tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68135626354431332902024-03-12T23:46:42.865-04:00God Speaks In Many WaysA blog about the ways God speaks to me and what He says. Hopefully He will speak to you as well.Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-44295627691510304322022-02-11T15:11:00.000-05:002022-02-11T15:11:11.292-05:00God Speaks in the Scriptures<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLRYV6-Y6X2BGhQKFoCWv87N5HnSMi8Gb74DYoa78hNehRSlHgQWQ76lm6YsOlhaIUQ98AIH_HagMHno4VUj0m4zQvoL48twQoW3xkL1Iv-uCHbvyAP-QjCSPlUG1AOqnzkn0rSb3yXkjaIFqg2E_8WbPLrE2VM0Y38iYq7gcdsXhRnwW8q4xeL474=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLRYV6-Y6X2BGhQKFoCWv87N5HnSMi8Gb74DYoa78hNehRSlHgQWQ76lm6YsOlhaIUQ98AIH_HagMHno4VUj0m4zQvoL48twQoW3xkL1Iv-uCHbvyAP-QjCSPlUG1AOqnzkn0rSb3yXkjaIFqg2E_8WbPLrE2VM0Y38iYq7gcdsXhRnwW8q4xeL474=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">For the last couple of years, I have shared ways that I have heard God speaking to me. In this post, I want to use a few verses of Scripture that refer to God speaking or God's voice and see just what the Bible says about how He speaks. By the way, my favorite translation of the Bible for most Scriptures is called "The Voice" translation!</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1. God speaks through prophets--Hebrews 1:1--"<span style="background-color: white;">Long ago, <u>at different times and in various ways</u>, God’s voice came to our ancestors <u>through the </u></span><i style="background-color: white;"><u>Hebrew</u></i><span style="background-color: white;"><u> prophets.</u>"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">2. God speaks in different ways--Job 33:14a--"</span><span style="background-color: white;">For God does speak <u>in one way and even another way</u>..."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-size: large;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifLWFaA2BdN8ryLvVcbVN9efBZS-NCYJJuMNLGp99oOfJz3rn75C30w8LzGSHahm9BbNddW6QWpqIp3tPE0fdu2Lfh7e9qbFvuruPZ1TcaOeAQYWM_OXm1RPc9VGScMeYWi68mStvH13jmyxbqS2DtL7MtjmcQ1Gy9F1xTeqecoQlgF8gZjGQm8Obl=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifLWFaA2BdN8ryLvVcbVN9efBZS-NCYJJuMNLGp99oOfJz3rn75C30w8LzGSHahm9BbNddW6QWpqIp3tPE0fdu2Lfh7e9qbFvuruPZ1TcaOeAQYWM_OXm1RPc9VGScMeYWi68mStvH13jmyxbqS2DtL7MtjmcQ1Gy9F1xTeqecoQlgF8gZjGQm8Obl=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@brett_jordan?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Brett Jordan</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/foundation?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;">3. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Hearing God speak builds a foundation--Matthew 7:24--"</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Those people who are listening to Me, those people who </span><i style="background-color: white;"><u>hear what I say and</u></i><span style="background-color: white;"><u> live according to My teachings</u>—you are like a wise man who built his house on a rock, </span><i style="background-color: white;">on a firm foundation</i><span style="background-color: white;">."</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">4. God speaks now through the words of His Son--Hebrews 1:2--"</span><span style="background-color: white;">but </span><span style="background-color: white;">in these last days </span><span style="background-color: white;"><u>he has spoken to us by </u></span><span style="background-color: white;"><u>his Son,</u> whom he appointed </span><span style="background-color: white;">the heir of all things, </span><span style="background-color: white;">through whom also he created </span><span style="background-color: white;">the world."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">5. If we listen, we can hear Him--John 10:27--"<span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">My sheep </span><i style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">respond <u>as they</u></i><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"><u> hear My voice</u>; I know them </span><i style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">intimately</i><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">, and they follow Me."</span></span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhI3pIMhOeUdgDdmh1J8k_Cs_jV-pyvpuFBK5gqcO7p4rHCpdA77T9Wjp3FjGg8WaXWC_93NrAdVKteas2OW4v957_sfVb26RooT_ryQEIzIQmAt1pcDZILVs96KyUIlqWEWmoGPQBy4fvtU4txk-fkjwxZbN3A95Jv3KYCxMGL5P-m8KNThTwPY_f2=s3152" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3152" data-original-width="2088" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhI3pIMhOeUdgDdmh1J8k_Cs_jV-pyvpuFBK5gqcO7p4rHCpdA77T9Wjp3FjGg8WaXWC_93NrAdVKteas2OW4v957_sfVb26RooT_ryQEIzIQmAt1pcDZILVs96KyUIlqWEWmoGPQBy4fvtU4txk-fkjwxZbN3A95Jv3KYCxMGL5P-m8KNThTwPY_f2=w213-h275" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@littleppl85?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Brandon Morgan</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/power?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">6. </span><span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">God's Voice is Power--Psalm 29:3-9--"</span><span style="background-color: white;">The voice of the Eternal echoes over the great water. </span><span style="background-color: white;">God’s magnificence roars like thunder. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The Eternal’s presence hovers over all the waters. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;">His voice <u>explodes</u> in great power</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;">over the earth. </i><span style="background-color: white;">His voice is both regal and grand. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;">The Eternal’s voice <u>shatters</u> the cedars; </span><span style="background-color: white;">His power splinters the great cedars of Lebanon. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;">He speaks, and Lebanon leaps like a young calf. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Sirion jumps like a wild, youthful ox. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;">The voice of the Eternal <u>cuts through</u> with flames of fire. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;">The voice of the Eternal <u>rumbles</u> through the wilderness </span><span style="background-color: white;">with great quakes;</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="background-color: white; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-29-8" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">He causes Kadesh to tremble. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;">The Eternal’s voice <u>brings life</u> from the doe’s womb; </span><span style="background-color: white;">His voice <u>strips</u> the forest bare </span><span style="background-color: white;">and all the people in the temple declare, “Glory!”</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">7. Why listen to God's voice?--Psalm 85:8--"</span><span style="background-color: white;">I am listening carefully to all the Lord is saying—<u>for he speaks peace to his people,</u> his saints, if they will only stop their sinning."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">8. God speaks to each one of us over and over--Revelation 3:20--"<span style="background-color: white;">Look! I have been standing at the door, and I am <u>constantly knocking</u>. If anyone <u>hears me calling him </u>and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiedfepLOr-aeVuD61hnVKchiJrqz-PH-VWQrrYu3kZk4qziTGjsfS_rj3HymjtQi-8ABBJnCSEzlE0CMPgvPRT3WEOa0A4yz73QKMJGtdZlzi6sW8lfPOkILdEK-gJCXWV2Ly02MoCxJ0PQ0fEOWRlXF6kGTYNlXneErNuY-TCSbZ62NQ1a872iAw8=s2348" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2348" data-original-width="1599" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiedfepLOr-aeVuD61hnVKchiJrqz-PH-VWQrrYu3kZk4qziTGjsfS_rj3HymjtQi-8ABBJnCSEzlE0CMPgvPRT3WEOa0A4yz73QKMJGtdZlzi6sW8lfPOkILdEK-gJCXWV2Ly02MoCxJ0PQ0fEOWRlXF6kGTYNlXneErNuY-TCSbZ62NQ1a872iAw8=w136-h200" width="136" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">9. Are you having trouble hearing the voice of God? John offers an explanation--John 8:47--"<span style="background-color: white;">Whoever belongs to God hears what God says.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> <u>The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God</u>."</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">10. Remember God is constantly knocking and calling YOUR name. He desires to speak to and with you. Hebrews 4:7b--"</span><span style="background-color: white;"><u>If you hear his voice today, </u></span><span style="background-color: white;"><u>don’t be stubborn!</u>"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">11. John 12:30-33--"</span><span style="background-color: white;">Jesus said, '<u>The voice didn’t come for me but for you.</u> At this moment the world is in crisis. Now Satan, the ruler of this world, will be thrown out. And I, as I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to me and gather them around me.' He put it this way to show how he was going to be put to death."<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7gh9CYWQaJxhUpoYlmSSpUFudL5JjwPHwCHAbwftT3YDCgKLlBnHDHNYr6tZ7z4Nfe4dySN7pVYbTyy94zlXcePHhs6h3GInFq6Dhmx0892bJ0KrPpcpSkqFqjw7wVlgiqbT56nYiWBLTpnaMOuYtyWM-Y-OxhE06NgmcYyTSgaV-OMyQseJBixKL=s4675" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3985" data-original-width="4675" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7gh9CYWQaJxhUpoYlmSSpUFudL5JjwPHwCHAbwftT3YDCgKLlBnHDHNYr6tZ7z4Nfe4dySN7pVYbTyy94zlXcePHhs6h3GInFq6Dhmx0892bJ0KrPpcpSkqFqjw7wVlgiqbT56nYiWBLTpnaMOuYtyWM-Y-OxhE06NgmcYyTSgaV-OMyQseJBixKL=w200-h171" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@lil_vano?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">il vano</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/cross?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></span></p>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-43516786321544348862021-12-29T15:06:00.253-05:002021-12-30T12:34:56.544-05:00God Speaks about Death<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="180" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XpUBKw6i538" width="287" youtube-src-id="XpUBKw6i538"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As some of you may know, my family has recently suffered a death. As the previous clip from "Pollyanna" relates, it was rather unexpected. My brother passed on Dec. 3, 2021, with no real warning. He was not in the best of health, but he had nothing that seemed immediately life-threatening. I knew it was about "time" for me to post another blog post and I have really not been on top of it. I actually have two others that I started that just didn't seem to flow, so they are on hold for another time. In preparing for his funeral, I spent time in the Scriptures trying to find the "right" one for his funeral card. I believe God wants to speak to you through some of the Scriptures I found during that search.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first thing we need to realize is that for believers in God and in the work that Jesus did, we will not experience true death. For those that believe, they have an earthly death where their bodies no longer work, but the spirit of those who believe goes to heaven after the earthly body is done. For those that are not believers, the Bible tells us that they WILL have a true death. Not only an earthly death, but they will have a spiritual death as well and will suffer from pain and agony for eternity.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ7ZlEaAlf3MYc2SBVCYlSk3iFPR2150JIGrZ3HzoGxxc2uJwFDSbZu1s66y2So3mOtMviK7Rwo2krS5KsQba-BA7Jp6AjOVf2fNrHcDhvAI8HFyxQCkIroaXZFv7CSjybDJpnXV3Mf9CIhavENZqatSOsRmjAf6m0FJs7JU7EGjbrO9iJbZaVRnuG=s3861" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3861" data-original-width="2574" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ7ZlEaAlf3MYc2SBVCYlSk3iFPR2150JIGrZ3HzoGxxc2uJwFDSbZu1s66y2So3mOtMviK7Rwo2krS5KsQba-BA7Jp6AjOVf2fNrHcDhvAI8HFyxQCkIroaXZFv7CSjybDJpnXV3Mf9CIhavENZqatSOsRmjAf6m0FJs7JU7EGjbrO9iJbZaVRnuG=w213-h300" width="213" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">real life</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master. Romans 6:23 </span></span><b style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica;">Those who believe in the Son will bask in eternal life, but those who disobey the Son will never experience life. They will know only God’s lingering wrath. John 3:36</b></div><div><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2</span></span></div><div><span class="text 2Thess-1-8" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="text 2Thess-1-8" id="en-NIV-29658" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 16px;">He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 2Thess-1-9" id="en-NIV-29659" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 16px;">They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My family knows that my brother was a believer in God and in the work of Jesus; therefore, we know (although it is still very sad) that he is in heaven. Those who knew my brother might know of some of his "less-than-honorable" shenanigans and wonder how God might accept him through the pearly gates. The truth is that God KNOWS we ALL commit "less-than-honorable" shenanigans, so His requirement for heaven is not difficult. He doesn't ask us to never do our bad things again because He made us and knows that we cannot keep from doing bad things occasionally. His requirement is that we BELIEVE in Him and that Jesus died for our bad things. My brother believed this so we have perfect assurance that he is in Heaven right now.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: helvetica;"><b><span class="text 1Thess-4-13" style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3jeJeNo4EjzuKLVA0-rKLyyDueB4iFZiYHol9QmaAk8365M5CkwxOm4kv4dAmJXhYtvdThakzignWKmPoeZffzs_OIgGN_-t4EUmNBCSfuIqNfeD-NIxg5b51p942oklbYQRnfCFyI5Mj6ZT9uIBg4xCIu9rYNRpGmv1Y9vkQv04DZ0awSuAjdt4L=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3jeJeNo4EjzuKLVA0-rKLyyDueB4iFZiYHol9QmaAk8365M5CkwxOm4kv4dAmJXhYtvdThakzignWKmPoeZffzs_OIgGN_-t4EUmNBCSfuIqNfeD-NIxg5b51p942oklbYQRnfCFyI5Mj6ZT9uIBg4xCIu9rYNRpGmv1Y9vkQv04DZ0awSuAjdt4L=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></div>Brothers and sisters, we want you to be fully informed about those who have fallen asleep in death so that you will not be overwhelmed with grief like those who live outside of the <i>true</i> hope. </span><span class="text 1Thess-4-14" id="en-VOICE-28740" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span>Here’s what we believe: since Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, God will bring with Jesus all who have died through Him. </span></b></span><b style="color: #ffa400; font-family: helvetica;"><span class="text 1Thess-4-14" style="background-color: white;">1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #800180; font-family: helvetica;">Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="text 1Thess-4-14" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="text 1Thess-4-14" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: helvetica;"><b>Jesus said to her, “I am the <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/the-resurrection-of-jesus-bible-story.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;">resurrection</a> and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?<span style="text-indent: -16px;"> John 11:25-26</span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="text 1Thess-4-14" style="background-color: white;"><span style="text-indent: -16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="text 1Thess-4-14" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever. 2 Corinthians 5:1</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="text 1Thess-4-14" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="text 1Thess-4-14" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: helvetica;"><b>For my life is about the Anointed <i>and Him alone</i>. And my death, <i>when that comes</i>, will mean great gain for me. Philippians 1:21</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="text 1Thess-4-14" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="text 1Thess-4-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The Scripture we ultimately chose was: </span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Therefore, we were buried with Him through this baptism into death so that just as God the Father, in all His glory, resurrected the Anointed One, we, too, might walk </span><i style="background-color: white;">confidently out of the grave</i><span style="background-color: white;"> into a new life. Romans 6:4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEho9nFGlkRnyrI8KzC-pvOWqvALaXusRYZeQn5jd_WCqHUcgPN6ba6mBXw41vTCGFAcrXVRPvHL-1gFZmkRh9_tdXM5wea82oJwukVYttjrytq_zsNozRT5vLvReLr4VHc16eB95bzNFLaGfVSBoIt713pYOR7Jw1HoEDqLxWFqzCAOHPSr946RF057=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="800" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEho9nFGlkRnyrI8KzC-pvOWqvALaXusRYZeQn5jd_WCqHUcgPN6ba6mBXw41vTCGFAcrXVRPvHL-1gFZmkRh9_tdXM5wea82oJwukVYttjrytq_zsNozRT5vLvReLr4VHc16eB95bzNFLaGfVSBoIt713pYOR7Jw1HoEDqLxWFqzCAOHPSr946RF057=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></div></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God is not a distant ruler sitting up in Heaven with no regard to earth. God is aware of sorrows and through Jesus and because of Jesus knows what we are going through. He tells us that He will be with us through our sorrows and through our pain. He will be near to the broken-hearted.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: helvetica;"><span class="text Ps-34-18" id="en-VOICE-13813" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">When someone is hurting or brokenhearted, the Eternal moves in close </span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-34-18" style="position: relative;">and revives him in his pain. Psalm 34:18</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-34-18" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-34-18" style="position: relative;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">Blessed are those who mourn—they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-34-18" style="position: relative;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-34-18" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God truly has care and concern for all people; afterall, He created each and everyone. It is His desire that all would come to know Him, and He makes it easy! Make 2022 a great new year by getting to know God better! Allow Him to ease your pain and sorrows and come to know Him on a personal level!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-34-18" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-34-18" style="position: relative;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. 2 Peter 3:9</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-34-18" style="position: relative;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2eb1I8Ev4WuqBjp007ybalcELIQ2d5iYVZ7wWz9MtA6EgvughKabVQ2F0K03v17TcZmGjAfgrYk3sCCGoVWAAEvq2QAFM9sDQrfGeduwsv88oa6gBR1RbdXahW0nyHXQ7-5wQFwtnpIeluEXQS9bUlfW2qqFZNza69A2sFUpotmLXd-otGAPqVALu=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2eb1I8Ev4WuqBjp007ybalcELIQ2d5iYVZ7wWz9MtA6EgvughKabVQ2F0K03v17TcZmGjAfgrYk3sCCGoVWAAEvq2QAFM9sDQrfGeduwsv88oa6gBR1RbdXahW0nyHXQ7-5wQFwtnpIeluEXQS9bUlfW2qqFZNza69A2sFUpotmLXd-otGAPqVALu=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><p></p></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-27233620285467347432021-11-03T19:22:00.001-04:002021-11-04T10:23:39.784-04:00God Speaks About Prayer<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaNcrja7stJnZnLmeu4FTXTUaKXIK54YECDvVpHdJeMXMefos388RcFvYUZkRvmnrVngSN5TzKtqy-MiJhWw45DAfTYws5EkLYfkdF1D8HNXW5W0bheekbmlW9wyvW75Ni0gvhsgYGbPlj_CEVd2Av7ZHJ5ual3xa6Aqns2NAszTpzQiai95IAAe9X=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaNcrja7stJnZnLmeu4FTXTUaKXIK54YECDvVpHdJeMXMefos388RcFvYUZkRvmnrVngSN5TzKtqy-MiJhWw45DAfTYws5EkLYfkdF1D8HNXW5W0bheekbmlW9wyvW75Ni0gvhsgYGbPlj_CEVd2Av7ZHJ5ual3xa6Aqns2NAszTpzQiai95IAAe9X=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@faithgiant?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Alex Shute</a> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/prayer?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Unsplas</span>h</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever wondered if God really pays attention to our prayers? Do you wonder what is the point in praying? The second question in particular is one that I often think about. Why should Christians pray? God already knows how things are going to turn out, so what good does it do for us to pray? This is a personal struggle of mine. I feel like my meager petitions do little to sway God and His plan. But consider this, even Jesus prayed when He was about to be captured by the Romans and He knew that He would not sway God's plan of salvation that had been in place since the beginning of time. So why would He pray if He knew there would be no change? The Bible tells us a lot about prayer. It tells us how to pray, what to pray for and why to pray. Prayer is the simple act of speaking with God. Sharing your heart with God; your concerns, your joys, your needs, and even your desires. Here is what God has to say about prayer. </span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh87fwSWCFjJzO-yI7_Mf21_vEjurxVvi3HzjNHtJgujEik_p2SfJPT_BR_J5cFpVspfFQTC6Vk92Y7LtShO46PsYVoT6bPgoDcCiHyUuHQondDHIcSfn8rsCw29tNGSow9CCPeHPQUEsVx-xrlBFGLtgEIGOkAAn8TDkckrt3ZO6qnAAs8z2D3kcDM=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh87fwSWCFjJzO-yI7_Mf21_vEjurxVvi3HzjNHtJgujEik_p2SfJPT_BR_J5cFpVspfFQTC6Vk92Y7LtShO46PsYVoT6bPgoDcCiHyUuHQondDHIcSfn8rsCw29tNGSow9CCPeHPQUEsVx-xrlBFGLtgEIGOkAAn8TDkckrt3ZO6qnAAs8z2D3kcDM=w133-h200" width="133" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@priscilladupreez?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Priscilla Du Preez</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/prayer?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">First, we must establish a routine. Jesus prayed in the morning, as described in Mark 1:35, <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>"</b></span><span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>there He prayed."</b></span> We each should decide when and where to pray where we won't be distracted and we will be able to focus on the message God wants to give us through our prayers. Furthermore, we are told to <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>"Pray without ceasing"</b></span> (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Moreover, Ephesians 6:18 tells us to <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>"</b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">We know from this that we have a continuous open-line of communication with God and can present to Him our joys and concerns as we go through the day. </span></span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpQY5wE8qaSeOLRJzdxCeeVyHevVcxqVLxNOnRb5zWpEH-Ha_j0F7roQ6QVq8ZnmbYOQsd052MeTtPwhhmcArGCDUDQlV2JPZ_EhkxVEBb5SGrdOa5pa-tyTmpcoBzs-eKD-lJaV3KqJkF2lKIURH-cHAmNJX51udBEIf-ifm9OmCusUWR3-XAy4ki=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1387" data-original-width="1920" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpQY5wE8qaSeOLRJzdxCeeVyHevVcxqVLxNOnRb5zWpEH-Ha_j0F7roQ6QVq8ZnmbYOQsd052MeTtPwhhmcArGCDUDQlV2JPZ_EhkxVEBb5SGrdOa5pa-tyTmpcoBzs-eKD-lJaV3KqJkF2lKIURH-cHAmNJX51udBEIf-ifm9OmCusUWR3-XAy4ki=w200-h144" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #191b26; margin: initial; padding: initial; white-space: nowrap;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/pexels-2286921/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1868418" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: initial; outline: none !important; padding: initial;">Pexels</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1868418" style="color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; margin: initial; outline: none !important; padding: initial;">Pixabay</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Second, we are told in several places to pray with thanksgiving and to be thankful. This holds true, not just in our prayers with pleasing outcomes, but also those with less pleasing outcomes. Philippians 4:6 tells us, <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>"</b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span><b style="color: #6aa84f;">Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication <u>with thanksgiving</u> let your requests be made known to God." </b>In Colossians 4:2 we are further told, <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>"</b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span><b style="color: #6aa84f;">Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with <u>thanksgiving</u>." </b>Additionally 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says, <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>"</b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span><b style="color: #6aa84f;">Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, <u>give thanks</u> in all circumstances;" </b>Notice this last verse says, "in all circumstances". No matter whether a good or bad situation, we should give our thanks to God for what He will do to bring us through it.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV_bCcjduqO3gDg1qehLwgJsztVzZJ590fTo0u1zs-xvTB5Isnee_rY5jcURy7ywc0yDlGvowTqq7YwWZJcTfdvQpXRF64drkoyvAlkYPlpnaDxNFqxiESoN_9PLGljHcRKjD6pPgCmsj8N890uIB92mG7Lz-ySmig9JSIR8Jmyn28BRvTpyB-Ct5U=s800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="800" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV_bCcjduqO3gDg1qehLwgJsztVzZJ590fTo0u1zs-xvTB5Isnee_rY5jcURy7ywc0yDlGvowTqq7YwWZJcTfdvQpXRF64drkoyvAlkYPlpnaDxNFqxiESoN_9PLGljHcRKjD6pPgCmsj8N890uIB92mG7Lz-ySmig9JSIR8Jmyn28BRvTpyB-Ct5U=w200-h133" width="200" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>Third, the Bible shares about our intentions for prayer. What is our personal reason for a particular prayer? Matthew 6:6-7 explains how our prayer is to be heartfelt and personal, not for the ears of others, but for the ears of God. <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>"</b></span></span></span><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><b style="color: #e06666;">And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words." </b>This in no way reflects the idea that we can't pray for others or in front of others, but it reflects the attitude of our heart. Are we praying sincerely to God or are we praying so that others will hear US and not God? </span></span></span><p></p><div class="verseundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefined" style="background-color: white;"></div><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvAuupe0-PAr7MGVM6X_RzM-do6hXjTEjZj7503pJlqvJrGL0p0_ODJCjrZ5nvZr_AhCndepXqqSZdT2JOPRCVq6r_kYQ-0vJ3QqBcN-mK5n6MQsMrQZv7zMYwNtW7tF2IqPrZzGdwjOmB7iICFV7Dex02n0cHQLx_pTX61VrlbVu9t82N78v0jWbI=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvAuupe0-PAr7MGVM6X_RzM-do6hXjTEjZj7503pJlqvJrGL0p0_ODJCjrZ5nvZr_AhCndepXqqSZdT2JOPRCVq6r_kYQ-0vJ3QqBcN-mK5n6MQsMrQZv7zMYwNtW7tF2IqPrZzGdwjOmB7iICFV7Dex02n0cHQLx_pTX61VrlbVu9t82N78v0jWbI=w200-h133" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@phillipgold?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Phillip Goldsberry</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/prayer?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fourth, who should we pray for? Surely we pray for our family and friends, but is that all? James 5:16 tells us to "<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>pray for one another</b></span>". 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, <span><b style="color: #741b47;">"</b><span style="background-color: white;"><b style="color: #741b47;">I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions..." </b>All who are in high positions...this is often a troublesome phrase as we don't often care for or disagree with those who are in the high positions, but God's word is clear. We are still to pray for them. It doesn't say, pray for them if you agree with them, but just pray for them. James 5:13-14 adds, <span style="color: #741b47;"><b>"</b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span><b style="color: #741b47;">Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him." </b>Finally comes the toughest of all of the "who" we should pray for. Luke 6:27-28 declares, </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span><b style="color: #741b47;">“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." </b>This is a hard thing to do. We don't often want to pray for those who do us wrong, but God tells us to pray for them. After all, it is God's desire that none should perish. He desires that everyone will come to know Him; He made each one!</span></span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqAHFEN1G8Wt1DAcPR6xT6Alhcm92P3Yt6BOZagkPxpH5zOCURK3jQV5E3ESrv0GqACuAZobvcG9oQ4iLw9PqoG8SvA1mgz6CfT4bJsqxoUvdjh_nzX8cvXjmdBh-R1-XvutXBLNdnWK8O6RAjWfuEEgtO81Xjpm2XZlhLMX-XUmi5nvPEQQ5lg0V6=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqAHFEN1G8Wt1DAcPR6xT6Alhcm92P3Yt6BOZagkPxpH5zOCURK3jQV5E3ESrv0GqACuAZobvcG9oQ4iLw9PqoG8SvA1mgz6CfT4bJsqxoUvdjh_nzX8cvXjmdBh-R1-XvutXBLNdnWK8O6RAjWfuEEgtO81Xjpm2XZlhLMX-XUmi5nvPEQQ5lg0V6=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>Last, we come to the personal reasons that we should pray. These reasons are not necessarily to gain an answer to our personal requests, but they do benefit us in ways we may not realize. Praying can provide peace for us as described in Philippians 4:6, <span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>"</b></span></span></span><span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."</span></span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>Remember our lesson on the word "but", we have a choice to make in a different direction. We are anxious, BUT pray, we will gain peace! James 5:16 states, <span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>"</b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span><b style="color: #134f5c;">Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." </b>Prayer can bring healing, not specifically physical healing, but spiritual healing. If we place our life and circumstances in God's hand, we can obtain spiritual healing. Earlier in his book, James reminds us that God can give us wisdom if we ask, <span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>"</b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span><b style="color: #134f5c;">If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." </b>Even further, Romans 8:26 gives us encouragement for those times where we just can't find the words to pray. Sometimes we may be too worried or distraught to even mentally come up with the right prayer. It is at these times, we can rely on the Holy Spirit. <span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>"</b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span><b style="color: #134f5c;">Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." </b>I don't know how many times I have just said, "God, I just don't even know what to pray for right now in this situation, so please take care of it." I can take comfort knowing that at those times the Holy Spirit delivers that message to God for me. </span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIaRRlK-s1O-rP0Ot-9ZcVFxjouLda1PSyv-qE9Xk1luoM2RFAlfZ-f9pbW5-NLMgcnnVAinxkip463ZjHtpF8qkbNxud-MQ6dKPvEAC5DjbW3I-_VXka_qihi0AX3tIZgs7yYtrmK8rAKlh0HNQNZBMOg7yArHIA6SYcBFtfkSzBJo8B2BAUYYAhD=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIaRRlK-s1O-rP0Ot-9ZcVFxjouLda1PSyv-qE9Xk1luoM2RFAlfZ-f9pbW5-NLMgcnnVAinxkip463ZjHtpF8qkbNxud-MQ6dKPvEAC5DjbW3I-_VXka_qihi0AX3tIZgs7yYtrmK8rAKlh0HNQNZBMOg7yArHIA6SYcBFtfkSzBJo8B2BAUYYAhD=s320" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God desires prayer from us. He desires communication with us. God knows what we go through; He already knows our joys, concerns, worries, and problems, and how the issues will turn out, but He wants us to call out to Him in prayer and communication. God is waiting to give us spiritual healing, give us peace and assurance and grow our faith through prayers to Him. If you feel you aren't able to pray, remember that the Spirit will intercede for you when you can't come up with the words! Also remember that God created each one of us and desires a relationship with each one of us!</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><div><span face=""Segoe UI", -apple-system, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="verseundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefined" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Segoe UI", -apple-system, Verdana, sans-serif;"></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-36821261205246234562021-10-06T19:31:00.000-04:002021-10-06T19:31:38.019-04:00God Speaks Now and Then<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubdmwkyEo6c/YVxuQhD1MFI/AAAAAAAAO6c/1CE-ushvwsswVqzovKsoKrxiCubzISpyACPcBGAYYCw/s1920/information-sign-g238275f3a_1920.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1920" height="118" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubdmwkyEo6c/YVxuQhD1MFI/AAAAAAAAO6c/1CE-ushvwsswVqzovKsoKrxiCubzISpyACPcBGAYYCw/w200-h118/information-sign-g238275f3a_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the last post, I alluded to more words that God uses, including a four-letter word. This time, we will </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">focus on the words "now" and "then" (the 4-letter word 😉). The last</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> post talked about two small words "but" and "yet" and how they were used often to re-write or change and contrast the entire meaning of a sentence or thought. The words THEN and NOW cause similar changes in sentences. Then and now can be thought of as words of action and words that propel the situation along. Let's take a look at some Scripture to see just how they are used by God. THEN often signifies a change in behavior or follows an action.</span></p><div><p></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Ezekiel 18:30b says "Turn away from all your offenses; <i>then</i> sin will not be your downfall."</b></span><br />Once we <u>choose </u>(there's that word again) to turn away, <b>then</b> sin will not be the downfall.<br /><br /><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Proverbs 1:23--"Repent at my rebuke! <i>Then</i> I will pour out my thoughts to you,<br />I will make known to you my teachings."</b></span> </span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once we <u>choose</u> to repent, <b>then </b>God acts.....</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mm2jA5nx6rg/YVxxdYvzQrI/AAAAAAAAO6o/ZLOGw82DrEsA7XQYuYteDBYWrY8udwsHgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/ross-findon-mG28olYFgHI-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="113" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mm2jA5nx6rg/YVxxdYvzQrI/AAAAAAAAO6o/ZLOGw82DrEsA7XQYuYteDBYWrY8udwsHgCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h113/ross-findon-mG28olYFgHI-unsplash.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face="-webkit-standard" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@rossf?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="font-family: -apple-system-font; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">Ross Findon</a><span face="-webkit-standard" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/change?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="font-family: -apple-system-font; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Amos 5:14 is another example--"<span style="background-color: white;">Seek good, not evil, </span><span style="background-color: white;">that you may live. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Then</i> the</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">God Almighty will be with you, </span><span style="background-color: white;">just as you say he is."</span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We <u>choose</u><i> </i>to seek good, <b>then </b>the Lord.....</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>2 Chronicles 7:14--"</b></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><b>If my own people will humbly pray and turn back to me and stop sinning, <i>then</i> I will answer them from heaven. I will forgive them and make their land fertile once again."</b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Choose</u> to follow the commands at the start of this verse, <b>then</b> God answers....</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">After God speaks or moves, or acts, we then have a response. The word NOW often denotes that action has taken place and this is the result of our action. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Romans 8:1--"</span><span style="background-color: white;">Therefore, there is <i>now</i> no condemnation</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">for those who are in Christ Jesus.</span></b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>"</b></span> God's action/reaction to our choice to follow Him is that NOW there is no eternal condemnation.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 Timothy 4:7-8--"</span><span class="text 2Tim-4-7" id="en-NIV-29878" style="background-color: white;">I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><i> </i></span></span></b><span class="text 2Tim-4-8" id="en-NIV-29879" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Now</i> there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day."</span></b> Again, God's action/reaction to our finishing the race He has prepared for us is the reward of Heaven if we believe and follow Him.</span></span></div><div><span class="text 2Tim-4-8" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="text 2Tim-4-8" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I must give credit where credit is due for these last two blog posts. My husband brought up the verse I am going to list below. It was a verse he had used and expounded upon in a sermon before and he was sharing it again with someone the other day. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrgJbCJU84g/YVxuQ-aZS6I/AAAAAAAAO6Y/FoR6ccKRjDgPOyg705KqUddKLLZcKQFngCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/gary-butterfield-wQ0lQlgPeiA-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1486" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrgJbCJU84g/YVxuQ-aZS6I/AAAAAAAAO6Y/FoR6ccKRjDgPOyg705KqUddKLLZcKQFngCPcBGAYYCw/w145-h200/gary-butterfield-wQ0lQlgPeiA-unsplash.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face="-webkit-standard" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@rossf?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="font-family: -apple-system-font; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">Ross Findon</a><span face="-webkit-standard" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/change?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="font-family: -apple-system-font; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="text 2Tim-4-8" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span class="text 2Tim-4-8" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Daniel 1:8-9--"</span><span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-NIV-21746" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>But</i> Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></b><span class="text Dan-1-9" id="en-NIV-21747" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i>Now</i> God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel". </span></b> This verse uses a couple of our new little words. In this verse we see a couple things. We see action on the part of both Daniel and God. </span></div><div><span class="text Dan-1-9" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="text Dan-1-9" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>But</b> Daniel <u>chooses</u><i> </i>to not eat the King's food. He <u>chooses</u> to obey the commands of God. <b>Now</b> God acts upon that decision to obey. But Daniel...Now God....</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> Hopefully as you search the Scriptures on your own, you will notice these small words and what an impact they have on the context of the verses. Above all, it seems we must make decisions and it is on those decisions that God acts or doesn't act. Yes, God created us and loves us and desires nothing but good for us, BUT (contrast coming) He may not </span><u style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">choose</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> to bless us until we </span><u style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">choose</u><i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">to obey Him.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZi2sxhvHdU/YVxxdWnV7gI/AAAAAAAAO6s/CR5yPerPlio1L3FQY1qwz-uJ0i6XrIZ3QCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/pexels-nothing-ahead-4502492.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZi2sxhvHdU/YVxxdWnV7gI/AAAAAAAAO6s/CR5yPerPlio1L3FQY1qwz-uJ0i6XrIZ3QCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h133/pexels-nothing-ahead-4502492.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, "segoe ui", roboto, oxygen, cantarell, "helvetica neue", ubuntu, sans-serif" style="background-color: #e8e8e8; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">Photo by </span><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, "segoe ui", roboto, oxygen, cantarell, "helvetica neue", ubuntu, sans-serif" style="background-color: #e8e8e8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1a1a; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/@ian-panelo?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Nothing Ahead</a></span><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, "segoe ui", roboto, oxygen, cantarell, "helvetica neue", ubuntu, sans-serif" style="background-color: #e8e8e8; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"> from </span><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, "segoe ui", roboto, oxygen, cantarell, "helvetica neue", ubuntu, sans-serif" style="background-color: #e8e8e8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1a1a; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/shallow-focus-photo-of-change-4502492/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Pexels</a></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-62183687084509395642021-09-22T19:28:00.002-04:002021-09-22T19:28:48.650-04:00God Speaks 3-Letter Words<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjgyeniOZkM/YUtTYwBr4_I/AAAAAAAAOu4/KntOctRT-iUJU0vVNH3JBcGEtf1yOvC9ACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/ivan-shilov-ucUB9wxkPgY-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjgyeniOZkM/YUtTYwBr4_I/AAAAAAAAOu4/KntOctRT-iUJU0vVNH3JBcGEtf1yOvC9ACPcBGAYYCw/w133-h200/ivan-shilov-ucUB9wxkPgY-unsplash.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ivan Shilov on Unsplash</span></td></tr></tbody></table> Are you a linguist? Do you enjoy language? Language has never been my top subject. I've always enjoyed reading and was decent at grammar, but never really understood the whole system of language and identifying parts of speech and how it worked together. Recently, I have discovered a couple small 3-letter words that really pack a punch. These simple words are: YET and BUT. I did a post a while back on these little words <a href="https://klafamily.blogspot.com/2019/10/yet.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but this post will hopefully provide a deeper understanding. <p></p><div> The words YET and BUT are both conjunctions. Conjunctions are used in language to link two parts together. These parts may be similar or different. Both of these words generally introduce a contrast in ideas, giving a more powerful contradiction. I was surprised at the number of verses in the Bible using these small, but intense, words. A few of them will be highlighted. One of my all-time favorite verses is Habakkuk 3:17-18. I included it in the previous post linked above, but will again include it here. Verse 17 sets up the story and verse 18 packs the punch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mbkXUz4fSg/XaZSWJYHrCI/AAAAAAAAGwM/VQ4ZhPi0-OAkYZtJYu4nf8WmLrI1X898ACPcBGAYYCw/s459/yet-design-amped-name.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="459" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mbkXUz4fSg/XaZSWJYHrCI/AAAAAAAAGwM/VQ4ZhPi0-OAkYZtJYu4nf8WmLrI1X898ACPcBGAYYCw/w200-h170/yet-design-amped-name.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #800180;">Habakkuk 3:17-18--"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #800180; text-align: left;">Though the fig tree does not bud </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #800180; text-align: left;">and there are no grapes on the vines, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #800180; text-align: left;">though the olive crop fails </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #800180; text-align: left;">and the fields produce no food, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #800180; text-align: left;">though there are no sheep in the pen </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">and no cattle in the stall, </span><span style="color: #060000;">YET</span><span style="color: #800180;"> I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: red; text-align: left;">Mark 8:36--"</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, </span><span style="color: #090000;">YET</span><span style="color: red;"> forfeit their soul?"</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; text-align: left;">1 John 1:6--"</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">If we claim to have fellowship with him and </span><span style="color: #090000;">YET </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">walk in the darkness,</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; text-align: left;"> we lie and do not live out the truth."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">John 1:12--"</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #090000;">YET</span><span style="color: #ffa400; font-weight: bold;"> some people accepted him</span></span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; text-align: left;"> </span><span class="text John-1-12" style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-weight: bold; position: relative; text-align: left;">and put their faith in him. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">So he gave them the right </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">to be the children of God."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KRjObsLaSs/YUtTZfTtOVI/AAAAAAAAOvA/i9swkob9-ykrEywCzzr_IUJ6Kn6uM4QyACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/jon-tyson-PXB7yEM5LVs-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KRjObsLaSs/YUtTZfTtOVI/AAAAAAAAOvA/i9swkob9-ykrEywCzzr_IUJ6Kn6uM4QyACPcBGAYYCw/w150-h200/jon-tyson-PXB7yEM5LVs-unsplash.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jon Tyson on Unsplash</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The use of yet in all of these verses, besides showing some contrast in thoughts or actions, implies a choice that was made. Habakkuk: things are going bad, "yet" I choose to rejoice. Mark: gain the whole word, "yet" I choose to lose my soul. I John: Claim to love God, "yet" I choose to walk in darkness. John: "Yet" some people choose to accept Him. Most of these verses also include a consequence. Let's look at a few more verses with the word "but". These same verses, besides showing contrast, imply choices.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EBlsDX25gsU/YUti_IjueVI/AAAAAAAAOvE/OS_iy8VDWzA1XVm-6ev45UYmk4zHa34TQCLcBGAsYHQ/s380/but-design-sketch-name.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="380" height="156" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EBlsDX25gsU/YUti_IjueVI/AAAAAAAAOvE/OS_iy8VDWzA1XVm-6ev45UYmk4zHa34TQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h156/but-design-sketch-name.webp" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;">Galatians 2:20a--"</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">I have been crucified with Christ</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><b style="color: #38761d;"> and I no longer live, </b>BUT<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><b style="color: #38761d;">Christ lives in me." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Matthew 24:13--"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">BUT<b> </b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span>Romans 6:23--"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">For the wages of sin is death,</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;"> </span>BUT <span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;">the gift of God is eternal life</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"> in </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Christ Jesus our Lord."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #f99b02; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">2 Thessalonians 3:3--"</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">BUT <b style="color: #f99b02;">the Lord is faithful,</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #f99b02; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"> and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Galatians: "But" Christ chooses to live in us. Matthew: "But" we choose to stand firm. Romans: "But" God chooses to give us eternal life. 2 Thessalonians: "But" God chooses to be faithful. These small words mean so much. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DMix_IrwPA/YUtTZncOscI/AAAAAAAAOu8/Gw22IJ9DdWgyrzkrlhj2Gr6wVVyq6z0OwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/neonbrand--Cmz06-0btw-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DMix_IrwPA/YUtTZncOscI/AAAAAAAAOu8/Gw22IJ9DdWgyrzkrlhj2Gr6wVVyq6z0OwCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h133/neonbrand--Cmz06-0btw-unsplash.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">NeONBRAND on Unsplash</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We have choices to make in our relationship with God. God then has responses that He chooses to give. God does not simply put us into existence with a pre-determined will to obey Him. Once Adam and Eve made their choice and brought sin into the world, God could have stopped it right there. God could have said, "That's it! Humans make bad choices. I'm done!" In Noah's generation, God could have chosen again to destroy everything and everyone! He chose to save Noah and his family because they chose Him. Had God, at any point, chosen to wipe out the entire earth, you and I would not be here today, but God knew we were coming to the world and He chose to keep the world going so that He could choose to fellowship with us! Just remember: God chose you, He is just waiting for you to choose Him!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next time we will look at another 3-letter word and maybe one with 4-letters as well! Stay tuned to read more about choices and the rewards or consequences that go with them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJt3CRWLCaU/YUtTY8k1lDI/AAAAAAAAOu0/72MOHkwajbU9MxQKjbOM96WCmMvxGxN9wCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/change-2930404_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1920" height="175" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJt3CRWLCaU/YUtTY8k1lDI/AAAAAAAAOu0/72MOHkwajbU9MxQKjbOM96WCmMvxGxN9wCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h175/change-2930404_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pete Linforth on Pixabay</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-78861596579074327642021-09-07T21:10:00.000-04:002021-09-07T21:10:18.275-04:00God Speaks Routine<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Have you developed a certain routine? Do you have any habits?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QWwqvRGXFM/YTgKBsiEskI/AAAAAAAAOjs/NZGqR4I6v0E98p4TfTy2np_r_sZxr69fACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/depositphotos_146519573-stock-illustration-daily-routines-concept-healthy-life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="599" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QWwqvRGXFM/YTgKBsiEskI/AAAAAAAAOjs/NZGqR4I6v0E98p4TfTy2np_r_sZxr69fACLcBGAsYHQ/w199-h200/depositphotos_146519573-stock-illustration-daily-routines-concept-healthy-life.jpg" width="199" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /> A routine is defined as: <span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program. A habit is defined as: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #303336; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary. So it seems that a habit is nothing more than a routine that has been put to memory. </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We all know there can be both good and bad habits and I believe they are obtained through good and bad routines. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Good routines are very important in our lives. They can help us live better, healthier, and more fulfilled lives. Routines that turn into habits are even better because you don't even have to think about or plan for them; you just do them. Bad routines, which later become bad habits, are detrimental to our lives and can bring about pain, sorrow, sickness, and mental anguish. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqvf1evE9eM/YTgLOkepLGI/AAAAAAAAOj0/eIh1VRpCx_4Pojb-RXa5LC4v97CCzGk_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1689/yellow-alarm-clock-no-hands-isolated-white-background-142488731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1689" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqvf1evE9eM/YTgLOkepLGI/AAAAAAAAOj0/eIh1VRpCx_4Pojb-RXa5LC4v97CCzGk_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w189-h200/yellow-alarm-clock-no-hands-isolated-white-background-142488731.jpg" width="189" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />Recently I heard of someone who took a family member with dementia on a several-day trip. By the end of the trip, the family member was really having difficulty because they were extremely out of their typical routine and habit. It was unsettling for them. Think for yourself how unsettled you might be if your daily routine gets changed. I know for myself, I wake up, shower, teeth, get dressed, put lunch in my lunchbox, make my Choffy drink and take my medications. If there is anything that causes me to miss a step or that complicates this routine, it really throws me off for a good portion of the day.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The last several pastors that have served the church where I worship have all attempted to build certain routines into the congregants so that they become habits. Among them are Bible reading, prayer, and Christian fellowship. These are vital routines for the life of a Christian. Consistent prayer and Bible reading help us to remember to seek God for all of our concerns and joys. Consistently reading Scripture helps to keep us in line with God's will and His desires for our life. Consistent Christian fellowship helps us to see God working in and through others. I must admit that I STRUGGLE with these things myself, especially being consistent in Bible reading and prayer. I do receive a Scripture in my email that I read everyday, but often find little time to study the Bible. I pray every morning on my way to work, but often "forget" throughout the rest of the day and weekends (when I'm out of my routine). Summers are especially bad! I am usually way out of routine and habit by then and often don't do more than read my daily Bible verse. The lack of blog posts through the summer can attest to that as well. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnaHetpXOrc/YAm3g1537eI/AAAAAAAALjs/1aQWt5VcsEQuqeVLlmNBF9gvBl1QmnX9ACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/timothy-eberly-wnrxQGBhbh8-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnaHetpXOrc/YAm3g1537eI/AAAAAAAALjs/1aQWt5VcsEQuqeVLlmNBF9gvBl1QmnX9ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/timothy-eberly-wnrxQGBhbh8-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If we search the Scriptures, we can find God's thoughts about certain routines and habits.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"><span>Psalm 119:56</span><span>--"</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">You have blessed me </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">because I have <b><u>always</u></b> followed </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">your teachings." The writer here states he is blessed by ALWAYS following God's teachings.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">Luke 5:16--"</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">Jesus <b><u>repeatedly</u></b> left the crowds, though, stealing away into the wilderness to pray." Even Jesus, Who is God, knew the need to consistently get away and pray.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: helvetica;"><b><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">Luke 4:16--"</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went <u>as usual</u> to the synagogue on Saturday, and stood up to read the Scriptures." Jesus also knew the importance of meeting on the Sabbath.</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">Acts 2:46--"</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">They followed a <b><u>daily discipline </u></b>of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God." The disciples followed the lead of Jesus and continued in their daily routine.</span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica;">The Scriptures are clear about bad habits and routines as well.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">Here is a very direct and to the point Scripture. <span style="color: #990000;">Hebrews 10:25--"</span></span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; color: #990000;">Some people have <b><u>gotten out of the habit </u></b>of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer."</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: helvetica;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">Jeremiah 22:21--"</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">When times were good, </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">I warned you. </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">But you ignored me, </span><b><u><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">just as you have done</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span></u></b><span class="text Jer-22-21" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="position: relative;"><b><u>since Israel was young</u></b>."</span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica;">God desires to have communication and fellowship with us through prayer, Bible reading, and gathering with other Christians. Let us ALL strive to develop these good routines and habits!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvtajMxSXAE/YTgMxx4CuEI/AAAAAAAAOkA/V0sabeNXQi4G9dNQUsxpZX5cPD9kZ4UhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/people-walking-to-church-building-1024x576-1024x585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="1024" height="183" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvtajMxSXAE/YTgMxx4CuEI/AAAAAAAAOkA/V0sabeNXQi4G9dNQUsxpZX5cPD9kZ4UhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/people-walking-to-church-building-1024x576-1024x585.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><p></p><a class="full-chap-link" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+4&version=TLB" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; min-width: 0px;" title="View Full Chapter"></a>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-16411443049618937262021-06-28T13:00:00.000-04:002021-06-28T13:00:44.025-04:00God Speaks and Cares About the Future<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1kBFtj3698/YNn2lO5WmeI/AAAAAAAAMLU/ZV7bK323CR8PBTLEY7pl1zUiHOpk57PsQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/hello-future-1500543-640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1kBFtj3698/YNn2lO5WmeI/AAAAAAAAMLU/ZV7bK323CR8PBTLEY7pl1zUiHOpk57PsQCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h150/hello-future-1500543-640x480.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>The Future! I don't know about you, but whenever I think about that phrase, I can hear a garbled voice echoing those words over and over. Maybe it is from a movie or TV show that I can't remember or just something dumb my mind has come up with. Whatever the case, thinking about the future often comes with much apprehension and even some scariness. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Quicksand;"><b>Matthew 6:34--"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time."</span></b></span></p><p>At the end of the past three school years (2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021), I have turned in my end of the year papers, badges, keys, etc. with expectations of going back to that same position in the Fall. God has always had different plans it seems. In August 2019, I was asked by that employer to work part-time instead of full-time. Since I need a full-time job to be able to help pay the bills, I had to search elsewhere. By God's grace, a position had just become open at a school system five minutes from my house. I worked there enthusiastically until March 2020, when CoVid hit. Even then, I continued to work outside my job description and contracted dates by helping with the Food Program there. It certainly was a time of great need for food as the students and their families were unable to get the food they typically did from the schools or from the grocery stores at first. Once I turned in my keys and badge, I had full expectations of returning IF schools were going to be open. Almost like deja vu, in August 2020, I was informed that I (along with 80 some others) were going to be laid off. Again, by God's grace, I happened upon a new position opening. Although we went 6 weeks without a second income, God provided. Even though my current salary is 30% less than at my previous employment, God still provides. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: Quicksand;"><b>Psalm 94:19--"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">And when I was burdened </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">with worries,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0; text-align: left;"> </span><span class="text Ps-94-19" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: left;">you comforted me </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">and made me feel secure</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3hedYK3NJA/YNn2lorJhEI/AAAAAAAAML0/U8VTc3tqx4wL9_7TgoDspwwARzkK-_1uQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/markus-winkler-4o0-XbicJ6E-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3hedYK3NJA/YNn2lorJhEI/AAAAAAAAML0/U8VTc3tqx4wL9_7TgoDspwwARzkK-_1uQCPcBGAYYCw/w133-h200/markus-winkler-4o0-XbicJ6E-unsplash.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p></p><p>As I turned in my badge this year, I was met with a little apprehension. With the last two years in mind, who knows what will happen before the end of August. Two things I know are that God holds the future and He will provide. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: Quicksand;"><b>Luke 12:22-25--"<span class="text Luke-12-22" id="en-VOICE-24716" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">(then, to His disciples) This is why I keep telling you not to worry about anything in life—about what you’ll eat, about how you’ll clothe your body.</span><span class="text Luke-12-23" id="en-VOICE-24717" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span>Life is more than food, and the body is more than fancy clothes. </span><span class="text Luke-12-24" id="en-VOICE-24718" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Think about those crows flying over there: do they plant and harvest crops? Do they own silos or barns? <i>Look at them fly.</i> It looks like God is taking pretty good care of them, doesn’t it? Remember that you are more precious to God than birds! </span><span class="text Luke-12-25" id="en-VOICE-24719" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Which one of you can add a single hour to your life or 18 inches<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-VOICE-24719a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-VOICE-24719a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+12%3A22-25&version=VOICE#fen-VOICE-24719a" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> to your height by worrying really hard?"</span></b></span></p><p>God does not want us to worry about the future. For those who believe, He has us in His hands and will guide and direct our paths. God wants for all to trust and believe in Him! Sometimes we are apprehensive about even our distant future. Sometimes we are confronted, not just with year to year questions, but questions about when we get old, when our parents get old, when our kids get old, when the grandchildren get old, and sometimes even when we leave this earth. God does not want us to worry about any of those things either. Because we live in a broken world, there is no guarantee about the future for any of us. I wish I could tell you that trusting in God will bring bright and cheery sunshine rays to you for the rest of your life, but that is not the case. What I can guarantee is that for those that believe in God, once we leave this earth, it will be bright and cheery sunshine rays forever after. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYo3JTpxcLA/YNn2l0pmcmI/AAAAAAAAML4/o3YEEDqz7TQ-5bUpaV1b9PK572fQifxQQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/max-bohme-78yR8o55EJY-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYo3JTpxcLA/YNn2l0pmcmI/AAAAAAAAML4/o3YEEDqz7TQ-5bUpaV1b9PK572fQifxQQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/max-bohme-78yR8o55EJY-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Quicksand;"><b>Jeremiah 29:11--"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">For I know the plans I have for you,” says the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."</span></b></span><p></p><p>I also know that God will provide for our futures here on earth. Even when faced with an uncertain future, God will provide for those that love Him. His provision may not always be the way WE think it should be and we may not always see a way out or a purpose to what is happening, but God knows, God has His hand in it, and God will provide!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Quicksand;"><b>Philippians 4:19--"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."</span></b></span></p><p><br /></p>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-77670371896815402752021-05-26T18:22:00.001-04:002021-05-28T13:34:41.236-04:00God Speaks Even When...<p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz5TlPdOWoQ/YK2PMq3-mrI/AAAAAAAAMEw/VRbxwYpgXmEk5NH3eeKbIGxmSYN0orNYQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0261.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz5TlPdOWoQ/YK2PMq3-mrI/AAAAAAAAMEw/VRbxwYpgXmEk5NH3eeKbIGxmSYN0orNYQCPcBGAYYCw/w133-h200/IMG_0261.jpg" width="133" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Have you ever been discouraged or feeling run down? That is the way I have been feeling lately. It has taken me longer than I wanted to write this post because I have just been uninspired. Between CoVid stuff and other issues, I have truthfully just not FELT like writing. Many days I have prayed, "God I need some inspiration for my blog. Give me inspiration! How else do You speak to us?" And then, after several days, God brings two things to mind. The first is Habakkuk 3:17-18, which is one of my all-time favorite verses. I've used it in a previous blog so didn't want to use it again, BUT when God is nudging you, you do it! </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl9Sn1rp0ZU/YK2O5dmxWMI/AAAAAAAAMEo/E0Pj15iP4T4N_ks5j-a9Oh326xgxAaGOgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0224.CR2" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl9Sn1rp0ZU/YK2O5dmxWMI/AAAAAAAAMEo/E0Pj15iP4T4N_ks5j-a9Oh326xgxAaGOgCPcBGAYYCw/w133-h200/IMG_0224.CR2" width="133" /></a></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><b>Habakkuk 3:17-18, "<span style="background-color: white;">Even if the fig tree does not blossom </span><span style="background-color: white;">and there are no grapes on the vines, </span><span style="background-color: white;">If the olive trees fail to give fruit </span><span style="background-color: white;">and the fields produce no food, </span><span style="background-color: white;">If the flocks die</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><i>far</i><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">from the fold </span><span style="background-color: white;">and there are no cattle in the stalls; Then I will <i>still</i> rejoice in the Eternal! I will rejoice in the God who saves me!" <br /></span></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">This is from "The Voice" translation. Another version says as its last line "YET will I REJOICE in the Lord" and another "YET will I TRIUMPH in the Lord". What is exciting in this verse is the reminder that even when we feel discouraged, even when we feel down, we can and should still rejoice in the Lord. He is in control of everything and will continue to take care of us!</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oC3w9QbczCE/YK2SuFRkD_I/AAAAAAAAME8/N2Bk7bt3PAIICakSuQvKw3YEn6qek8UYQCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/woman-2667455_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1920" height="129" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oC3w9QbczCE/YK2SuFRkD_I/AAAAAAAAME8/N2Bk7bt3PAIICakSuQvKw3YEn6qek8UYQCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h129/woman-2667455_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The other nudge that came to mind was "Seek God". Why should I just be sitting around waiting for inspiration when I should be seeking God for that inspiration?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>Matthew 6:33, says, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too."</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Seek God first! He promises that if we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6KAdAJQHa8/YK2U6SJGh8I/AAAAAAAAMFQ/Ks-Std19r3A69l0LoXoOtiJL1QRXfKyHwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/cerys-lowe-o2vx3hOPbUM-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6KAdAJQHa8/YK2U6SJGh8I/AAAAAAAAMFQ/Ks-Std19r3A69l0LoXoOtiJL1QRXfKyHwCPcBGAYYCw/w150-h200/cerys-lowe-o2vx3hOPbUM-unsplash.jpg" width="150" /></a></b></span></span></div><span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br />Proverbs 8:17, "</b></span></span><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">I love those who love me, </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">and</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">those who seek me diligently find me."</span></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart."</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d;">Deuteronomy 4:29, "</span></span></b><span style="color: #20124d;"><b><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">But from there you will seek the </span><span class="small-caps" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: left;">Lord</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul."</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">God not only promises that we will find Him is we seek Him. He also promises blessings to those that seek Hi</span><span style="font-size: medium;">m</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Psalms 34:10, "</b></span><b><span style="color: red;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">The young lions suffer want and hunger;</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0; text-align: left;"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-10" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: left;">but those who seek the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span> lack no good thing."</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Psalms 119:2, "</b></span><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Blessed are those who</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">keep his</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">testimonies, </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">who</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">seek him with their whole heart,"</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Lamentations 3:25, "</span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">The</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span class="small-caps" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: left;">Lord</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">is good to those who</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">wait for him, </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">to the soul who seeks him."</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfFZMwQMlmA/YK2S1Iw1OhI/AAAAAAAAMFA/6hQzX33VF0w3bgp1gH0ZFgiJK64F3b2PQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/ann-YtJQ-jma-SE-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfFZMwQMlmA/YK2S1Iw1OhI/AAAAAAAAMFA/6hQzX33VF0w3bgp1gH0ZFgiJK64F3b2PQCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h150/ann-YtJQ-jma-SE-unsplash.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">It is good to remember; however, that even though God promises blessings to those that seek Him, this does not mean that things will always be good. Bad times can still come upon those that seek and love God. It just means that God's blessings are more prevalent for those who seek Him and we will also have blessings in the future. Even now, God is waiting for those that will seek Him. He is always there, it is up to us to make the move towards Him. God is constant and always reachable, we just have to make the move. He is not far from us.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Psalms 14:2, "</b></span></span><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">The</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span class="small-caps" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: left;">Lord</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">looks down from heaven on the children of man, </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">to see if there are any who understand,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0; text-align: left;"> </span><span class="text Ps-14-2" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: left;">who seek after God."</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="text Ps-14-2" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000;">Psalms 69:32, "</span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">When</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">the humble see it they will be glad; </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">you who seek God,</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">let your hearts revive."</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Acts 17:27</span>, "<span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">that they should seek God, </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,"</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">1 Chronicles 22:19a, "Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God."</span></span></b></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Hab-3-18" id="en-VOICE-22094" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">18</span></span></span>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-75198009899674898932021-04-05T20:13:00.000-04:002021-04-05T20:13:04.623-04:00God Speaks About Faith<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lno0_wu7t8o/YGZIhZ1szNI/AAAAAAAALuw/FKhhhBdpgDw_oWGLObibnDOE0jrzf9qJQCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/faith-3476253_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lno0_wu7t8o/YGZIhZ1szNI/AAAAAAAALuw/FKhhhBdpgDw_oWGLObibnDOE0jrzf9qJQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/faith-3476253_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/geralt-9301/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3476253" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; cursor: pointer; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gerd Altmann</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table>Got Faith? Those who are old enough will remember the commercials from a while back: "Got Milk?" This phrase became somewhat of a novelty and derivatives of it are still used to this day. At the time, I had written a little play for a local Christian school at which I taught. The play was entitled "Got Faith?". Faith is defined as "complete confidence or trust in someone or something". To a lot of people, faith is a word often associated with religion/Christianity. Mainstream scientists and non-Christians will "fuss" with Christians about how they can believe in God of have faith in the things of the Bible when there is no proof. First, let me say, there is a lot of proof and it is becoming more and more evident everyday. Second, yes it is faith that allows us to believe in these things; however, those who believe in evolution and other non-Biblical science ideals must also have faith in something with little to no proof. They must have as much, if not more, faith to believe that all of the known processes in the world came about by chance, rather than by design of a Creator. </p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPUoARk-alE/YGZIg-ZVnWI/AAAAAAAALu0/t4NlqZotSb0BVxCQImmQQkAoODEnGBUIACPcBGAYYCw/s1444/PikPng.com_faith-png_2165336.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1444" height="149" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPUoARk-alE/YGZIg-ZVnWI/AAAAAAAALu0/t4NlqZotSb0BVxCQImmQQkAoODEnGBUIACPcBGAYYCw/w400-h149/PikPng.com_faith-png_2165336.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">PikPng.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Everyday examples of faith, listed on Quora.com, include: buying products on-line without trying them first; many entrepreneurial endeavors; choosing a mate; and choosing a career with no previous experience in the field. Quora.com also says, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #282829;">Faith is baked into how humans make decisions. It’s also baked into values, beliefs, and actions regarding the future". Additionally, "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #282829;">These are the acts of the courageous in history—these are the decisions about which the greatest acts in the history of humanity have been based." We can see that faith is involved in many things in life. I was listening to a local Christian radio station the other day and heard a song that I had heard many times before, but this time a particular phrase jumped out at me. The song was "Resurrecting" by Elevation Worship and can be heard <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9enR-kRkycI" target="_blank">here.</a> One of the stanzas in this song is "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">The tomb where soldiers watched in vain w</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">as borrowed for three days"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">. I have since seen this phrase (borrowed tomb) used in other songs and references and it really struck me. How much faith Joseph of Arimathea must have had to give his pre-purchased tomb for Jesus' burial knowing that he would not have to purchase another spot for himself and possibly his family too. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFSU2eFL5ik/YGZMQiZOOVI/AAAAAAAALu8/Ec15L0OeDnoHzj0OHKxMNdDfphGoKulZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/crucifixion-and-resurrection-of-jesus-christ-empty-tomb-111407375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="704" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFSU2eFL5ik/YGZMQiZOOVI/AAAAAAAALu8/Ec15L0OeDnoHzj0OHKxMNdDfphGoKulZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/crucifixion-and-resurrection-of-jesus-christ-empty-tomb-111407375.jpg" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">The Bible tells us that Joseph was a rich man and a member of the Sanhedrin; however, he was also a secret follower of Jesus and was in fear of being persecuted by the fellow Sanhedrin. Some scholars suggest that he may have been a relative of Jesus as well. Whoever he was, we know that he was an avid follower as all four gospels mention him. We also know of his faith. The Bible tells us that Joseph asked Pilate for the body of Jesus after He was dead and that Joseph and Nicodemus took Jesus down from the cross and prepared His body for burial. They placed Him in the tomb that Joseph had purchased for himself (and maybe his family) and then rolled the stone in front of the tomb. Joseph must have known that this wasn't the end. As a member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph was likely a Rabbi and was well-versed in Scripture. He likely knew of the prophecies about the Messiah and knew and believed that Jesus was Who He said He was....the Messiah. This means Joseph also knew that Jesus would rise again on the third day. Because of this, Joseph was willing to LOAN Jesus his tomb for a few days. He knew he would get it back and be able to use it for himself later or maybe even a family member. May we all aspire to have the faith of Joseph of Arimathea!</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></p>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-10243323188657673862021-03-19T17:37:00.000-04:002021-03-19T17:37:10.639-04:00God Speaks Through Peach Trees<span style="font-family: inherit;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9rGh1XImso/YFUSdnfGvBI/AAAAAAAALr4/vcKub6_uA5ERgLXhoyR_xmvs2EcgEkxEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9rGh1XImso/YFUSdnfGvBI/AAAAAAAALr4/vcKub6_uA5ERgLXhoyR_xmvs2EcgEkxEACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/IMG_9815.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Kari Farnell</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spring! If you are like me, you get excited when you see the purple and white crocuses start peaking through the ground. To me, it means Spring is right around the corner. Thoughts of Spring also remind me of peach trees. My family has grown and harvested peaches in some form or fashion since 1985 or so. Every year, usually in March, the buds begin and soon there are delicate pink blossoms all over the trees promising great-tasting fruit in a few months. It occurred to me that living a Christian life is a lot like the life of a peach tree. </span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Peach trees, as do many trees, require pruning. Pruning is cutting back overgrowth or bad limbs to create better growth. When peach trees are first planted, they are often pruned almost down to nothing. It appears that they will be useless and die, but the next thing you know, branches begin to take off from the trunk and within a few years time, those branches bear fruit. Every year, the trees go through a<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8m8MtSVC8o/YFUTHCaaPdI/AAAAAAAALsA/jZl5aIcyOGUUevgD-VblA4CqGRwBp8vFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210317_163940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8m8MtSVC8o/YFUTHCaaPdI/AAAAAAAALsA/jZl5aIcyOGUUevgD-VblA4CqGRwBp8vFACLcBGAsYHQ/w181-h320/20210317_163940.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kari Farnell</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> period of pruning and every year after looking at the "carnage" of limbs and branches, the thought passes that these trees will be of no use, but every year that pruning benefits the trees and wonderful fruit is produced. In the Christian life, we often encounter pruning. Our bad habits and sinfulness must be pruned so that we can produce better fruit. Sometimes it may seem that an awful lot is being pruned away, but it will be beneficial in the end. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b>John 15:2 says, "<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">My Father examines every branch in Me and cuts away those who do not bear fruit. He leaves those bearing fruit and carefully prunes them so that they will bear more fruit"</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -16px;">2. Similar to pruning is something called thinning. This occurs after the blossoms have turned to fruit and the fruit has started to grow. I'm sure each farmer is different, but in my family the process has been to take baseball bats out to the orchard and hit the tree branches. Not hard enough to hit a home run, but hard enough to knock some of the baby peaches off. Some folks may question this process as well. Why would we want to knock some of the fruit off? Isn't the idea: the more the better? No, not in this case. If the farmer lessens the amount of baby peaches on the tree, the remaining peaches will grow larger and stronger. They are able to gather more of the tree's nutrients because it is being shared by fewer fruits. This process also knocks off bad fruit or fruit that won't last. In our Christian lives, our bad habits and sinfulness must be thinned out, so that our good habits and Godliness can gain more nutrients and thrive. The less "bad" fruit on our tree, the "good" fruit can grow bigger and stronger and our trees can be "good" trees.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">Matthew 7:17 says, "</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Good</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> trees bear beautiful, tasty </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">fruit</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">, but bad trees bear ugly, bitter </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">fruit</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">."</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -16px;">3. A couple other little known facts about peaches is that they can rot quickly if left in a paper bag too long and too much water is a bad thing. Peaches ripen VERY quickly in a paper bag. Although my family sells their peaches in paper bags, they encourage customers to remove them quickly as keeping <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-end6YG1u9to/YFUUB_lUvwI/AAAAAAAALsI/IW4-lmmzDEsbvHN3zN21xoYbc53uGOEfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1300/57230111-french-peaches-in-paper-bag-isolated-on-white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-end6YG1u9to/YFUUB_lUvwI/AAAAAAAALsI/IW4-lmmzDEsbvHN3zN21xoYbc53uGOEfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/57230111-french-peaches-in-paper-bag-isolated-on-white.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.123rf.com</td></tr></tbody></table>them in a paper bag builds up gasses that cause the peaches to go from firm to rotten within a day. It's good if you want to ripen 1 or 2 quickly but not the whole bagful. Additionally, too much water is bad for peaches. Most people like to water their plants and trees and for most trees it's a great thing, but for peach trees, too much water causes the fruit to lose its taste. The fruit becomes waterlogged and loses much of its sweetness. In our Christian lives, too much of the world or being cloaked by the world as in a paper bag, is harmful to us. By the world I mean the sins in the world and the things that are not Biblical and things that God would not approve of. If we have too many of those things in our lives, the "sweetness" of our Christian lives cannot be noticed or may even rot away.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"><b>1 John 2:16 says, "</b></span></span><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">All the things the world can offer to you—the allure of pleasure, the passion to have things, and the pompous sense of superiority—do not come from the Father. These are </span><i style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">the rotten fruits</i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> of this world.</span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. There are many different varieties of peaches that vary slightly in use, taste, texture, etc. Most of these trees have been produced by grafting different "parental" varieties together. What is interesting is that because of this grafting, if you plant a peach pit in the ground and it grows into a tree, it likely will not produce the same variety of peach that the pit came from. Sometimes the tree itself doesn't really bear fruit or doesn't bear good fruit. Just like these trees, our Christian lives are not based on our parents' lives.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpqxiP38q4c/YFUUwkQfV8I/AAAAAAAALsU/BVB9bCx2s1svX1l4BaErbpq7vWQyClsTACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_8314%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpqxiP38q4c/YFUUwkQfV8I/AAAAAAAALsU/BVB9bCx2s1svX1l4BaErbpq7vWQyClsTACPcBGAYYCw/w200-h133/IMG_8314%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kari Farnell</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Just because parents in a family might be Christians or Godly people, this does not automatically translate to the children. All family members must make their own decisions about Christ, Christianity, and things of the church. There is no osmosis in being a Christian. YOU must decide where YOU are going to be rooted.</span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Joshua 24:15 says, "</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">But if you don’t want to worship the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: left;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">, then choose right now! Will you worship the same idols your ancestors did? Or since you’re living on land that once belonged to the Amorites, maybe you’ll worship their gods. I won’t. My family and I are going to worship and obey the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: left;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">!</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 5. As mentioned earlier, one of the great things about peach trees and Spring is the beautiful blossoms that come out at this time of year. It is always so pretty and encouraging. Of course, not every blossom will produce fruit. Some will die off, some will be thinned off as baby peaches or some other occurrence will destroy them. I had a few trees in my yard that produced beautiful and sweet-smelling blossoms, but when it was time for the fruits to develop, not a single fruit could be found on the trees.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2j5IV32te4/YFUVqP7TrBI/AAAAAAAALsc/lAJ6lW2UNDgD8YDPDXfK1spykXZkCpK8ACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2j5IV32te4/YFUVqP7TrBI/AAAAAAAALsc/lAJ6lW2UNDgD8YDPDXfK1spykXZkCpK8ACPcBGAYYCw/w200-h133/IMG_0694.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kari Farnell</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As Christians, we should produce good fruits, or good blossoms. Some may call it good worKs. An important thing to remember is that our blossoms, or works, should not be merely outward appearances. Our blossoms should produce fruit and should be based in our faith. Without our faith, our blossoms do not produce the desired fruits. People can see beyond the "pretty" outward appearance. Another important concept is the realization that we are not saved from Hell by our works or blossoms. We are only saved by our belief in Jesus' sacrifice for us. It doesn't matter how many beautiful blossoms we produce. If we are not rooted in faith and belief in Jesus, we are still doomed to suffer and be separated from the tree.</span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b style="color: #38761d;">James 2:20 says, "<i style="background-color: white;">The fact is,</i><span style="background-color: white;"> faith has to show itself through works performed in faith. If you don’t recognize that, then you’re an empty soul."</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "</span><span class="text Eph-2-8" id="en-NASB-29225" style="background-color: white;">For by grace you have been saved through faith; and <span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NASB-29225l" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29225l" title="See footnote l">l</a>]" style="display: inline; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-29225l" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote l">l</a>]</span>this <i>is</i> not of yourselves, <i>it is</i> the gift of God;</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Eph-2-9" id="en-NASB-29226" style="background-color: white;">not a result of works, so that no one may boast."</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">Just as peach trees need full sunlight to thrive, prosper, and produce delicious peaches, we need "Sonlight" to thrive, prosper, and produce our fruits. The good news is that sunlight and Sonlight are free. It doesn't cost us anything. All we have to do to gather Sonlight is to accept the invitation that God has extended to us. We just need to tell Him that we know the sacrifice He made on the cross for us and that we are ready to accept His light today.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpPZaYxo3q4/XYjpBkUj6tI/AAAAAAAAGpw/gxTS4PB_GYYbMHE1Qgyaif0AEk5hFCQkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_8252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpPZaYxo3q4/XYjpBkUj6tI/AAAAAAAAGpw/gxTS4PB_GYYbMHE1Qgyaif0AEk5hFCQkACPcBGAYYCw/w400-h266/IMG_8252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-60315938983107133612021-03-10T18:21:00.000-05:002021-03-10T18:21:45.285-05:00God Speaks Using Animals<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7BFGn9bUuk/YEZjZMYlDnI/AAAAAAAALq8/TJCHbYlrzhgq6URvoa0sUGkQaKnyAX3LwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/charles-deluvio-K4mSJ7kc0As-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1471" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7BFGn9bUuk/YEZjZMYlDnI/AAAAAAAALq8/TJCHbYlrzhgq6URvoa0sUGkQaKnyAX3LwCLcBGAsYHQ/w220-h320/charles-deluvio-K4mSJ7kc0As-unsplash.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@charlesdeluvio?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Charles Deluvio</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/talking-dog?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Have you ever seen those video clips of animals that talk? Of course we know that many bird species will mimic human speech sounds, but these videos show dogs, and occasionally cats, that sound as if they are speaking. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Did you know, however, that there are several instances in the Bible where God did speak through animals? Most of these occurrences were based on lessons learned from the animals, but on one particular occasion the animal actual spoke.</p><p>When Noah was in the ark and the waters had started to receded, Noah sent out a raven and later a dove to determine when to leave the safety of the ark. Once the birds did not return, Noah knew it was time to disembark. In the book of Exodus, we read about the plagues that were sent upon Egypt in an effort to get the pharaoh to release the Israelite slaves. Through the devastation of infestation, as well as, the death of much livestock (among other things), the pharaoh finally relented and freed the Israelites. The prophet Elijah was the recipient of the influence of animals. God sent Elijah to confront King Ahab and Queen Jezebel with a prophecy. God was going to put the land into a drought. He told Elijah to go east and Elijah was supplied water by a brook and God directed ravens to bring food to Elijah. Consider further Daniel in the lion's den. Here God used the animals to "speak" to King Nebuchadnezzar. Because Daniel was faithful and refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar, God caused the lions to leave Daniel alone when he was thrown into the den thus proving Who should be bowed down to. When Jesus entered Jerusalem in Palm Sunday, God had provided a young donkey to carry Jesus into the city. These stories show that God can and will use anything and anyone to His glory. He can use circumstances, other people, and even animals to speak to us and to show us His will.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ptCBANT9GU/YEZlIbtLKsI/AAAAAAAALrE/hcH53WwFmQoKVLH-ddAOftvduCZwrFsKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/pexels-gary-whyte-730537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ptCBANT9GU/YEZlIbtLKsI/AAAAAAAALrE/hcH53WwFmQoKVLH-ddAOftvduCZwrFsKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h213/pexels-gary-whyte-730537.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: #e8e8e8; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "segoe ui", roboto, oxygen, cantarell, "helvetica neue", ubuntu, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Photo by </span><span style="background-color: #e8e8e8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "segoe ui", roboto, oxygen, cantarell, "helvetica neue", ubuntu, sans-serif; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/@gary-whyte-228069?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Gary Whyte</a></span><span style="background-color: #e8e8e8; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "segoe ui", roboto, oxygen, cantarell, "helvetica neue", ubuntu, sans-serif; text-align: start;"> from </span><span style="background-color: #e8e8e8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "segoe ui", roboto, oxygen, cantarell, "helvetica neue", ubuntu, sans-serif; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-gray-lions-laying-on-sand-730537/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Pexels</a></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Animals being used by God is not too uncommon, but perhaps these next two circumstances show uncommon ways that God uses animals. This first occurrence was mentioned in an earlier blog post. In that post I had written about how even nature will cry out to and praise God. In the following video, Louie Giglio has recorded the sounds from pulsars that are made by stars and planets and put them together with whales singing. Once it is put together, it is possible to hear the song "How Great is our God" being performed. (Find his video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd_iK6IMHCE" target="_blank">here</a>)</p><p>The last occurrence of God speaking using animals is a time when God literally spoke through a donkey. In Numbers 22, we read about the prophet Balaam who has been called upon by the Moab king to curse a nation that he is afraid will take over his land. Three times King Balak asks Balaam to come and curse the enemy nation. Each time, Balaam asks God what he should do and the first two times God tells him not to go. By the third time, I can imagine God is a little peeved with Balaam for asking a third time. God has already told him what to do twice and yet he continues to ask. So the third time, God tells him to go to King Balak. If you are a parent, I'm sure you can relate to this type of situation...a child who continues to badger you about something and finally out of frustration you give in, but with anger..."OK, FINE, DO IT!" I imagine this is how God is feeling about now. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEjwvpS-HNU/YEZlyUq_uFI/AAAAAAAALrM/ymDL1Nm8Z90B6emimtf5S0Qkz4DXRjbwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/daniel-fazio-z5Fb1V8Bi28-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1414" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEjwvpS-HNU/YEZlyUq_uFI/AAAAAAAALrM/ymDL1Nm8Z90B6emimtf5S0Qkz4DXRjbwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/daniel-fazio-z5Fb1V8Bi28-unsplash.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@danielfazio?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Daniel Fazio</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/talking-donkey?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Bible tell us that even though He tells Balaam to go, he is angry at Balaam for going. In fact, He sends a messenger to block Balaam's way with intent to kill Balaam. Although Balaam can't see this sword-carrying messenger, his donkey can. Three times Balaam beats the donkey for stopping on the road and refusing to go. Finally the donkey actually speaks to Balaam and says, "What have I ever done to you that you beat me three times?" About this time, Balaam's eyes were opened and he sees the sword-wielding messenger ready to kill him. Balaam finally puts two and two together and Balaam repents. Spoiler alert: The story ends with Balaam returning to his home having given the enemy of King Balak a blessing rather than a curse because they are the Israelites.</p><p>I can't imagine how I would have reacted had an animal turned around and spoken to me. I think it is obvious to say that God will get our attention no matter what it takes. The next time you encounter a talking animal, please take heed. It may have a very important, life-changing message for you!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-66407422917784847362021-02-12T20:57:00.001-05:002021-02-13T11:51:12.456-05:00God Speaks More About LoveHave you found love? For thousands of years, mankind has been on the search for love. Throughout the<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJUMtXH0jCw/YCbjNAwxvTI/AAAAAAAALlQ/1AXk0QlnWTQxKAYvEuJgAtyKA3RFcy5TgCPcBGAYYCw/s374/Feature-Image-Love-Backgrounds.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="374" height="206" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJUMtXH0jCw/YCbjNAwxvTI/AAAAAAAALlQ/1AXk0QlnWTQxKAYvEuJgAtyKA3RFcy5TgCPcBGAYYCw/w320-h206/Feature-Image-Love-Backgrounds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>centuries, countless books, poems, and songs have been dedicated to the subject of love. In more recent years, the Beatles declared, "<i>All You Need is Love"</i>, but <i>"Can't Buy Me Love". </i>Robert Palmer was <i>"Addicted to Love", </i>while Elvis Presley, <i>"Can't Help Falling in Love". </i>Stevie Wonder says he <i>"Just Called to Say I Love You",</i> while Tina Turner asks, <i>"What's Love Got to Do With it?"</i> Whitesnake and Foreigner are still searching, asking <i>"Is This Love?"</i> and <i>"I Want to Know What Love Is"</i>. The group Roxette is confused about love as they proclaim, <i>"It Must Have Been Love"</i>. Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie have an <i>"Endless Love"</i>, while Whitney Houston (and previously Dolly Parton) <i>"Will Always Love You"</i>. <div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLRvJfmWkRQ/YCbjJKZYDKI/AAAAAAAALlM/6AWM7pTs-e8N9p67LcGW0dHjOx1fweU8gCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/flying-hearts-on-yellow-background-picjumbo-com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLRvJfmWkRQ/YCbjJKZYDKI/AAAAAAAALlM/6AWM7pTs-e8N9p67LcGW0dHjOx1fweU8gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/flying-hearts-on-yellow-background-picjumbo-com.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Well, I have news for the world! I have found love....and it's not in the form of a book, song, or poem. It's not in the form of a person, although I do find love in some people. The love that I find is the truest form of love and that is in the form of God. To re-title a few of those popular songs: The Beatles might declare: <i>All You Need is God's Love </i>and <i>Can't Buy God's Love (Because It's Free). </i>From Robert Palmer and Elvis Presley, <i>I'm Addicted to God's Love</i> and <i>Can't Help Falling in Love with God. </i>For Tina, <i>God's Love Has Everything to do With It. </i>To answer the questions of Whitesnake and Foreigner: "God is Love". Roxette has a good handle on it, it WAS love that caused Jesus to come to earth and then die for our sins. Diana, Lionel, and Whitney were correct if they were proclaiming about God's <i>Endless Love</i> because <i>He Will Always Love Us</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgqilFFebFk/YCbjITY8-LI/AAAAAAAALlI/jCaUccBIr1skjhL8I66SBHEz53fw7ww5wCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/heart-700141_1920.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgqilFFebFk/YCbjITY8-LI/AAAAAAAALlI/jCaUccBIr1skjhL8I66SBHEz53fw7ww5wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/heart-700141_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>God's Love came to us as a baby, grew to be a man Who told others about His Father, and then died our spiritual death for us as a free gift. All we need to do is accept it! This Love is Endless; God will always love us. His desire is for us to be with Him after our physical death, but we must accept the free gift He has given. John 15:13 says, <span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">There is no greater way to love than to give your life for your friends." Likewise, John 3:16 proclaims, "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">For God expressed His </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">love</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life."</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">My prayer for you today is that you will find the one true love that is God and accept His free gift of Jesus. His love is THE Love for which you are searching. God does not ask us to do anything difficult to gain this love. It is freely given if only we accept it!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0z1H1i2t6Y/XkgRrsODrgI/AAAAAAAAHDU/pbEvHfmnnxAspRn7BpW5snggAQUE7E7zQCPcBGAYYCw/s1280/love-580248_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1280" height="221" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0z1H1i2t6Y/XkgRrsODrgI/AAAAAAAAHDU/pbEvHfmnnxAspRn7BpW5snggAQUE7E7zQCPcBGAYYCw/w392-h221/love-580248_1280.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-74317101447815202712021-01-21T18:15:00.003-05:002021-01-21T18:15:47.563-05:00God Speaks About Authority<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4pX-vqd9uw/YAm3gCnknNI/AAAAAAAALjg/rDO6plOwL-YlFPPllgTk2boUzUJfEVk9wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/american-eagle-with-flag-1565088.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4pX-vqd9uw/YAm3gCnknNI/AAAAAAAALjg/rDO6plOwL-YlFPPllgTk2boUzUJfEVk9wCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h150/american-eagle-with-flag-1565088.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>How did you spend Inauguration day? Yesterday we witnessed the inauguration of our 46th President. Some were ecstatic about the event and others were not. We go through this every four years. With every inauguration, there are those that are happy and those that aren't. One thing that should not change no matter the person running the country is that they should be in our prayers. <p></p><p>The idea of a person to "rule the country", I believe, is founded in the Israelites in the book of Samuel. Samuel was a prophet that spoke God's word directly to the people and the people decided what to do with the words that were spoken to them. As Samuel got older, the people noticed that his sons, who were to take his place as prophet, did not seem capable of delivering God's word to them, so they asked Samuel to set them up with a king to rule over them instead. Instead of directly hearing God's word and "governing" themselves, they decided it would be best for a king to make the decisions for the entire nation. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-indent: -16px;">You have grown old, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-indent: -16px;">Samuel,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-indent: -16px;"> and your sons do not administer justice the way that you did. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-indent: -16px;">Before things worsen,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-indent: -16px;"> appoint a king to rule us, as other nations have. </span></span></i><i style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Samuel 8:5</span></i></b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQYr3M1-Nfc/YAnfs_lgGkI/AAAAAAAALj0/HGsWt7y3oXEFDJs2ad_CquR4pKCA-EZMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/bright-1866986_1920.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1920" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQYr3M1-Nfc/YAnfs_lgGkI/AAAAAAAALj0/HGsWt7y3oXEFDJs2ad_CquR4pKCA-EZMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/bright-1866986_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p><br /></p>From that point, the Israelites had many different kings to rule over them, some were obedient to God and others were not. The country, as a whole, followed the kings. If the kings allowed idol worship, the people worshiped idols. If the kings worshiped God, the people worshiped God. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>One idea that has also been around since the early days is to respect and honor those in authority over us. This includes praying for them as well. It is our responsibility to pray for those in authority over us, whether we agree with them or not. I prayed for President Obama and the government at that time; I prayed for President Trump and the government for the last four years; I will pray for President Biden and the government for the next four years. God's word is very clear:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">It is important that all of us submit to the authorities who have charge over us because God establishes all authority </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">in heaven and on the earth</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">. Romans 13:1</span></b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Listen to your leaders and submit to their authority </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">over the community,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> for they are on constant watch to protect your souls and <u>someday they must give account</u>. Give them reason to be joyful and not to regret their duty, for that will be of no good to you. Hebrews 13:17</span></b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Respect everyone. Love the community of believers. Reverence God. Honor your ruler. 1 Peter 2:17</b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span class="text 1Tim-2-1" id="en-VOICE-28838" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">So, first and foremost, I urge God’s people to pray. They should make their requests, petitions, and thanksgivings on behalf of all humanity. </span><span class="text 1Tim-2-2" id="en-VOICE-28839" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Teach them to pray for kings (or anyone in high places for that matter) so that we can lead quiet, peaceful lives—reverent, godly, and holy— 1 Timothy 2:1-2</span></b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 1Tim-2-2" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 1Tim-2-2" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnaHetpXOrc/YAm3g1537eI/AAAAAAAALjs/1aQWt5VcsEQuqeVLlmNBF9gvBl1QmnX9ACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/timothy-eberly-wnrxQGBhbh8-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnaHetpXOrc/YAm3g1537eI/AAAAAAAALjs/1aQWt5VcsEQuqeVLlmNBF9gvBl1QmnX9ACPcBGAYYCw/w200-h133/timothy-eberly-wnrxQGBhbh8-unsplash.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><span><span class="text 1Tim-2-2" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: start;">It is our responsibility to "submit" and pray for those in authority over us. God does not say pray for them if you like them, or pray for them if you don't like them. He wants us to pray for them no matter what. As Hebrews 13:17 tells us, someday they must give an account for how they "ruled". Our prayers should be that they are ruling according to God's will and desires. Right now, America is the strongest and most prosperous country in the world because we were based on Godly values and principles. We need to always pray for our government that they will lead us in the ways we were founded....on God's values. </span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="text 1Tim-2-2" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: start;">God desires and expects that we honor and obey our government....UNLESS....unless the government asks the people to do something contrary to God's word. We saw this example in the book of Daniel in the stories about Daniel and about Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego. These guys were all held in captivity by Babylon and laws were passed that required them to go against God's will. They refused and God upheld them and saved them. Acts 5:29 tells us:</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-indent: -16px;"><i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>If we have to choose between obedience to God and obedience to any human authority, then we must obey God.</b></span></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -16px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial">I </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I encourage everyone to pray...pray for the country leaders; pray for the state leaders; pray for the county and town leaders. Pray for the bosses and others in authority over you. Pray for the pastors as they are in authority over their churches. Pray that God will use these leaders as a means of bringing about His will!</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDXpH8hDBiA/YAm3grHo7HI/AAAAAAAALjs/HnCy-w1_UxItZmAiYjeHm9XaHA82yQamwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/prayer-1497680.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDXpH8hDBiA/YAm3grHo7HI/AAAAAAAALjs/HnCy-w1_UxItZmAiYjeHm9XaHA82yQamwCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h300/prayer-1497680.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: start; text-indent: -16px;"><br /></p>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-31407692704626703492021-01-01T11:10:00.000-05:002021-01-01T11:10:09.811-05:00God Speaks Into the New Year<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryVhRSMBo8c/X-uF07BHlbI/AAAAAAAALh8/I37TN7OrqHEnMcKbFuRtGbOmTNdSQDeUQCPcBGAYYCw/s626/new-sign_1017-8238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="626" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryVhRSMBo8c/X-uF07BHlbI/AAAAAAAALh8/I37TN7OrqHEnMcKbFuRtGbOmTNdSQDeUQCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h200/new-sign_1017-8238.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Are you ready for a New Year? It seems 2020 has done a dirty deal to many of us and most are ready for a change. I think as humans, we are always looking for newness. Last year's New Year's post was the most read post that I've published. A good majority of us are often looking for that change from the old into the new and New Year's day is just the time to start over. Almost everyone makes resolutions and plans to "change" and "be new" are discussed. Too often these resolutions and plans are not reached or followed through. The good news is that God's "newness" does not get forgotten and does not fail to reach it's goal. The Bible talks about being "new" in many places.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: medium;"><b>Lamentations 3:22-23--"<span style="background-color: white;">The</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white;">’</span><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">s</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">acts of mercy indeed do not end, </span><span style="background-color: white;">For His compassions do not fail. They are <u>new</u> every morning. Great is Your faithfulness."</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0CAS5w8e1I/X-uF1jxyiZI/AAAAAAAALiQ/wUXxQzdF9TM8MdOO8YQRST7ajXxwCzhnwCPcBGAYYCw/s800/wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="800" height="135" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0CAS5w8e1I/X-uF1jxyiZI/AAAAAAAALiQ/wUXxQzdF9TM8MdOO8YQRST7ajXxwCzhnwCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h135/wide.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Each day, God's mercies and compassions for us are new. Every day, when we awake, we can look forward to the mercy of God.</span></span><p></p><span class="text Lam-3-23" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NASB-20378" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">2<i style="font-size: 16px;">They</i><span style="font-size: 16px;"> are new every morn</span></span></span><p>The majority of the verses talk about being "new" with God and the newness we experience when we become followers of Christ. When we become followers of Christ, He gives us a new way of looking at things. He changes our hearts. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Quicksand;"><b>Ezekiel 11:19--"<span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: normal; position: relative; text-indent: -16px; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">I will give them </span><i style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">a <u>new</u> will</i><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">—an undivided heart—and plant a <u>new</u> spirit within them; I will remove their </span><i style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">cold,</i><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"> stony heart and replace it with a </span><i style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">warm</i><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"> heart of flesh."</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">Ezekiel 36:26--"</span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I will plant a <u>new</u> heart and <u>new</u> spirit inside of you. I will take out your </span><i style="background-color: white;">stubborn,</i><span style="background-color: white;"> stony heart and give you a </span><i style="background-color: white;">willing, tender</i><span style="background-color: white;"> heart of flesh."</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIZOO91-B9s/X-uGB0irjSI/AAAAAAAALiU/y9tsjoVM1b8TeRiTtmpOlQPq5-5aPxuuQCPcBGAYYCw/s1000/photo-1475319122043-5ca9eeceefaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="134" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIZOO91-B9s/X-uGB0irjSI/AAAAAAAALiU/y9tsjoVM1b8TeRiTtmpOlQPq5-5aPxuuQCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h134/photo-1475319122043-5ca9eeceefaf.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia;"><b><br />2 Corinthians 5:17--"<span style="background-color: white;">Therefore, if anyone is united with the Anointed One, that person is a <u>new</u> creation. The old life is gone—and see—a <u>new</u> life has begun!"</span></b></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: trebuchet;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Ephesians 4:22-24--"</span><span class="text Eph-4-22" id="en-VOICE-28425" style="background-color: white;">then you know to take off your former way of life, your <i>crumpled</i> old self—<i>that dark blot of a soul</i> corrupted by deceitful desire and lust—</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Eph-4-23" id="en-VOICE-28426" style="background-color: white;"><i>to take a fresh breath</i> and to let God renew your attitude and spirit. </span><span class="text Eph-4-24" id="en-VOICE-28427" style="background-color: white;">Then <i>you are ready to</i> put on your <u>new</u> self, modeled after the very likeness of God: truthful, righteous, and holy."</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Once God has created this new life and new spirit within us, we wait until His new kingdom comes when He returns to set up the new earth. If you will let God, He will create in you a new heart and spirit. He will clear the muddiness from your mind and create a newness for you. Don't get stuck in 2021, doing the "old" things; let God make it all new for you!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: medium;"><b>Revelation 21:5--"Behold, I make all things <u>new</u>...."</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: courier;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Isaiah 43:19--"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Watch</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">closely</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">: I am preparing something <u>new; it’s happening now,</u></span><u><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">even as I speak, </i></u><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><u>and you’re about to see it</u>. I am preparing a way through the desert; </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Waters will flow where there had been none."</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: courier;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: courier;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poVWtRWsoZA/X-uF1NnqFrI/AAAAAAAALiM/vq8RJnIwwC0lFfLx3U-3__U5H_npzxZnACPcBGAYYCw/s800/happy-new-year-golden-background-confetti-happy-new-year-golden-background-sparklers-confetti-198953670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="800" height="135" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poVWtRWsoZA/X-uF1NnqFrI/AAAAAAAALiM/vq8RJnIwwC0lFfLx3U-3__U5H_npzxZnACPcBGAYYCw/w400-h135/happy-new-year-golden-background-confetti-happy-new-year-golden-background-sparklers-confetti-198953670.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: courier;"><b><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></b></span><p></p>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-67237540605237506682020-12-23T16:03:00.000-05:002020-12-23T16:03:25.297-05:00God Speaks Peace<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--T7UOf6psuw/X-OskSSpdII/AAAAAAAALfQ/BZ6arbNbMU4Q4Kt2Euemn_PTAI_fqS7ywCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/jonathan-meyer-e9IHjxScV48-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--T7UOf6psuw/X-OskSSpdII/AAAAAAAALfQ/BZ6arbNbMU4Q4Kt2Euemn_PTAI_fqS7ywCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h133/jonathan-meyer-e9IHjxScV48-unsplash.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />For the fourth and last Sunday of Advent at our church, our theme was peace. Peace is nearly as elusive as Joy. Peace is defined as "freedom from disturbance". I think that is an appropriate definition, but piggy-backing onto last week's post, I think that peace is contentment as well...being content in your circumstances. I also believe that no one can find true peace without God. The Bible mentions that idea several times. <div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Quicksand;"><b>Isaiah 26:3--"You keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."</b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Quicksand;"><b>John 14:27--"<span style="text-align: left;">Peace I leave with
you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to
you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."</span></b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span style="text-align: left;">Romans 8:6b--"</span></b></span></i><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i>but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."</i></span></b></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 20.4pt;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">How great is that second verse....Jesus gives us <u>His</u> peace. Jesus not only has peace, but He IS Peace. He is the Prince of Peace as we so often call Him this time of year. The rest of the year we tend to forget that He is the Prince of Peace!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Isaiah 9:6--"<span style="text-align: left;">For to us a child is born,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="text-align: left;"> </span><span class="text" style="text-align: left;">to
us a son is given; </span><span class="text" style="text-align: left;">and the government shall be upon</span><span class="text" style="text-align: left;"> his
shoulder,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="text-align: left;"> </span><span class="text" style="text-align: left;">and his
name shall be called </span><span style="text-align: left;">Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="text-align: left;"> </span></span></b><span class="text" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace."</span></b><br /></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Because we as Christians are brothers and sisters of Christ, it is our responsibility to exhibit that peace. We are called to be like Christ and share His love (and peace) with others. </p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">2 Corinthians 13:11--"</span><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="text-align: left;">Finally, brothers,</span><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8agmfJ1Np4/X-Osj6OO_yI/AAAAAAAALfI/S_z8U3E89c0tZdvC-06WHzpSckqt_97SwCPcBGAYYCw/s450/119057747-woman-praying-and-free-bird-enjoying-nature-on-sunset-background-hope-concept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="450" height="139" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8agmfJ1Np4/X-Osj6OO_yI/AAAAAAAALfI/S_z8U3E89c0tZdvC-06WHzpSckqt_97SwCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h139/119057747-woman-praying-and-free-bird-enjoying-nature-on-sunset-background-hope-concept.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another,</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of
love and peace will be with you."</span></span></b></i></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Quicksand;"><span style="text-align: left;">Hebrews 12:14--"</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, since no one will see God without it."</span></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Romans 12:18--"</span></span></i></b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."</span></i></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As mentioned before, peace is one of those things in life which is sought after all the time by everyone. The Bible tells us in several verses to "seek peace and pursue it", which implies it is hard to find and hard to keep. Seek peace and keep seeking it. The good news is that if we know Jesus as our personal Savior, we can find that peace. We may not always keep it, but in Him, we can find it. Christmas is the time of year we focus on the birth of Jesus, who came from the glory of Heaven to the dregs of Earth to begin His journey to save Mankind. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7o4moDSapo/X-OtREl43GI/AAAAAAAALfY/wGjREoM0CEoo2JJVTAyflReibheWWT9hgCPcBGAYYCw/s700/1b9ba7d6a55482bf61eba817ed0ef1d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7o4moDSapo/X-OtREl43GI/AAAAAAAALfY/wGjREoM0CEoo2JJVTAyflReibheWWT9hgCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h150/1b9ba7d6a55482bf61eba817ed0ef1d5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><i>Colossians 1:19-20--"</i></b></span></span><b><span class="text Col-1-19" id="en-VOICE-28610" style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-style: italic; text-align: left;">God was pleased that all His fullness should forever dwell in the Son</span><span class="text Col-1-20" id="en-VOICE-28611" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span class="versenum" style="color: #2b00fe; display: inline; font-style: italic; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span><i style="color: #2b00fe;">who, as predetermined by God, </i><u>bled peace into the world</u><i style="color: #2b00fe;"> by His death on the cross as God’s means of reconciling to Himself the whole creation—all things in heaven and all things on earth."</i></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.4pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Ephesians 2:15--"He offered His
body on the sacrificial altar to bring an end to the law’s
ordinances and dictations. His
desire was to create in His body one new humanity from the two opposing
groups, </span><u><b>thus creating peace</b></u></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">."</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.4pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>May you find Jesus this Christmas! Only in Him will we find peace and peace that lasts for eternity!</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.4pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8az2iSPJX0s" width="572" youtube-src-id="8az2iSPJX0s"></iframe></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span class="text Col-1-20" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.4pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p></p></blockquote></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-25726471111230855042020-12-17T18:00:00.000-05:002020-12-17T18:00:56.247-05:00God Speaks JoyJOY--that is a familiar word thrown around a lot at Christmas. But what is Joy? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rljcpqcYifY/X9tvBeXdsQI/AAAAAAAALeI/H4WDEp1zfN8GktLoD9dXnAL4_iXDZ_nHQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/preslie-hirsch-rOKbmUbcOVg-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rljcpqcYifY/X9tvBeXdsQI/AAAAAAAALeI/H4WDEp1zfN8GktLoD9dXnAL4_iXDZ_nHQCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h133/preslie-hirsch-rOKbmUbcOVg-unsplash.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />I'm sure some people would define joy as happiness and having everything going your way, but REAL Joy is different. Joy and Happiness are two different things. <div><br /></div><div>This week at church was the third week of Advent and the theme was Joy. Joy is an elusive characteristic. Many people search for it, but it seems few find it. Happiness is about being content in current circumstances where joy is about being content and having peace no matter the circumstances. This does not mean that we are happy about circumstances that are sad or difficult, but it does mean that we have an inner peace no matter the circumstances. It is interesting to note that in the Bible there are many verses that list BOTH joy and happiness so it is apparent that they are two distinct emotions. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">You have filled me with </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">joy</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">and happiness has risen</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> in my heart, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">great delight and unrivaled <span style="font-weight: bolder;">joy</span>,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> even more than when bread abounds and wine flows freely. Psalm 4:7</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vp8xVKjS1qU/X9tvBEERPZI/AAAAAAAALeM/kWKrknSrHHwms1FLjSq03gU1ZHLrQy7pwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/debby-hudson-NqhxCt3htdk-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vp8xVKjS1qU/X9tvBEERPZI/AAAAAAAALeM/kWKrknSrHHwms1FLjSq03gU1ZHLrQy7pwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/debby-hudson-NqhxCt3htdk-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>If we look at the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, we can see a difference between the two. Mary was a young, unmarried but engaged, girl when Gabriel visited her to announce that she would give birth to Jesus. While Mary praised God at the time for allowing her to carry His Son, I can imagine that she also met this circumstance with UNhappiness. To others it would appear that she had been unfaithful to her betrothed and these circumstances certainly brought shame to her and her family, as well as uncertainty to Joseph. Despite this unhappiness and a seemingly "bad" situation, Mary still had JOY because she knew that God was in control and that she was being used as a part of His plan. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">You will have </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">joy</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> and gladness, and many will rejoice over his birth. Luke 1:14</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The key to having JOY is God, pure and simple. Following God and Jesus and striving to do their will gives Joy, even if it brings unhappiness. Despite circumstances, Joy (and thus peace and contentment) can be found in God. May you find God this Christmas season and may He bless you with JOY!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0zvotPaz1U/X9tvBRDhiZI/AAAAAAAALeQ/dt0BZCjOu1Ipx_GGdLZlWIbWwc34C1yEQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/ben-white-dddQHervE04-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0zvotPaz1U/X9tvBRDhiZI/AAAAAAAALeQ/dt0BZCjOu1Ipx_GGdLZlWIbWwc34C1yEQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/ben-white-dddQHervE04-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Instead,</i> You direct me on the path that leads to <i>a beautiful</i> life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true <span style="font-weight: bolder;">joy</span> <i>and contentment</i>. Psalm 16:11</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;">Until this moment, you have not sought after anything in My name. Ask and you will receive so that you will be filled with </span><span style="font-weight: bolder; text-align: left;">joy</span><span style="text-align: left;">. John 16:24</span></span></div></i></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-1195014704020913472020-12-07T16:53:00.000-05:002020-12-07T16:53:12.262-05:00God Speaks Love<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4ypx5Se1NE/X86BNRnz-4I/AAAAAAAALbA/oGw8PtCBBF8guJA0laGJtzh3TZdP263MwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/daniel-sessler-Wreb4Gwyf-M-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4ypx5Se1NE/X86BNRnz-4I/AAAAAAAALbA/oGw8PtCBBF8guJA0laGJtzh3TZdP263MwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/daniel-sessler-Wreb4Gwyf-M-unsplash.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Are you ready for Christmas yet? Have you been able to get your shopping started? Will you get together with family this year? Is that all there is to this holiday? </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">This past Sunday was the second week of Advent at our church and the theme was love. What a great time of year to talk about Love, especially if we can focus on the Love that God has for us. God's love for us is displayed in many ways. First of all, the simple fact that God created each one of us means that He loves us. </span></p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text Ps-143-8" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NIV-16302" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, </span><span class="indent-1" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-143-8" style="position: relative;">for I have put my trust in you.</span></span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span class="text Ps-143-8" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">Show me the way I should go, </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial">for to you I entrust my life." (Psalm 143:6)</span></b></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">He is also available to us at all times of the day, 24/7, 365(6) days of the year. Also because God made each of us, He knows all about us and cares for us. God knows what we need, sometimes when we don't even know what we need. God does not want any harm to to come to us or our families. This also means that God is working on our personal life events and desires that nothing but good comes to us. </span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text Lam-3-22" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NIV-20377" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">"Because of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span>’s great love we are not consumed, </span><span class="indent-1" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Lam-3-22" style="position: relative;">for his compassions never fail.</span></span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span class="text Lam-3-23" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NIV-20378" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">23 </span>They are new every morning; </span><span class="indent-1" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Lam-3-23" style="position: relative;">great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)</span></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="indent-1" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Lam-3-23" style="position: relative;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-DuuudCfKA/X86BNSeZO2I/AAAAAAAALa8/i_pWu1FV7ss17WKHohouz75tQO1IsytQQCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/heart-1192662_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-DuuudCfKA/X86BNSeZO2I/AAAAAAAALa8/i_pWu1FV7ss17WKHohouz75tQO1IsytQQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/heart-1192662_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></b></span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="indent-1" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Lam-3-23" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">If we ask God, He will provide direction for our relationships with others. As mentioned in the last post, God thinks about us and rejoices over us in singing. These are all great examples of how God shows His love! (adapted from <span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-size: small;">10 Ways God Shows His Love For You! </span><span><span class="sep" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #8a8a8a; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">POSTED ON </span><a href="https://debrapedrow.com/2017/06/01/10-ways-god-shows-his-love-for-you/" rel="bookmark" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;" title="7:00 am">JUNE 1, 2017</a><span class="byline" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #8a8a8a; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.05em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span class="sep" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">BY </span><span class="author vcard" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="url fn n" href="https://debrapedrow.com/author/debrapedrow/" rel="author" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="View all posts by debrapedrow">DEBRAPEDROW</a>)</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The best example however, is when God sent His Son, Jesus to earth as a baby. Can you imagine the sacrifice made by Jesus Himself for us? Jesus was already in Heaven with God and He knew God's plan of salvation for each of us. Jesus willingly came to a dirty, sin-filled earth as a humble baby to begin a very rough journey of love for us. </span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">"and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;"> and gave himself up for us</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;"> as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:2)<br /></span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhgNlYsvMq4/X86FdxuXLEI/AAAAAAAALbU/ntUJeOujEVYkq8xmu9E0pjIf9CEyGyGCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/jesus-3852478_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhgNlYsvMq4/X86FdxuXLEI/AAAAAAAALbU/ntUJeOujEVYkq8xmu9E0pjIf9CEyGyGCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/jesus-3852478_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />He was born into a world of sinners, many of whom treated Him unkindly, and endured 33 years before offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice and bridge for our entrance into Heaven. God the Father suffered for us by sending His Son out of the safety and "wonderfulness" of Heaven and into the wicked world. Not only that, God knew that the mission for Jesus would require great suffering on the part of His Son. Parents do not typically send their children out of safety to a place where they will suffer, but God did. Both God and Jesus sacrificed even more by the death on the cross. </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text Eph-2-4" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NASB-29221" style="background-color: white;">"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Eph-2-5" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NASB-29222" style="background-color: white;">even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)." (Ephesians 2:4-5)</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">When Jesus died, because He had consumed the sins of the world (the Bible says He BECAME sin), God had to turn His back on Jesus. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqC_WALZNhM/X86N_2S8JmI/AAAAAAAALbk/viKEmjyxNdITqyfkGYfE1yVCV0aPhtOWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/jesus-3476251_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqC_WALZNhM/X86N_2S8JmI/AAAAAAAALbk/viKEmjyxNdITqyfkGYfE1yVCV0aPhtOWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/jesus-3476251_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">"He orchestrated this: the </span><i style="background-color: white;">Anointed</i><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;"> One, who had never experienced sin, <u>became sin</u> for us so that in Him we might embody the very righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a parent, I cannot imagine willingly turning my back on any of my children. Imagine Jesus too, at the time that He needed His Father the most, God turned His back because He WAS sin. Fortunately, this was a short-lived occurrence. Once Jesus released the hold that the devil had on those He loves, Jesus went back to Heaven. Still, God and Jesus willingly made these sacrifices in order to save the ones they love....anyone that calls on the name of Jesus for salvation! Remember this Christmas season that the cute little baby, whose celebration we await, became SIN for us, so that we would be able to celebrate Him for eternity!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b>"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13)</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>Life--"</b></span><span style="font-family: courier;">Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the <b><u>life</u></b>. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;" (John 11:25)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>Obedient--"</b></span><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="background-color: white;">A</span><span style="background-color: white;">nd being found in </span><span style="background-color: white;">a</span><span style="background-color: white;">ppearance </span><span style="background-color: white;">a</span><span style="background-color: white;">s </span><span style="background-color: white;">a</span><span style="background-color: white;"> man, he humbled himself by becoming </span><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>obedient</u></b></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">to</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">death</span><span style="background-color: white;">— even </span><span style="background-color: white;">death</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">on</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">a</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">cross</span><span style="background-color: white;">!" (Philippians 2:8)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Value--</span></b>"</span><span style="background-color: white;">For physical training is of some </span><span style="background-color: white;">value</span><span style="background-color: white;">, but godliness has </span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bolder;"><u>value</u></span><span style="background-color: white;"> for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8)</span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>Eternal--"</b></span><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="background-color: white;">Now this is </span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bolder;"><u>eternal</u></span><span style="background-color: white;"> life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (John 17:3)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4G5SRruDKZo/X86FcDIaNnI/AAAAAAAALbY/dUL95oneO8IXjlT5td79qP-5U-kdjrghgCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/maria-5726509_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4G5SRruDKZo/X86FcDIaNnI/AAAAAAAALbY/dUL95oneO8IXjlT5td79qP-5U-kdjrghgCPcBGAYYCw/w320-h194/maria-5726509_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-47367519962785072732020-12-02T17:28:00.003-05:002020-12-07T16:56:01.263-05:00God Speaks Hope<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-size: large;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsHHjje_jfw/X8fESmWtXcI/AAAAAAAALZs/u_H3KtuL8sYc15JMZFXMoqjt3hHjLYZqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/adam-niescioruk-Z9arfr0f248-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsHHjje_jfw/X8fESmWtXcI/AAAAAAAALZs/u_H3KtuL8sYc15JMZFXMoqjt3hHjLYZqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/adam-niescioruk-Z9arfr0f248-unsplash.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@adamsky1973?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Adam Nieścioruk</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/unchanging?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>Unprecedented! New normal! </i> Are you as sick as I of hearing these phrases? Maybe "different" or "non-traditional" are better phrases. As we enter the 2020 holiday season, it seems that once again it will be a different type of celebration this year. It seems that 2020 will never end and doesn't leave us much room for Hope. Traditionally during Advent, churches will theme their services around four specific traits/characteristics of God as we approach the celebration of the coming of baby Jesus. This past Sunday, our church focused on Hope. It is appropriate that the first week of Advent the focus is on Hope since this year seems to be a bit unhopeful. Many of us have spent a different year of birthday celebrations and even Thanksgiving get togethers. Looking towards Christmas celebrations, it seems likely that it will not be a traditional year for that either. The One steadfast and never-changing Hope that we have in all of these unusual times is our Heavenly Father. Even though everything around us may be different or change, God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. </span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8zRuYITCi4/XWxeyhbv_iI/AAAAAAAAGYM/xkADmz5mgVwMHTrrbu6ap9X871CW5-OLQCPcBGAYYCw/s600/shutterstock_118391800.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8zRuYITCi4/XWxeyhbv_iI/AAAAAAAAGYM/xkADmz5mgVwMHTrrbu6ap9X871CW5-OLQCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h133/shutterstock_118391800.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Malachi 3:6--"<span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">Because I am the Eternal One, I never change; as a result, you children of Jacob have not been destroyed </span><i style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">though your blessing may have been delayed</i><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">."</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; text-indent: -16px;">Because God does not change, we have the hope that we will not be destroyed and that a blessing is yet to come. God does not want His children to suffer and be without Hope. He promises that we have a blessing in the future. Right now we can't see the blessing(s) in this "new normal", but one day we will see and understand.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WJRA_Xvag6w/X8fF7ScI90I/AAAAAAAALZ4/ySHghbulVPMrxN88KZ7vNpvej1RSbR0UACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/awmleer-6XcziMmkNgQ-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WJRA_Xvag6w/X8fF7ScI90I/AAAAAAAALZ4/ySHghbulVPMrxN88KZ7vNpvej1RSbR0UACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/awmleer-6XcziMmkNgQ-unsplash.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@awmleer?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">卡晨</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/god-thoughts?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"><br />Jeremiah 29:11--"</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the </span><span class="small-caps" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.</span><i style="background-color: white;">"</i></span><p></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Here is Hope--God thinks about us! That is an awesome way to have Hope. The Creator of the world thinks about us. What's more, He not only thinks about us, but sings over us as well.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white;">Zephaniah 3:17--"</span></span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">The</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="small-caps" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">your God is with you,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Zeph-3-17" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="position: relative;">the Mighty Warrior who saves. </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">He will take great delight in you; </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;">in his love he will no longer rebuke you, </span><span class="text Zeph-3-17" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="position: relative;">but will rejoice over you with singing.<span style="background-color: white;">"</span></span></span></p><p><span class="text Zeph-3-17" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="position: relative;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This is one of my favorite verses and now combined with the previous, it gives me hope to know that God thinks about me and rejoices over me with singing. </span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DHGseu6r-s/X8fHeho4nII/AAAAAAAALaE/v7TK_W72fW4_odEgXjG8SXaZXIk0fvojwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/joseph-barrientos-UklXbPE-Hos-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DHGseu6r-s/X8fHeho4nII/AAAAAAAALaE/v7TK_W72fW4_odEgXjG8SXaZXIk0fvojwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/joseph-barrientos-UklXbPE-Hos-unsplash.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jbcreate_?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Joseph Barrientos</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/god-sings?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="text Zeph-3-17" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="position: relative;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span class="text Zeph-3-17" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="position: relative;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Let us not lose hope in this crazy year! Maybe it's a year to start new traditions, to focus on our blessings without as much busyness, and to focus on the Hope that God gives us.</span></span></p><p><span class="text Zeph-3-17" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="position: relative;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="position: relative;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Heaven</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">--"</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">And know that in </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bolder;">heaven</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">, you have a great reward." Matt. 5:12</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="position: relative;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overcome</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">--"</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: large;">In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have <b>overcome</b> the world.” John 16:33</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="position: relative;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Power</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">--"</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: large;">He gives strength to the weary and increases the <b>power </b>of the weak." Isaiah 40:29</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="position: relative;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Eternal life</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">--"</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Those who believe in the Son will bask in </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bolder;">eternal</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bolder;">life</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">, but those who disobey the Son will <u>never</u> experience </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">life</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">." John 3:36</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a class="full-chap-link" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29&version=VOICE" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #517e90; min-width: 0px;" title="View Full Chapter"></a></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-65ANArdXGmE/XbX7rHj0DyI/AAAAAAAAGyE/sNBXAV8exf0-_dZ-cH8wHHrgDLOGnmoogCPcBGAYYCw/s1280/757-1232906419B2Gp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-65ANArdXGmE/XbX7rHj0DyI/AAAAAAAAGyE/sNBXAV8exf0-_dZ-cH8wHHrgDLOGnmoogCPcBGAYYCw/w456-h240/757-1232906419B2Gp.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><br /><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-indent: -16px;"><br /></span><p></p>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-49851240798816156132020-11-22T19:03:00.000-05:002020-11-22T19:03:28.786-05:00God Speaks--Blessings<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4BTMDpyA28/X7r27Eq3-MI/AAAAAAAALYs/lq5n0VQUr20wXc-wheMfazGrYgV96e58gCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_80222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4BTMDpyA28/X7r27Eq3-MI/AAAAAAAALYs/lq5n0VQUr20wXc-wheMfazGrYgV96e58gCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h133/IMG_80222.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />It is the time of year when we begin to focus our attention on the blessings in our lives. This year in particular has been a difficult one in which to find many blessings. We often get so wrapped up in our sorrows and problems, that we forget to focus on the good things. An old hymn, written in 1867, may be a needed one this year. "Count Your Blessings" was written in 1897 by Johnson Oatman, Jr, and I can only imagine it was sung quite often at the beginning of the 20th century. The country in the first 20 years of the 20th century certainly had gone through a lot, including a World War and a world-wide pandemic.<p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">Count your many blessings, name them one by one,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. </span></span></i></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;"><b>Psalm 2:12--"</b></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">But </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">blessings</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> await all who </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">trust in Him</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">. </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">They will</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> find God a </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">gentle</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> refuge."</span></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-65ANArdXGmE/XbX7rHj0DyI/AAAAAAAAGyE/sNBXAV8exf0-_dZ-cH8wHHrgDLOGnmoogCPcBGAYYCw/s1280/757-1232906419B2Gp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-65ANArdXGmE/XbX7rHj0DyI/AAAAAAAAGyE/sNBXAV8exf0-_dZ-cH8wHHrgDLOGnmoogCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h150/757-1232906419B2Gp.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></b></span></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></b></span></span><p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">Are you ever burdened with a load of care?</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">And you will be singing as the days go by. </span></span></i></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Psalm 5:12--"</b></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">You, O Eternal, are the One who lays all good things in the laps of the right-hearted. Your </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">blessings</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> surround them like a shield."</span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DV55Ca4228w/XfgOZ79solI/AAAAAAAAG6Y/Wjp8G3Egr2EJ9_HR7nGVlcnOuSFFNK15gCPcBGAYYCw/s229/earth-creation-a-conceptual-image-of-god-creating-the-earth-stock-photography_csp7052330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="229" height="156" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DV55Ca4228w/XfgOZ79solI/AAAAAAAAG6Y/Wjp8G3Egr2EJ9_HR7nGVlcnOuSFFNK15gCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h156/earth-creation-a-conceptual-image-of-god-creating-the-earth-stock-photography_csp7052330.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></i></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><br />When you look at others with their lands and gold,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Count your many blessings, money cannot buy</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.</span></i></span><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Psalm 92:7--"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">That evil men sprout like grass </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">and wicked men flourish, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">only so that they will be doomed forever." </span></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Psalm 128:4--"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Such are the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">blessings</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> the Eternal lavishes on those who stand in awe of Him!"</span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XapGZuPIRg/X7r3Yi4R0_I/AAAAAAAALY0/svKPIBbaR_Ah5__BYi9YJ36bnuZZ1DvZwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_7767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XapGZuPIRg/X7r3Yi4R0_I/AAAAAAAALY0/svKPIBbaR_Ah5__BYi9YJ36bnuZZ1DvZwCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h133/IMG_7767.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></b><p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">Do not be discouraged, God is over all;</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">Count your many blessings, angels will attend,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.</span></span></i></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">Psalm 67:7--"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">God is the source of our </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">blessings</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">; may every corner of the earth respect and revere Him."</span></b></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;"></span></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtNUElr5oCk/Xtltc8Po_HI/AAAAAAAAKt4/9IfS9guIJNk3m7utuMBpdawjmDHbLlYDwCPcBGAYYCw/s1279/bible-reader-1408911-1279x893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1279" height="140" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtNUElr5oCk/Xtltc8Po_HI/AAAAAAAAKt4/9IfS9guIJNk3m7utuMBpdawjmDHbLlYDwCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h140/bible-reader-1408911-1279x893.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></i></div><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;"><br />Count your blessings, name them one by one;</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">Count your blessings, see what God hath done;</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">Count your blessings, name them one by one;</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.</span></span></i><p></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">Psalm 115:15--"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">May the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">blessings</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> of the Eternal, maker of heaven and earth, be on you."</span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0OmeNiphRe0/X7r1gXbGyKI/AAAAAAAALYQ/xk1jJmNcxo8kF6HaHDSZR5awtrd6nTiUACPcBGAYYCw/s960/99097009_10221756420798266_6025988027099119616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="642" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0OmeNiphRe0/X7r1gXbGyKI/AAAAAAAALYQ/xk1jJmNcxo8kF6HaHDSZR5awtrd6nTiUACPcBGAYYCw/w170-h253/99097009_10221756420798266_6025988027099119616_n.jpg" width="170" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzFBy9nABbY/X7r1gg7Lw4I/AAAAAAAALYU/x1v11T4afNYTp99GwZS7peh9rnYoTkE9ACPcBGAYYCw/s1440/101284951_10221176900548824_6232886536006795264_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzFBy9nABbY/X7r1gg7Lw4I/AAAAAAAALYU/x1v11T4afNYTp99GwZS7peh9rnYoTkE9ACPcBGAYYCw/w240-h240/101284951_10221176900548824_6232886536006795264_o.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpPZaYxo3q4/XYjpBkUj6tI/AAAAAAAAGpw/gxTS4PB_GYYbMHE1Qgyaif0AEk5hFCQkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_8252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-68752158386747536052020-11-08T13:44:00.007-05:002020-11-08T13:45:21.942-05:00God Speaks Amid Politics<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMKS9y4s4ew/X6gyC4qL0-I/AAAAAAAALWo/8xkq1BKpv5kaACBBhgTd-VTacWe95sYOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/thoughts-101033_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMKS9y4s4ew/X6gyC4qL0-I/AAAAAAAALWo/8xkq1BKpv5kaACBBhgTd-VTacWe95sYOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/thoughts-101033_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />What I am about to present is purely my OPINION! It is mine and I have a right to have it (at least for now). You have the right to agree or disagree. It requires no fact-checking unless you want to look up Bible verses. I will not be bashing any particular people or sides, only presenting what I feel led to present.<p></p><p>I have felt led for some time to address this and feel that now is the right time. Whether you are happy with the recent election results or not, I believe that as Christians it is our duty and responsibility to pray for those who lead our states and our country. I prayed for the leadership under the Obama administration, just as I did under the Trump administration, and will continue to do under the Biden administration. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFmoUv-RbCA/X6g37BD4DWI/AAAAAAAALW0/d2ADyzPPb-80VRAl4KT4E0am7XjNwSBUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/flag-2141861_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFmoUv-RbCA/X6g37BD4DWI/AAAAAAAALW0/d2ADyzPPb-80VRAl4KT4E0am7XjNwSBUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/flag-2141861_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-small;"><b>1 Timothy 2:1-2 (The Voice)--"So, first and foremost, I urge God’s people to pray. They should make their requests, petitions, and thanksgivings on behalf of all humanity. Teach them to pray for kings (or anyone in high places for that matter) so that we can lead quiet, peaceful lives—reverent, godly, and holy—all of which is good and acceptable before the eyes of God our Savior"</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">This post goes beyond that, however. If you are a Christian thinking about what changes MAY happen to our country in the next few years, let me give you a word of encouragement and again, my OPINION!. I do believe that we do not have long to celebrate or worry (depending on your political preference). I firmly believe that the day of Christ's return is fast approaching. I'm not even sure we have to worry about the next presidential election. Each generation, it seems, regards theirs as the one in which Christ will return, but now more than ever many prophecies are being fulfilled. Besides the return of Israel as a nation, plans are being made for implantation of chip readers in the skin, which many attribute to being a part of the "mark of the beast" or the sign of the anti-christ. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_kVGot6FmU/X6g7jfPZwAI/AAAAAAAALXI/46E-jdCfRNYPrVpcHQ5G-0e1rrmOpkvZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/people-2575608_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1920" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_kVGot6FmU/X6g7jfPZwAI/AAAAAAAALXI/46E-jdCfRNYPrVpcHQ5G-0e1rrmOpkvZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/people-2575608_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />The whole political unrest of our own country and the loss of what many consider to be traditional values and morals is here. I attribute the political unrest, not to a particular person or party, but to the workings of the devil and his desire to gain as many souls as he can. The Bible describes folks in the last days:</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #20124d; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Timothy 3:1-5 (The Voice)--"</b><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text 2Tim-3-1" id="en-VOICE-28973" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">And know this: in the last days, times will be hard. </span><span class="text 2Tim-3-2" id="en-VOICE-28974" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">You see, the world will be filled with narcissistic, money-grubbing, pretentious, arrogant, and abusive people. They will rebel against their parents and will be ungrateful, unholy, </span><span class="text 2Tim-3-3" id="en-VOICE-28975" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">uncaring, coldhearted, accusing, without restraint, savage, and haters of anything good. </span><span class="text 2Tim-3-4" id="en-VOICE-28976" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><i>Expect them to be</i> treacherous, reckless, swollen with self-importance, and given to loving pleasure more than they love God. </span><span class="text 2Tim-3-5" id="en-VOICE-28977" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">Even though they may look or act like godly people, they’re not. They deny His power. <i>I tell you:</i> Stay away from the likes of these."</span></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><b>Matthew 24:12 (The Voice)--"<span style="background-color: white;">The love that they had for one another will grow cold because few will obey the law."</span></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 Peter 3:3 (ESV)--"</span></span></b><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">in the last days with scoffing, </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">following their own sinful desires."</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TK-GUseMXro/X6g7jT65F7I/AAAAAAAALXM/kU2uIKJc_rs8_GIPLePZaK3pSW9_O9jwwCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/jesus-4336337_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TK-GUseMXro/X6g7jT65F7I/AAAAAAAALXM/kU2uIKJc_rs8_GIPLePZaK3pSW9_O9jwwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/jesus-4336337_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The point of this diatribe is not to scare anyone, but merely to point out that I BEL<span style="text-align: left;">IEVE the time of Christians on earth is very limited. For those who believe, we will be spared the "really bad stuff", but for those who don't believe when Jesus calls believers up, the worst is yet to come. Please be sure you are ready when Christ calls His believers up! If you are not sure you are ready, or not sure how to know you are ready, please feel free to leave a comment or fill out the contact form and I will get back to you.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wvHyDTF35w/X6g7jewpaFI/AAAAAAAALXQ/W23DMGMrSGEhTVhsH3pRmU2Ov6KJBdlVgCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/pray-4790759_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wvHyDTF35w/X6g7jewpaFI/AAAAAAAALXQ/W23DMGMrSGEhTVhsH3pRmU2Ov6KJBdlVgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/pray-4790759_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><p></p>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-54460060055741979092020-09-28T16:52:00.019-04:002020-12-27T09:31:16.227-05:00God Speaks Forgiveness <div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lO7A_AvcRW0/X3JK6dm8WoI/AAAAAAAALQg/Cq2xDyk1IVY32BKz2ykDVbe9wxFAhzxfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s639/iStock_000046786928_Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="639" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lO7A_AvcRW0/X3JK6dm8WoI/AAAAAAAALQg/Cq2xDyk1IVY32BKz2ykDVbe9wxFAhzxfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/iStock_000046786928_Small.jpg" /></a></div><br />Have you ever forgiven someone? Has someone ever forgiven you? I suspect the answer to both of these is YES. Forgiveness<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white;">is the "intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, and overcomes negative emotions such as resentment and vengeance."</span> There are a couple key words in or missing from this definition. First, this definition is missing the sadness. Forgiveness does not eliminate sadness; it eliminates resentment and vengeance. There can still be feelings of sadness after offering forgiveness and that's okay. The other key words IN the definition are "intentional" and "voluntary". Forgiveness does not usually just come upon someone...it is an intentional and voluntary act. Forgiveness is a choice! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htBF-x91KnU/X3JK212lvSI/AAAAAAAALQU/mMPkvOL2aB82kvENRtxjMGETtsB0lxbYgCPcBGAYYCw/s649/Bible-Verses-About-Forgiveness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="649" height="131" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htBF-x91KnU/X3JK212lvSI/AAAAAAAALQU/mMPkvOL2aB82kvENRtxjMGETtsB0lxbYgCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h131/Bible-Verses-About-Forgiveness.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to an article put out by hopkinsmedicine.org, your very health is dependent on whether or not you choose to forgive. Per the article, unforgiveness can lead to heart attack, poor sleep, and higher levels of pain, blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and stress. Forgiveness, on the other hand, calms stress levels, which in turn, eases the other symptoms. <span style="font-family: inherit;">The article goes on to say, </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“It is an active process in which you make a conscious decision to let go of negative feelings whether the person deserves it or not,”</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">From a science standpoint we can see that forgiveness is good and necessary. Right in line with the thinking of science is what God has to say about forgiveness. It is good and necessary. There are many verses in the Bible that deal with forgiveness. All throughout the Old Testament, God continually forgives the nation of Israel for things they do against His will. He is constantly giving second (and sometimes third, fourth, fifth) chances. God often declares His sadness at the misdoings of Israel, but there is never a time He refuses to forgive them. If our family or children acted out against us as often as the nation of Israel did against God, we may be tempted to reach a point where we just can not forgive anymore, but God does not reach that point. The people of Israel always see the error of their ways and ask for mercy from God and He always </span><u style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">intentionally and voluntarily</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">gives it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6g5ncFaqxws/X3JKuqYiV2I/AAAAAAAALQo/a6hnBtZWk8gHeoMYzZ5QZ4jp3tHUMC8UwCPcBGAYYCw/s564/005e3da569279225868ef4b7ca7bd7c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6g5ncFaqxws/X3JKuqYiV2I/AAAAAAAALQo/a6hnBtZWk8gHeoMYzZ5QZ4jp3tHUMC8UwCPcBGAYYCw/w320-h320/005e3da569279225868ef4b7ca7bd7c7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The New Testament talks about forgiveness as well, but in the NT the focus seems a little different. In the NT, we are introduced to Jesus, God's Son. He is still a part of the Godhead but has come to live on earth. Jesus tells us that God wants us to live forever in heaven with them, but because of Adam and Eve and the choices they made, it is impossible as only perfect people can live in heaven and we all know, no one on this present earth is perfect. We ALL sin, or do bad things, in one way or another. Some SEEM to have worse sins than others, but to God, all sins carry the same weight. A sin is a sin is a sin! These sins keep us from being perfect and keep us from gaining entrance to heaven. God decided that the only way to solve this problem was for someone who WAS perfect to bridge the gap for us. God sent Jesus, as the perfect one, to make this happen. Jesus <u>intentionally and voluntarily</u> took the punishment for our bad things dying not only physically, but also going into Hell to overcome our punishment after our death. Additionally, Jesus forgave us even before we were born. Some of His last words on the cross were, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Most believe He was talking specifically about those who put Him on the cross, but He was likely also talking about ALL of those people in past and to come and the bad things they would do. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeOgjj_X6XA/X3JK54DLCyI/AAAAAAAALQo/9QCCVFGyB_I2h7zT3cDazo7dAUZYL9Y3gCPcBGAYYCw/s600/forgiveness-bible-verse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="600" height="128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeOgjj_X6XA/X3JK54DLCyI/AAAAAAAALQo/9QCCVFGyB_I2h7zT3cDazo7dAUZYL9Y3gCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h128/forgiveness-bible-verse.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Since this forgiveness came BEFORE we were born and before we had done anything wrong, it is up to us to realize and accept it. <b> I believe the time is coming quickly when we will no longer have the opportunity to receive this forgiveness that God and Jesus give to us</b>. Remember that God created Adam and Eve to have perfect fellowship with them. They disobeyed God, humans then became imperfect and did and do bad things. These bad things prevent us from living in a perfect world with God when we die. Jesus forgave our bad things and made a way for us to live in the perfect world and all we need to do is realize and accept His forgiveness. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1ADcDA_UJk/X3JK6d-fh8I/AAAAAAAALQs/5MTliDoeCiEdmuGYt9OHcR5kptd3Jnb-ACPcBGAYYCw/s960/forgiveness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1ADcDA_UJk/X3JK6d-fh8I/AAAAAAAALQs/5MTliDoeCiEdmuGYt9OHcR5kptd3Jnb-ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/forgiveness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>If you are ready, but unsure how/what to pray, feel free to use this prayer or something similar. "Jesus, I acknowledge that I do bad things and I thank you for forgiving me ahead of time. Thank you for preparing the way for me to live in the perfect world with You and God. I accept your forgiveness for the bad things I've done. Help me to live each day more like You! Amen."</span></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-87940921656230981152020-09-01T10:12:00.000-04:002020-09-01T10:12:02.416-04:00God Speaks in Puzzles<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pyV99YEraLg/Xzv5E3jShsI/AAAAAAAALGo/gbRxHkg5uHgNDgNTGXv1yuVwJMm-I7dGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/puzzle-3223941_1920.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1920" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pyV99YEraLg/Xzv5E3jShsI/AAAAAAAALGo/gbRxHkg5uHgNDgNTGXv1yuVwJMm-I7dGACLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h248/puzzle-3223941_1920.jpg" width="410" /></a></div>Do you ever question why? Why is this happening or why can't I....? Often the world and situations make no sense to us. These are puzzles in our lives. The current status of the United States can be a big puzzle as well. God can use these types of puzzles to speak to us and to teach us. Sometimes we don't know the why until much later. Sometimes we never know the why, we just trust that God will see us through. I find myself in one of these "why" moments right now. I began my blog roughly one year ago out of another "why" moment. At that time, the school in which I had worked for 20 years was downsizing and I was asked to change from full-time to part-time. After consideration, my husband and I decided that this would not be possible. I immediately found another job in a local school system about 2 weeks after resigning from my previous workplace. Eventually I came to understand this "why" moment. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; . . . Romans 5:3-4</i></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLj_bw1U4YU/Xzv5FLV_7TI/AAAAAAAALGw/fQ-YWHqE31EZQZK7rwSuWlNLloYALQZZwCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/books-1204029_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="1920" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLj_bw1U4YU/Xzv5FLV_7TI/AAAAAAAALGw/fQ-YWHqE31EZQZK7rwSuWlNLloYALQZZwCPcBGAYYCw/w512-h340/books-1204029_1920.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>I was hired as a Media Facilitator, basically an assistant to the Media Specialist, and was working in the libraries of two different schools on the same campus. There were many new things to learn and I really came to enjoy this position. I had joked to someone recently that for the first time in 20 or so years I didn't mind going back to school once summer was over. Although I knew that things were going to be different due to the complications of CoVid 19, I was still looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead of me. It was at this point the second "why" moment happened. My principal called me to let me know that I had been laid off! To say I was shocked would not be truthful as I had heard rumors that cuts were going to happen and with CoVid still present in our lives, I knew it was a possibility. However, that did not ease my sadness at the loss of my job, nor the concerns over being able to pay our bills. I later learned that close to 50 or more people in the system were laid off as well. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>All of this is happening for your good. As grace is spread to the multitudes, there is a growing sound of thanks being uttered by those relishing in the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15</i></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EzcgAHoNps/Xzv5FC04jcI/AAAAAAAALG4/jbezY-NbP3ABjYs5v3LyPsUqWCebWA9fQCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/question-mark-3255140_1920.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EzcgAHoNps/Xzv5FC04jcI/AAAAAAAALG4/jbezY-NbP3ABjYs5v3LyPsUqWCebWA9fQCPcBGAYYCw/w512-h288/question-mark-3255140_1920.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>Trying to understand this most recent "why" moment has been difficult. I know the "outside" why...lack of funding, coronavirus, etc. But I have yet to discover God's "why" in this puzzle. Is this a time for faith-building? Had we gone too far from relying on God that He needed to give us a little shake-up? What is it I need to learn or discover from this puzzle? I may never know. I can only acknowledge that God still has a plan and a purpose and is in control. I can also reflect on Romans 8:28 and know that all will be well. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">and beautiful</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.</span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">All photos found on Pixabay.com<span> All Scriptures "The Voice" version.</span></span></p>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-75746023745678636442020-07-30T17:13:00.003-04:002020-12-27T09:29:50.596-05:00God SpeaksThrough a Bouquet<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mE6_oQDoatY/XyM196tncSI/AAAAAAAALEc/4xsVR4v4UKw2Al8v7RGeI5ME9NfQCjbOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9234.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mE6_oQDoatY/XyM196tncSI/AAAAAAAALEc/4xsVR4v4UKw2Al8v7RGeI5ME9NfQCjbOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_9234.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I must admit, I'm not a bouquet kind of gal. Don't get me wrong! I love flowers, especially in my flower garden right outside my window, but I've never been one to be disappointed if my husband didn't shower me with flowers all the time. I have received the occasional bouquet from him and it's been very nice; however, I don't feel like I'm missing out if I don't receive flowers from him for every special occasion. We have been married for 32 years and it works just fine for us. I'm not sure where that tradition started or why it started with men giving flowers to women. Wouldn't men appreciated receiving flowers too? Well, either way, today's post is about a bouquet. This is a bouquet for anyone and everyone. One of the definitions of bouquet is "an expression of approval; a compliment". So that is the bouquet for today and this bouquet comes from God. I thought it would be neat to have a bouquet of God's love for us, so enjoy the "flowers".</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>1. Psalm 139:13 (The Message)--"<span style="background-color: white;">Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="background-color: white; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">you formed me in my mother’s womb. </span><span style="background-color: white;">I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="background-color: white; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">Body and soul, I am marvelously made! </span><span style="background-color: white;">I worship in adoration—what a creation! </span><span style="background-color: white;">You know me inside and out,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="background-color: white; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">you know every bone in my body; </span><span style="background-color: white;">You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="background-color: white; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">how I was sculpted from nothing into something. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; </span><span style="background-color: white;">all the stages of my life were spread out before you, </span><span style="background-color: white;">The days of my life all prepared</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="background-color: white; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">before I’d even lived one day."</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The first flower in the bouquet describes God's knowledge and love. He knew each of us before we were born. He supervised the development of each of us in our mother's uterus and knew exactly how what we would be like. God made each of us the way we were meant to be and because of that, He loves each of us the way we are.</b></span></span></div><div><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZYx4QYhXTQ/XyM1_AFMykI/AAAAAAAALFA/y1ly0F4RxDMoNwGn-OPdv6z6h3EZvsZSACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_4681.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZYx4QYhXTQ/XyM1_AFMykI/AAAAAAAALFA/y1ly0F4RxDMoNwGn-OPdv6z6h3EZvsZSACPcBGAYYCw/w256-h170/IMG_4681.JPG" width="256" /></a></div></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><b>2. <span style="font-family: helvetica;">Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message)</span>--<span style="font-family: helvetica;">"</span></b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for</b></span></span><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i style="background-color: white;">."</i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The second flower in the bouquet describes how God has plans all laid out for His followers. God's plans for our lives are beneficial to us. Often our plans for ourselves are not.</b></span></span></div><div><b><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;">3. Ephesians 2:7-10 (The Message)--"</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing." </span></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41GkXSyrofk/XyM1-Ge_vZI/AAAAAAAALE4/YdhYcA4C54IX8UM-skm_LH-vSbCZ3ucjQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_3762.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41GkXSyrofk/XyM1-Ge_vZI/AAAAAAAALE4/YdhYcA4C54IX8UM-skm_LH-vSbCZ3ucjQCPcBGAYYCw/w256-h170/IMG_3762.JPG" width="256" /></a></div></span></b></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>God's third flower is the bouquet is about His love for us. He created the way for us to "saved"; to be with Him after we die. He loved His creations, US, so much that He wanted to spend eternity with us. Not much better a compliment than that!</b></span></span></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">4. Romans 8:28 (The Voice)--"</span><span style="background-color: white;">We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good </span><i style="background-color: white;">and beautiful</i><span style="background-color: white;"> when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan."</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The bouquet's fourth flower relates God's desire for all good things for us. This doesn't mean that things will always go right for us, that we won't have hard times or sorrow, but it DOES mean that even those "bad" times will work out good in the end even if we can't see it. </b></span></span></div><div><b><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arcpv1lZEjs/XyM1_FaB5kI/AAAAAAAALE8/D8Dxdn61i107XFttOji_75yGgNZH3rmqACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_64081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arcpv1lZEjs/XyM1_FaB5kI/AAAAAAAALE8/D8Dxdn61i107XFttOji_75yGgNZH3rmqACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_64081.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span class="text Ps-139-13-Ps-139-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">5. Psalm 37:4 (The Voice)--"</span><span style="background-color: white;">Take great joy in the Eternal! </span><span style="background-color: white;">His gifts are coming, and they are all your heart desires!"</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The fifth flower again demonstrates God's love. Don't we like to shower those we love with gifts. Gifts are complimentary on their own. It means we are special to the giver. God's gifts are coming and they are everything you could imagine.</b></span></span></div><div><b><br /></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcmxvHtXGn8/XyM19p8XMrI/AAAAAAAALEw/6Di246BDhpgjolnlAzEOF6W3YDAc52vJgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/20180512_195218.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="144" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcmxvHtXGn8/XyM19p8XMrI/AAAAAAAALEw/6Di246BDhpgjolnlAzEOF6W3YDAc52vJgCPcBGAYYCw/w256-h144/20180512_195218.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></b></span></span></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">6. Psalm 147:11 The Voice)--"</span><span style="background-color: white;">But the Eternal does take pleasure in those who worship Him,</span></b></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-147-11" style="position: relative;">those who invest hope in His unfailing love."</span></b></div><div><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span class="text Ps-147-11" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-147-11" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Flower number six indicates that God takes pleasure in us. God is happy around those who worship Him and hope in Him. It's amazing to think that we can give happiness to God.</b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="text Ps-147-11" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><b>7<span style="font-family: helvetica;">. Genesis 1:31a (The Voice)--"</span></b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Then God surveyed everything He had made, savoring </span><i style="background-color: white;">its beauty and appreciating</i><span style="background-color: white;"> its goodness."</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Biblically, the number seven is a special number to God, so it makes sense that the seventh flower would be descriptive of God complimenting His creation and creations. God is calling us good and as having beauty!</b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzLgWoTsTLw/XyM2AfOxayI/AAAAAAAALFE/ywZZxAAVrtgoQU71UieOvBE5dyd6X4FCwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_9236.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzLgWoTsTLw/XyM2AfOxayI/AAAAAAAALFE/ywZZxAAVrtgoQU71UieOvBE5dyd6X4FCwCPcBGAYYCw/w256-h170/IMG_9236.JPG" width="256" /></a></div></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">8. Psalm 149:4a (Living Bible)--"</span><span style="background-color: white;">For Jehovah enjoys his people; he will save the humble."</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The eighth flower of the bouquet states it quite directly. Jehovah enjoys His people!</b></span></span></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">9. Zephaniah 3:17 (Living Bible)--"</span><span style="background-color: white;">For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will give you victory. He will rejoice over you with great gladness; he will love you and not accuse you.” Is that a joyous choir I hear? No, it is the Lord himself exulting over you in happy song."</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Flower nine is one of my favorites. It gives the picture of God as a caring parent. How many parents have spent time singing over their children whether it is as a bed-time routine or in fun? The ninth flower shows that God is singing over us. He is acting as a loving parent singing words of life to our soul; singing words of comfort to our hearts; singing words of hope to our minds. </b></span></span></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3VcBFhmIkEI/XyM3VzgqUMI/AAAAAAAALFM/WqAen0YTQI4LM-sAgn6ktn4foD6rISd0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/flower-bouquet.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3VcBFhmIkEI/XyM3VzgqUMI/AAAAAAAALFM/WqAen0YTQI4LM-sAgn6ktn4foD6rISd0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/flower-bouquet.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Libreshot</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></b></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I hope God's little bouquet has brought you some joy today. Know that God loves you, cares for you, and has a plan for you!</b></span></span></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-6266675512783845602020-07-02T16:02:00.002-04:002020-12-27T09:32:30.939-05:00God Speaks Freedom<font color="#060606"><font face="verdana"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa8eB2GP3wQ/Xv42YSspB9I/AAAAAAAAK8M/j4D8GbxVR2w8n_3dKBTlhtsNE3zsUJMFQCK4BGAsYHg/s4059/IMG_51562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4059" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa8eB2GP3wQ/Xv42YSspB9I/AAAAAAAAK8M/j4D8GbxVR2w8n_3dKBTlhtsNE3zsUJMFQCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h340/IMG_51562.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>FREEDOM! This is a controversial word in this day. Our country was founded on the ideals of freedom. There are several dictionary definitions of freedom. One definition is "</font><span style="background-color: white;"><font face="verdana">absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government". This is the meaning upon which our country was founded. The Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and later the Constitution all have this meaning of freedom in their substance...the intent of not being ruled by a despotic government. </font></span></font><div><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#060606" face="verdana"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#060606" face="verdana">Years after the founding of our country, another definition of freedom was finally realized. This definition is "the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved". With President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, slavery in this country was outlawed. Although it took several years after its signing before ALL slaves were freed and although many of those old opinions still run rampant in some areas, the truth of no longer being bound is real.</font></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2BU_DBHjUs/Xv45v3mxBAI/AAAAAAAAK8o/OqXL9IQj1D0MKaantNlwz5joGTE8-24HQCK4BGAsYHg/s800/emancipation-proclamation-7895698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2BU_DBHjUs/Xv45v3mxBAI/AAAAAAAAK8o/OqXL9IQj1D0MKaantNlwz5joGTE8-24HQCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h266/emancipation-proclamation-7895698.jpg" title="dreamtimes.com" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dreamtimes.com<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><font color="#060606" face="verdana"><br /></font></span></div><div><font color="#060606"><font face="verdana"><span style="background-color: white;">A third definition has also been a hot topic lately. That definition is "</span></font><span style="background-color: white;"><font face="verdana">the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint." Although this freedom was recognized at the writing of our constitution, questions have always arisen about the exact meaning or interpretation of this phrase. As the country has modernized over the nearly 250 years since it declared independence and with the advent of internet and social media, this definition and meaning continues to get more muddy and muddled. </font></span></font></div><div><font color="#060606"><span style="background-color: white;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></span></font></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><font color="#3367d6" face="courier"><b>Galatians 5:13--"Brothers and sisters, God has called you to freedom! <i>Hear
the call,</i> and do not <i>spoil this gift by</i> using your
liberty to engage in what your flesh desires; instead, use it to serve each
other <i>as Jesus taught</i> through love."<o:p></o:p></b></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><font color="#3367d6" face="courier"><b>1 Peter 2:16--"Live as those who are free and not as those who use
their freedom as a pretext for evil, but live as God’s
servants."</b></font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><font color="#060606"><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MBEtb0sCTw/Xv46NuOimSI/AAAAAAAAK88/h8GBoRcMASI_RA32cxzJjcHioxfdsC8zQCK4BGAsYHg/s5184/IMG_9347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MBEtb0sCTw/Xv46NuOimSI/AAAAAAAAK88/h8GBoRcMASI_RA32cxzJjcHioxfdsC8zQCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h266/IMG_9347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></span></font></div><div><font color="#060606"><span style="background-color: white;"><font face="verdana">The dictionary is not the only book to give a meaning of freedom. The Bible gives warning about some of these "Freedoms" but also gives a definition as well. It talks about freedom from sin. If you've read my blogs before, you will recognize that sin is basically "doing bad things". ALL human beings are born with this capacity. We are all born with the nature to do bad things. Some people seem to do more bad things than others, but that does not matter. In the eyes of God, we are all guilty because we ALL do bad things. God has never put a tally on the number of bad things or the amount of "badness" that they consist of...He has just said that ALL sin (do bad things). Even though God's goal for each of us is fellowship together forever with Him, people who "do bad things" are not allowed into Heaven without proper punishment. This does not include any punishments here on earth; they would need proper "Heavenly" punishment to dispel all of our bad things. God knew that we as humans could never really handle the proper punishment needed to get rid of our "bad things". He knew that it would take Someone with the same power He has and He sent Jesus, His Son, as our replacement. Jesus, not only suffered a horrendous human death, but also experienced the extreme punishment that was intended for each of us in order to cover our "bad things" and allow us into Heaven. Such a gift of Freedom this world has never seen! All that God asks in return is that we believe in Him, in what Jesus did for us, and seek God and His wisdom in all that we do. </font></span></font></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-family: verdana;">This is the ultimate sense of Freedom....to be unchained from "Heavenly" punishment for the "bad things" we do and to be able to freely fellowship with God forever.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaexVvpVS2c/Xv473eHL3gI/AAAAAAAAK9w/LcNaIn_zDPwsYObECWZVCv72TqqWYIoawCK4BGAsYHg/s5184/IMG_8255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaexVvpVS2c/Xv473eHL3gI/AAAAAAAAK9w/LcNaIn_zDPwsYObECWZVCv72TqqWYIoawCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h266/IMG_8255.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><font color="#3367d6" face="courier"><b>John 8:34--"Jesus: I tell you the truth: everyone who
commits sin surrenders his freedom to sin. He is a <i>slave
to sin’s power."</i></b></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><font color="#3367d6" face="courier"><b>Luke 1:77--"So that the Lord’s people will receive knowledge of
their freedom through the forgiveness of their sins."</b></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><font color="#3367d6" face="courier"><b>Acts 2:21--"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be
liberated <i>into God’s freedom and peace</i>."</b></font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-family: verdana;"></span></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813562635443133290.post-62064530929375918962020-06-19T16:08:00.001-04:002020-12-27T09:33:33.300-05:00God Speaks Through Change<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDMce21m884/Xu0Vl1EO6iI/AAAAAAAAK00/4dzUvM7nQ8YKs96I3dzohV4pFppuUyqdQCK4BGAsYHg/s1920/change-1076220_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="1920" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDMce21m884/Xu0Vl1EO6iI/AAAAAAAAK00/4dzUvM7nQ8YKs96I3dzohV4pFppuUyqdQCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h285/change-1076220_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pixabay.com<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CHANGE. It is not a kind word. Most of us do not think too highly of change. Change can come as the result of illness, job loss, death, even marriage, new baby, or new job or job responsibilities. Even though some of these are "happy" things, they still result in a change of some sort. The dictionary definition is "make or become different". Most of us get so used to our day in and day out routine that any "change" becomes an issue. <div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"> <font face="verdana"> Proverbs 7:23--"<span class="text Prov-7-23" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Like a bird flying straight into a net.</span></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-7-23" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">He had no clue his life was at stake; <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">everything was about to change</i>."</span></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Take, for instance, our recent and on-going COVID-19 outbreak. Most of us were pushed into a sudden and abrupt change. A change in our day-to-day life; a change in our jobs; a change in our finances. For many of us what had been our typical daily routine was no more. This was quite a difficult change as we all had to not only learn a new daily routine, but many of us had to learn how to make due with less food for our families and less money for our bills. Many parents have had to learn how to teach their children and children have had to learn from their parents or grandparents. Teachers had to change how they were teaching and students had to change their mindset of learning. As we all begin to settle into our "new" routine, change will come again. </div><div><br /></div><div>Change as the result of a family death, or marriage break-up are difficult as well. These changes last a little longer than our COVID-19 event. During these changes, there really is no going back to what was normal. For these changes, a new routine and a new way of thinking is required and is often difficult to establish.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap7vvtgv814/Xu0V9_aACHI/AAAAAAAAK1I/to1vhJ9-9X03dXWzEzvOZFFpTn9nKRjpACK4BGAsYHg/s500/photo-1477414348463-c0eb7f1359b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap7vvtgv814/Xu0V9_aACHI/AAAAAAAAK1I/to1vhJ9-9X03dXWzEzvOZFFpTn9nKRjpACK4BGAsYHg/w391-h260/photo-1477414348463-c0eb7f1359b6.jpg" title="unsplash.com" width="391" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">unsplash.com<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A new marriage or a new baby can result in good change and yet it is still change. There is still a new routine to establish and new ways of thinking. Sometimes this new change can bring a few hardships with it...babies that don't sleep at night, exhausted parents, couples whose personalities clash. These hardships will at some point....change! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="verdana">Isaiah 14:26--"<span style="background-color: white;">Because I,</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">God of earth and heaven,</i></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"><span class="indent-2-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> </span><span class="text Isa-14-26" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">have devised a plan for the whole earth;</span></font></div><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-14-26" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I have reached out and am ready to effect change among the nations."</span></font></div></span><div><br /></div><div>If there is one thing that is constant in this world, it is change! In fact, God calls upon each of us to change. We are born into a messed up world with a mindset of doing wrong things. That is just human nature. We are born sinful (with the propensity to do bad things). This doesn't necessarily mean killing people or stealing, but none of us can say we have never done something wrong since birth . That is sin...doing something wrong! The way that God provides for our change is through His Son, Jesus. If we believe that He took our eternal punishment and ask Him to be in charge of our lives, we will be changed.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="verdana">Mark 1:15--"<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">It’s time! The kingdom of God is near! Seek forgiveness, change your actions,</span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">and believe this good news!"</span></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><font face="verdana"><span style="background-color: white;">Nehemiah 1:9--"</span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">but if you </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-indent: -16px;">have a change of heart and</i><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"> return to Me and walk according to My commands, then no matter how far you have gone, even to the places beyond the horizon, I will gather you and bring you to the place of My choosing, where My very name dwells.”</span></font></div><div><font face="inherit"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="inherit"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGpoZVN_LWA/Xu0YJ6Ok6qI/AAAAAAAAK1o/MHMYNhVRAegFxl8nzAbpMQeoWA4FyYUMACK4BGAsYHg/s1300/38060223-change-of-heart-message-recycled-paper-note-pinned-on-cork-board-concept-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGpoZVN_LWA/Xu0YJ6Ok6qI/AAAAAAAAK1o/MHMYNhVRAegFxl8nzAbpMQeoWA4FyYUMACK4BGAsYHg/s320/38060223-change-of-heart-message-recycled-paper-note-pinned-on-cork-board-concept-image.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">123rf.com<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;"><br /></span></font></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>God asks us to change, but knows that we are born with that tendency to do bad things and that we can't alter the bad things that happen to us. He knows that we will need help. Who better to help us than God, Who created us and Who knows all about us? The other thing about God and change is that He doesn't. God Does Not Change. He has been the same God with the same character since the beginning of time. His expectations do not change; His thoughts do not change; His plans for us have never changed; and His love does not change! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="verdana">Hebrews 13:8--"<span style="background-color: white;">Jesus the Anointed One is always the same: yesterday, today, and forever."</span></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">Malachi 3:6a--"</span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -16px;">Because I am the Eternal One, I never change..."</span></font></div><div><br /></div><div>Change is a part of life. Sometimes good; sometimes bad. No matter the amount and type of change in our lives, isn't it wonderful to know that God is constant?</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d72h64TF_TQ/Xu0YPTLYrdI/AAAAAAAAK10/QOpLYLOGu3kw-YxR-5QCKOUW5GXz-kYeACK4BGAsYHg/s512/unnamed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="512" height="274" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d72h64TF_TQ/Xu0YPTLYrdI/AAAAAAAAK10/QOpLYLOGu3kw-YxR-5QCKOUW5GXz-kYeACK4BGAsYHg/w400-h274/unnamed.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">clipart-library.com<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Kari F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18364737168147534323noreply@blogger.com0