being tempted and feel like giving in and giving up?</div><div><br></div><div>Refuse!</div><div>Just keep your focus on the Lord and rejoice in His faithfulness. Remember that God cannot lie, and will never fail. God will see you through.</div><div><br></div><div>HEBREWS 10:23 NKJ 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.</div><div><br></div><div>When the devil tries to steal your faith, he tries to get you to quit speaking in agreement with the Word of God. Don't let it happen! Hold fast to speaking your faith! Keep on saying what the Word of God says about you and your situation. Don't be moved by the circumstances.</div><div><br></div><div>GALATIANS 6:9 NIV 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.</div><div><br></div><div>Don't grow weary. Keep your eyes on the Lord. His Word will work and produce a harvest of blessing in your life. Don't doubt it!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-31916898382471577302016-01-02T06:02:00.000+00:002016-01-29T06:05:17.517+00:00Be A Giver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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God is a giver and desires His children to be givers. Giving is the opposite of selfishness. Giving is love in action. And God blesses those who give.<br />
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LUKE 6:38 NIV 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."<br />
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PROVERBS 3:9-10 NKJ 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.<br />
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MATTHEW 10:42 NIV 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."<br />
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2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-8 NIV 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.<br />
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HEBREWS 6:10 NIV 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.<br />
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LUKE 12:33 NIV 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.<br />
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ACTS 20:35 NIV 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"<br />
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God designed His system with incentives to encourage people to give. He has promised to bless those who give, both now and in the age to come.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-89278739198276816442015-10-05T10:14:00.000+00:002015-10-05T10:14:12.875+00:00Be An Encourager<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1 THESSALONIANS 5:11,14 ESV 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.<br />
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People accomplish more if someone believes in them and encourages them.<br />
All of us can grow fainthearted without encouragement.<br />
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HEBREWS 3:13 NIV 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.<br />
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HEBREWS 10:24-25 NLT 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.<br />
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PROVERBS 12:25 NLT 25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.<br />
Just one encouraging word can make a big difference in someone's life.<br />
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So encourage someone today!<br />
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PROVERBS 21:19 NLT 19 It is better to live alone in the desert than with a crabby, complaining wife.<br />
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Whether you are a husband, a wife, or a child, no one enjoys being with a crabby, complaining person.<br />
But everyone loves to be around someone who encourages them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-90079218744725567072015-10-04T17:19:00.000+00:002015-10-04T17:19:29.091+00:00Your Marriage Is Your Ministry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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EPHESIANS 5:33 ESV 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.<br />
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God desires to bless your spouse through you!<br />
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Jesus has sent us out as members of His spiritual Body, to minister to those around us. We are supposed to allow His love to flow through us.<br />
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MATTHEW 25:40 GWN 40 "The king will answer them, 'I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me.'<br />
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God loves your spouse -- enough to die for them. His desire is to help them and bless them. They are not perfect. They need a lot of help. That is why God sent you, as His representative, to minister to them.<br />
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To minister means to serve. God put you where you are to serve -- to be a blessing. It is a mistake to think of "Christian ministry" only as being a pastor or missionary, etc. Any time a Christian is serving (helping) people it is "Christian ministry."<br />
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Your ministry is not limited to your spouse, but it certainly includes them.<br />
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Whatever other ministry God may entrust to you, if you are married, God has trusted you with the ministry of being a blessing to your spouse.<br />
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God has not left you to struggle in this ministry on your own. He is with you, and in you, to work through you. God will help you. But you must allow Him to do so.<br />
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Building up and encouraging your spouse will also be doing yourself a favor. They will be more pleasant to live with when they are blessed, loved, and encouraged.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-8255060089487458662015-10-02T22:02:00.002+00:002015-10-02T22:02:52.760+00:00Let The Joy Flow <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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NEHEMIAH 8:10b GWN 10 Don't be sad because the joy you have in the LORD is your strength."<br />
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As children of God we have joy in our spirit. But we must choose to let it flow out into our minds, bodies, and circumstances.<br />
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Joy is part of the provision God has given us so we can walk in strength and victory. Not allowing joy to flow out of our innermost being allows a weakness that can provide an opening for the devil.<br />
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JOHN 17:13 GWN 13 "But now, Father, I'm coming back to you. I say these things while I'm still in the world so that they will have the same joy that I have.<br />
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Joy is part of the "fruit" produced by the Holy Spirit through our human spirits.<br />
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GALATIANS 5:22 GWN 22 But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,<br />
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But we must choose to let the joy out. We must open our mouth and release words of joy, thanking and praising God. We must choose to let the joy flow!<br />
But don't expect this to always be easy. It's when things seem the worst that you need to act on this the most.<br />
JOHN 15:11 NLT 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!<br />
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Not only did Jesus tell us we should be filled with His joy, but it should overflow -- like a river of life flowing from our innermost being (John 7:38).<br />
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One way to keep our focus on the Lord is to rejoice in Him. As children of God, we have joy and peace in our spirits. But our minds may be blocking the flow by keeping our focus on circumstances and our reasoning.<br />
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Sometimes it's good for us to just let loose and force ourselves to really rejoice and praise God. Just go ahead and make a fool of yourself praising God! God won't mind.<br />
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2 SAMUEL 6:14-16,21 NLT 14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. 15 So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the LORD with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams' horns. 16 But as the Ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she was filled with contempt for him. 21 David retorted to Michal, "I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the LORD, so I celebrate before the LORD.<br />
If it was not wrong for King David, it's not wrong for us! It's okay to shout for joy and to jump for joy! Some people may not appreciate it, but the Lord does, and it's good for us.<br />
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PHILIPPIANS 4:4 NKJ 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!<br />
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To rejoice means to re-joy or to have joy again. In the Lord, we can experience joy again and again and again!<br />
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Circumstances in your life may not be perfect, but you can always rejoice in the Lord, because He is always perfect. God is perfect in goodness and greatness and love! There is no fault in Him!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-14036574108607256982015-10-01T14:52:00.000+00:002015-10-01T14:52:00.688+00:00Selfish Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What many think of as love is really just a form of selfishness -- not pure love.</div>
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It can be identified by thinking like this: I love you because of the way you make me feel. I love you because of what you do for me. I love you because of how you make me look. I love you because of what I can get from you.</div>
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True love is instead marked by thinking like this: I love you because you are valuable and precious. I love you because I want the best for you.</div>
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I am not saying that "selfish love" is evil, only that it is not pure love. It is not the highest form of love. It is immature, like a baby would love his mother. We are supposed to grow past this kind of love to experience true, pure love -- which is completely unselfish. It seeks the best for the other person, not because of what they can do for you, but because of what you can do for them, because they are valuable and precious to God.</div>
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JOHN 15:13 GWN 13 The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends.</div>
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A human giving their life to the point of death has to be completely unselfish. It cannot be motivated by any benefit they would receive. So the more unselfish love is, the greater, purer, and more mature it is.</div>
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ROMANS 5:8 GWN 8 Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God's love for us.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-91946476512730792062015-05-06T15:59:00.000+00:002015-05-06T16:02:03.178+00:00Every Good Gift Is From Above <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVmamLsIKGtGJ6NvsRRYPnBhCis3GokOX2U-ZJNUaObJeelhKIijON8DjDNFLHAyVkGFaC7Hc-m5qtk9y8MERnWbdWMnpnO_XFnwWKJgEbo7Fo4GAh6H9itS5_qlsWCCYwrQXInfMAlY/s1600/perfect+gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVmamLsIKGtGJ6NvsRRYPnBhCis3GokOX2U-ZJNUaObJeelhKIijON8DjDNFLHAyVkGFaC7Hc-m5qtk9y8MERnWbdWMnpnO_XFnwWKJgEbo7Fo4GAh6H9itS5_qlsWCCYwrQXInfMAlY/s640/perfect+gift.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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JAMES 1:13,16,17 WEYMOUTH <br />
13 Let no one say when passing through trial, "My temptation is from God;" for God is incapable of being tempted to do evil, and He Himself tempts no one. <br />
16 Do not be deceived, my dearly-loved brethren. <br />
17 Every gift which is good, and every perfect boon, is from above, and comes down from the Father, who is the source of all Light. In Him there is no variation nor the slightest suggestion of change.<br />
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God is not doing evil that good may come from it. "Do not be deceived," the Bible tells us in verse 16 above. Obviously then, brethren CAN be deceived -- and many ARE.<br />
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God is NOT the one behind the bad things happening. Deadly storms such as tornados and earthquakes are not acts of my God. Only good comes down from my Father God -- and He does not change or vary from day to day.<br />
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John 10:10 LB <br />
10 The thief's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.<br />
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John 10:10 is the dividing line in the Bible. The purpose of the devil is made clear: to harm you. The purpose of the Lord is also clear: life in all its fullness -- life as God intended.<br />
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Jesus is for you. The devil is against you. It's as simple as that. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-53098731440362939622015-04-27T21:48:00.002+00:002015-04-27T21:48:40.844+00:00Does God Test Us?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsvToABGUraJ8nEGLvzHCd2n-J7O5wjZGmZy2lbe8ONz2rrB8lHtgst5FEjzhq2HUoZaTqcbbfa7k8keU5uvNFc02X8SacAsP8SQc2EGprrZFAFhJCBxarlg_dkgStF_mPzbCppl5KFc/s1600/o-TAKING-TEST-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsvToABGUraJ8nEGLvzHCd2n-J7O5wjZGmZy2lbe8ONz2rrB8lHtgst5FEjzhq2HUoZaTqcbbfa7k8keU5uvNFc02X8SacAsP8SQc2EGprrZFAFhJCBxarlg_dkgStF_mPzbCppl5KFc/s1600/o-TAKING-TEST-facebook.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes. But it's always an open-Book test. With the help of God's instruction Book -- the Bible -- you can always pass the test.<br /><br />1 THESSALONIANS 2:4 NKJ<br />4 . . . even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.</div>
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God doesn't test you to hurt you, but so you can experience victory. He walks in faith and believes you will win every test. He is like a confident parent who tells their child to "Go out there and show them what you can do," expecting them to win.</div>
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In all schooling there is testing to determine whether the material taught has been mastered.</div>
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Testing is necessary and even beneficial for the one being tested. You may think you're ready to graduate -- but testing confronts you with reality.</div>
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Testing lets you know how you're doing. If you're not doing so well, turn to God, asking for His help. Spend more time in God's Word and in prayer.</div>
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Remember that God's tests are different than the temptations of the devil. God's test is whether you will act on His Word.</div>
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God never tempts you to do wrong! He never uses evil to test you (James 1:13). God just allows you to overcome evil by acting on His Word -- which is more than enough to put you over.</div>
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PSALM 105:19 NKJ<br />19 Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the Lord tested him.</div>
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You should always stand in faith, resisting the devil. God's Word always works -- but not always instantly. From when you take your stand on God's Word to when the answer manifests, constitutes the test.</div>
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Remember, God is for you -- He's on your side. He sent His Word, His Holy Spirit, His angels, and His ministers to help you.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-45171614314070908412015-04-20T12:20:00.000+00:002015-04-26T17:22:48.349+00:00God's Word Will Make You Free<div style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">
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JOHN 8:31-32 NKJ<br />
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. </div>
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32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."</div>
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Many people are afraid that God's Word will put them in bondage -- because of the rules they think they will have to follow. But Jesus said God's Word would make you free.</div>
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Abide means to live, to continue, or to spend time somewhere.</div>
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If you continue to spend time in Jesus' Word -- you will know the truth.</div>
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When you know the truth, you will act on that knowledge -- and acting on the truth will make you free!</div>
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The Bible, especially the message of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, will set you free if you continue in it.</div>
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We are not guaranteed instant results, although sometimes they do happen. Freedom is certain, however, if you stick with God's Word. Jesus gave His guarantee!</div>
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If you are not enjoying freedom in any area of your life -- you have not continued in God's Word enough in that area. Feed it in: speak it, sing it, read it, write it, think it, dream it!</div>
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God's Word has the information that, when acted upon, will make you free!</div>
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SAY THIS: I will continue in God's Word and it will make me free.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-56491203709308165332015-04-17T13:19:00.001+00:002015-04-17T13:19:39.425+00:00The Holy Spirit Will Help You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQrWUvrvzLMM0VNqHuiBPk8ROLvyT1FSI_uYzPfyikc2H-RZ5-2SniXKtTUKkzhattI1wZAcB6Wy5ybsI87Bb-tzHCE4XRcXkS9GpBA9QXShnH5c2WIa9jLmQLwwmsex5JIm6ZXqXO1M/s1600/holy+spirit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQrWUvrvzLMM0VNqHuiBPk8ROLvyT1FSI_uYzPfyikc2H-RZ5-2SniXKtTUKkzhattI1wZAcB6Wy5ybsI87Bb-tzHCE4XRcXkS9GpBA9QXShnH5c2WIa9jLmQLwwmsex5JIm6ZXqXO1M/s1600/holy+spirit.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a></div>
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JOHN 14:16 NKJ<br />16 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever,</div>
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If you allow Him to, the Holy Spirit will guide you in every area of life; from the words you should speak, to the spouse you should marry, to the investments you should make.</div>
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The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity of God. It is difficult for humans to understand how there can be only one God, as the Scriptures teach, yet He can reveal Himself as three persons. So do not let it be an obstacle for you, or be drawn into fighting about it.</div>
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The Holy Spirit is a person, not just a force. He should be treated with the utmost respect and gratitude.</div>
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I have personally found the Holy Spirit to be a wonderful, wonderful Helper -- in so many ways. Even in simple, practical things, like reminding me of things, or helping me to find misplaced items. The Holy Spirit is truly interested in everything that affects you, and desires to help you -- if you will allow Him to.</div>
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No doubt, the Holy Spirit has been helping you, too. You just may not have recognized it. You may have called it "a hunch" or "it just came to me" or "I just had an idea." Start giving thanks to the real source of your help -- the Holy Spirit of God.</div>
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The Bible mentions several ways the Holy Spirit helps: teaching you all things, bringing the Word to your remembrance, telling you of things to come, revealing to you the things of God, comforting you, encouraging you, empowering you to be a witness, and bringing life and healing to you.</div>
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You are not facing life all alone -- as an orphan would. The Holy Spirit is with you continually -- living with you. When you need help He is never far away, but always right with you, waiting for you to call on Him for His help.</div>
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SAY THIS: Holy Spirit, I appreciate your help. Thank you for guiding me in life and helping me in every way.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-94914065345339272015-04-15T19:19:00.002+00:002015-04-15T19:19:46.082+00:00You Are Part Of Christ's Body On Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqagrzTJ5_vQxImgYtxyD6CvVQjtdT8gYYmsnhaZkwm8P5r8VDwFJNLy30HfbmC6c4hDpHgKuL_abmX8hS58WjoUVYNTSsEWICu28scejXjQtU9qs9eHDEU05PzOGDMGavRFBLItoA5Ok/s1600/body-of-christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqagrzTJ5_vQxImgYtxyD6CvVQjtdT8gYYmsnhaZkwm8P5r8VDwFJNLy30HfbmC6c4hDpHgKuL_abmX8hS58WjoUVYNTSsEWICu28scejXjQtU9qs9eHDEU05PzOGDMGavRFBLItoA5Ok/s1600/body-of-christ.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">1 CORINTHIANS 12 NLT </span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: #f9f9f9;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">17 Suppose the whole body were an eye--then how would you hear? Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you smell anything? </span><br />
<br style="background-color: #f9f9f9;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">18 But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: #f9f9f9;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">21 The eye can never say to the hand, "I don't need you." The head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you." </span><br />
<br style="background-color: #f9f9f9;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">22 In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"> </span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;">27 Now all of you together are Christ's body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.</span><br />
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Scripture says we are a Body -- not just that we are "like a body." You ARE connected to everyone who acknowledges Jesus Christ as Lord -- whether you like them, or think they are necessary, or not. Whatever happens to ANY member of the Body does have an affect on EVERY member.</div>
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Remember this the next time you are tempted to speak ill of another believer, or mistreat them. Even if they don't believe exactly like you, or go to the same church -- they are still connected to you in Christ. So be nice to your Body!</div>
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SAY THIS: I am a member of Christ's Body on earth. Today I will let Jesus Christ manifest His love and wisdom through me.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-46211937067498387682015-04-13T06:58:00.000+00:002015-04-14T13:19:33.155+00:00Prayer Guidelines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_qbHtO9Sqm3qSU3ucpOOdIy0npeOqFDmUM-nTGs_tMp-7hUiiwVnNiWctw7k9-xu-0zvpiS-Gg0yt0atH9195sir-D2skBLLff2JpAtyrvx3Jw5GRKOFFMSUA0NtcmXwOtvYHiWRiTA/s1600/prayer_sunset1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_qbHtO9Sqm3qSU3ucpOOdIy0npeOqFDmUM-nTGs_tMp-7hUiiwVnNiWctw7k9-xu-0zvpiS-Gg0yt0atH9195sir-D2skBLLff2JpAtyrvx3Jw5GRKOFFMSUA0NtcmXwOtvYHiWRiTA/s640/prayer_sunset1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Prayer is communication with God. Talking with Almighty God is the greatest privilege you have.<br />
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God desires a growing relationship with you. Communication is essential for a relationship to develop. Involve God in every part of your life: every decision and every action. In that sense you should pray without ceasing -- always being in communication with God.<br />
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However, we need special prayer times focused completely on the Lord. He is worthy of our time and attention -- and we require this time with Him to develop spiritually.<br />
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Remember the instruction given in Psalm 100:4, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise." If you seem to run out of words to praise God, use some of the Psalms, or praise and give thanks in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:16-18).<br />
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Many use the model prayer our Lord gave in Matthew 6:9-13 as a guideline for their special daily prayer time. Some of the principles taught are:<br />
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*You are praying to your Father. *First worship and honor God. *Pray that God's will be done before praying about your own or others' needs. *Ask for God's forgiveness and help. *Finish by praising God.<br />
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During times of prayer many find it helpful as a memory aid to have a prayer list of people and things to pray for. Also, keeping a journal of your prayer requests and answers is beneficial and will bless you tremendously as the years go by.<br />
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Always base your prayer on Scripture. Scripture is God's answer. Receiving from God in prayer involves taking His answer (His Word) to Him and receiving your request by faith.<br />
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Also, every believer can and should develop the habit of praying much in tongues. This not only edifies you spiritually (1 Corinthians 14:4, Jude 1:20), but allows you to pray with a wisdom beyond your ability and knowledge (Romans 8:26-27).<br />
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SAY THIS: Prayer is a privilege. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-65430581476358340972014-12-18T09:30:00.000+00:002015-04-15T19:37:23.732+00:00God's Word Is A Seed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDr1R9i3Y8iHCbSB6CSLberD_ugEh3u7kpqibc5TjbOhvDiSOjq_9JCKK-CRcODxB2EEI_irlzIlMAMtxpujtGiK2O4qymbTFNnzbNYRy2prUWjtH-2igW9ZGC7Gac40f87-5sm3pwgQ/s1600/seed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDr1R9i3Y8iHCbSB6CSLberD_ugEh3u7kpqibc5TjbOhvDiSOjq_9JCKK-CRcODxB2EEI_irlzIlMAMtxpujtGiK2O4qymbTFNnzbNYRy2prUWjtH-2igW9ZGC7Gac40f87-5sm3pwgQ/s1600/seed.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a></div>
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Most people expect God's Word to work like a stick of dynamite -- but Jesus told us God's Word is like a seed.</div>
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LUKE 8:11 NKJ<br />11 "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.</div>
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The Holy Spirit, through Peter, also said God's Word is a seed.<br /><br />1 PETER 1:23 NKJ<br />23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,</div>
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God's Word is alive. Just like a seed -- the Bible is full of unseen life.</div>
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JOHN 6:63 ICB </div>
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63 It is not the flesh that gives a person life. It is the spirit that gives life. The words I told you are spirit, and so they give life.</div>
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Jesus said His words are alive. They contain life, so they give life. The words in your Bible may look lifeless and powerless. Seeds do, also. But they are not without life or power.</div>
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In Mark 4:30-31, Jesus explained that the kingdom of God works like a seed. So, if we are to understand God's kingdom and how He operates, we need to understand seeds.</div>
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SAY THIS: God's Word is good seed. I will plant it in my life and it will bring forth a good harvest.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-56116527528429023232014-09-24T06:32:00.000+00:002014-09-24T06:39:46.815+00:00Trust In God 2 CHRONICLES 16:7-9 NLT <br />
7 At that time Hanani the seer came to King Asa and told him, "Because you have put your trust in the king of Aram instead of in the LORD your God, you missed your chance to destroy the army of the king of Aram. <br />
8 Don't you remember what happened to the Ethiopians and Libyans and their vast army, with all of their chariots and horsemen? At that time you relied on the LORD, and he handed them all over to you. <br />
9 The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on, you will be at war." <br />
When you look to other sources for help -- instead of turning to God when you face trouble, it displeases God. <br />
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How would you feel if your spouse completely ignored you and went to someone else when they had a problem, instead of turning to you for advice or help? <br />
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Looking to others instead of God for help can also open the door for trouble in your life. <br />
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That is why God wants you to look to Him, instead of other sources, because unlike others, He will never harm you or mislead you. <br />
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God is not only able to help you, but He is very willing to help you with everything, for He loves you! Therefore you can trust God to always be willing to help you.<br />
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So why would you want to look to an inferior source for help?<br />
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Fortunately, God is forgiving, so even if you have looked to others for help instead of God, just turn to God whole- heartedly and He will surely help you.<br />
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God can, and often does, provide help, encouragement, and advice through other Christians. But we should never look to them first as our source of help.<br />
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Always look to God first and keep your focus on Him. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-40009361633044292642014-09-02T07:23:00.001+00:002015-04-15T16:52:06.687+00:00The Future Begins Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIRWIlT-T7EjLC1qlI9HQ_fm59s9pz-CLeV03TEb_WuLDWn5epIaePOFov_Qm8dDaAGS8sIVG8ZbTVmQrLPmVEgSiyblOROkF7al8IEfqJDacwhETpIF84JAU8gpgJl7SE1YMLQC1aWY/s1600/future.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIRWIlT-T7EjLC1qlI9HQ_fm59s9pz-CLeV03TEb_WuLDWn5epIaePOFov_Qm8dDaAGS8sIVG8ZbTVmQrLPmVEgSiyblOROkF7al8IEfqJDacwhETpIF84JAU8gpgJl7SE1YMLQC1aWY/s1600/future.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a></div>
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PHILIPPIANS 3:13 NKJ 13 ...one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,</div>
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Today IS the first day of the rest of your life. And it will be what you and God make it.</div>
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Your past does not have to dictate your future. You can begin again. With God you really can have a fresh start.</div>
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God can forgive your past -- and help you to forgive yourself. But most importantly, God can change you. He can make you into the kind of person you know you should be. </div>
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2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 NRSV</div>
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17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!</div>
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Your life can be different. But don't think it will be different if you continue to do things exactly the same as you always have.</div>
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For your life to change -- you must MAKE changes.</div>
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If you want real change -- God's Word is the key. You must immerse yourself in the Word. What you feed in determines the output of your life.</div>
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ACTS 20:32 NLT</div>
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32 "And now I entrust you to God and the word of his grace -- his message that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.</div>
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God's Word will build you up. Jesus said it would make you free -- if you continue in it (John 8:31-32).</div>
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The Bible is God's answer to man's problems. It gives life and hope and instruction so we can walk in victory.</div>
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Prayer is also vital. Prayer is communication with God. All relationships require communication to keep from growing cold.</div>
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So, actively involve God in your life. Consult with Him on every decision. God is the best helper you will ever have.</div>
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JOHN 14:16 NKJ</div>
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16 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever,</div>
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The future can be better. The choice is yours. If you invite and involve God in your future -- it will be bright!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-43753185135016867902012-12-18T12:29:00.000+00:002015-04-15T16:08:13.849+00:00God Is Rich In Mercy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC9EriIEXrnnvUyO1v6Z-aq6UbDzn05KsdjoOj96LKaEEq59ctM5x8IOqIPZ79_29EWQ_w7oYo-n6X5PVhvDOszXhEVCtplwoc0I5n1JDO6kHv0tN0cVVIztIMmBAdW0j3sALUq0fHHk/s1600/mercy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC9EriIEXrnnvUyO1v6Z-aq6UbDzn05KsdjoOj96LKaEEq59ctM5x8IOqIPZ79_29EWQ_w7oYo-n6X5PVhvDOszXhEVCtplwoc0I5n1JDO6kHv0tN0cVVIztIMmBAdW0j3sALUq0fHHk/s1600/mercy1.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">EPHESIANS 2:4 NKJ</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
The devil promotes the lie that God is mad at people and anxious to condemn them, but the Bible says that God is rich in mercy.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
Mercy means not getting what we deserve.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Rich means an abundant supply -- more than enough.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
The Bible says 41 times of the Lord that "his mercy endures forever." Psalm 136 makes this statement in every verse.</span><br />
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PSALM 136:1 NKJ</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
We may look at people and think they don't deserve another chance. They may have blown it again and again and they may seem hopeless to us. But God looks at people differently. He looks at them through eyes of Love and sees their potential and so shows mercy.</span><br />
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Yes, God is against sin. But it's because He loves us, and knows how harmful sin is.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-54886764718942921872012-08-12T09:20:00.001+00:002015-04-15T16:20:24.818+00:00Destroyed For Lack Of Knowledge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VM2oH6mZA3dKFfreuB_iHHU-LglywvVTKxTZKDrYu03nCkzzugG_UXhMAOgaDjYCcXnMhIZDMgCcsOXe0IhBT-789lOQSjuEua0vgIXHnKw7tJnlEjiy6iiw4tWMyOnqqT7kQttW32c/s1600/knowledge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VM2oH6mZA3dKFfreuB_iHHU-LglywvVTKxTZKDrYu03nCkzzugG_UXhMAOgaDjYCcXnMhIZDMgCcsOXe0IhBT-789lOQSjuEua0vgIXHnKw7tJnlEjiy6iiw4tWMyOnqqT7kQttW32c/s1600/knowledge.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Hosea 4:6 KJV </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge . . . .</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Are people's lives destroyed because God does not love them? Do people come to ruin and live in misery because God is callous and uncaring?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
NO!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
People are destroyed for lack of knowledge -- even God's people. What kind of knowledge? Knowledge that is available in the Bible: how to walk in faith, how to overcome, how to get prayers answered, how to resist the devil, etc.</span><br />
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God is not to blame for our troubles. God has already made provision for us. But we must avail ourselves of what God has provided.</span><br />
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How can we benefit from God's great provision if we don't even know about it? So, we should seek the knowledge of God on our own, and receive teaching from others, also.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">There is not one among us who does not have much to learn. No one yet is walking in the absolute fullness of what God has provided.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5QQg33ktmc/UCd1BKb5e0I/AAAAAAAAC4o/K7Hy8z25YrE/s1600/openBible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;">This must be one of the saddest verses in the Bible. To think that God's people are destroyed simply because of a lack of knowledge. As God's children, they are our brothers and sisters. It is our relatives being destroyed, and we should do what we can to stop it.</span><br />
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Let's quit giving place to the devil by our lack of knowledge of God's Word. And, as we learn from God's Word we should share our knowledge with others, so they can walk in freedom and victory, too.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-73168886194851238292012-06-30T07:29:00.000+00:002015-04-15T16:19:02.071+00:00God's Way Is Perfect<div>
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PSALM 18:30 NIV<br />
30 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.<br />
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People blame God for many things. But they are wrong. God is perfect in all He does. When we have full information and see the complete picture, we will not be able to find any fault in God.<br />
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1 CORINTHIANS 13:12 NLT<br />
12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.<br />
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All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.<br />
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Yes, there may be things that now seem as if God is at fault. But, in time, we will know the full truth. Then we will realize that God has done everything in the best way. Do children comprehend everything?<br />
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Neither do we. No matter how smart we think we are, compared to God, we still have much to learn.<br />
At this time, we are like children who may think they know better than their parents, but who will, later on, realize their parents were right.<br />
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When you are tempted to think God is not doing what He should be doing, look around you at what God has created. (Although we live in a fallen world where the devil's forces are intent on stealing, killing, and destroying, the genius of God still shines brightly in all He created.<br />
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Remember that death is an enemy, and storms are something that Jesus rebuked.) Look at the precision and beauty in all God created. Then realize that God never changes, and the precise way He perfectly created things is the same way He is working now to create your future.<br />
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God loves you. God knows more than you do. God is perfect. So trust Him!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-73019552025904737412012-06-13T11:52:00.000+00:002015-04-15T16:45:53.961+00:00Believe!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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JOHN 20:31 NKJ
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31 but these are written that you may <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/believe?s=t" style="color: #fff2cc;">believe</a> that Jesus is the
Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in
His name.<br />
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"But how can I believe in an invisible God?"
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The same way you believe in the wind. No one has ever seen the
wind. But we all see the effects of the wind.<br />
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You may not see God, but open your eyes and look around and you
will see God in action. In His marvelous creation, in people's
testimonies of God's provision and deliverance, in miracles
happening all over the earth, in answered prayer.<br />
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It is not necessary to see God, or feel God, to believe in Him!<br />
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JOHN 20:29 NKJ
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29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you
have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have
believed."<br />
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If it was always easy to believe, there would be no reward
offered for believing. No one offers a reward or bonus for
doing something easy.<br />
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HEBREWS 11:6 NKJ
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6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who
comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder
of those who diligently seek Him.<br />
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The Bible speaks of the fight of faith. That means you will
have a struggle with believing. Don't be surprised. Expect it.
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1 TIMOTHY 6:12 NKJ
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12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to
which you were also called and have confessed the good
confession in the presence of many witnesses.
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JOHN 6:28-29 NKJ<br />
28 Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work
the works of God?"
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29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God,
that you believe in Him whom He sent."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4580048103282442051.post-32523845777268826892012-06-02T07:16:00.000+00:002015-04-15T16:34:48.230+00:00Selfishness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The only thing necessary to change heaven into hell -- if God were to allow it -- is selfishness. <br />
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Selfishness is mankind's fundamental defect. Selfish means: self-centered, self-serving, self-important. <br />
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At the root of every problem is selfishness. <br />
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JAMES 3:16 TEV <br />
16 Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil. <br />
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Every selfish person is potentially your enemy. <br />
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All sin is selfish. No one ever sins for someone else -- we do it for selfish reasons. <br />
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Divine love is the opposite of selfishness. Giving is the opposite of acting selfishly. <br />
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We are products of a corrupt culture that teaches selfishness, so it's not unusual for us to think it's not so bad. <br />
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But you must die to selfishness -- or self-destruct. However, you're unable to change by yourself. You can't change the fruit without changing the root. That's why you must be born again! Only by receiving Jesus Christ and letting Him change you inwardly can you become a truly unselfish person. <br />
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No other "religion" teaches putting others first even to the point of loving your enemies. Only Christianity teaches you can be totally changed and become a person with a new nature. There is no cure apart from Jesus!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0