tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55567988941155621062024-03-19T05:58:11.533-07:00Devotional Moments with MikeDevotional Moments with Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15885012309708991106noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556798894115562106.post-20529291279346632032013-05-26T12:46:00.000-07:002013-05-26T12:46:25.862-07:00‘Scripture and Strategy, The Use of the Bible in Postmodern Church and Mission’<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What I learned about different methods of Missions and Evangelism in
the light of Scripture, in response to the required text for Church Planting.</i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Michael Ireland, Candidate for MA in Divinity from CLIMB School</i></b></div>
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In Scripture and Strategy (William Carey Library, Pasadena,
CA, © 1994), author David J. Hesselgrave says his underlying thesis is that
“Holy Scripture itself <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">must occupy a
central place </i>in the future strategy of the churches and their missions.”
(emphasis mine).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TE1tvsXuL1pj7aCDq8dE7f03P5LoX6faBjR2d3ilQOHcvceMaSs8HBSC9CsDMgS4gFeB6DgNjh62SCOiM1nQljkTFHh1MZTOEMt6Ui1uf0VqBKzniF-RiuxiAgAllvVw0JKntqlN2oA/s1600/ScriptureandStrategyCoverArtwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TE1tvsXuL1pj7aCDq8dE7f03P5LoX6faBjR2d3ilQOHcvceMaSs8HBSC9CsDMgS4gFeB6DgNjh62SCOiM1nQljkTFHh1MZTOEMt6Ui1uf0VqBKzniF-RiuxiAgAllvVw0JKntqlN2oA/s1600/ScriptureandStrategyCoverArtwork.jpg" /></a>In order to do this, Hesselgrave looks at the testimony of
Scripture Authors, reviews in broad outline some of the ways in which
representatives of church and mission have used (and abused) Scripture in
modern times, and makes special note of the ministries who demonstrate that,
rightly viewed and used, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the Bible itself
possesses the highest potential for impacting a postmodern world for Christ.(emphasis
mine).</i></div>
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The author states categorically, that in spite of past
failures in missionary enterprises, “progress seems always to be linked with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">complete confidence in, and careful
examination and utilization </i>of, the revealed Word of God.” (p.11) [my
emphasis].</div>
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Early in the book, Hesselgrave tackles the question of “by
whose authority” (p.17) churches and missions face in seeking to evangelize the
modern world for Christ. He then traces the rediscovery of Biblical Authority,
how modernists have been rethinking Biblical interpretation, hermeneutical
methodologies, including the relationship between “meaning then,” and “meaning
now,” addresses the subject of using the Bible “in context,” the place of the
Bible in Christian ministry – including a look at ‘Message and Method’ – the
process of confirming believers in the Christian faith, and the scope of the
Great Commission.</div>
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By Chapter Eight of 11 chapters, Hesselgrave comes to what I
believe to be the heart of Christian missions and evangelism today, “Counseling
Christians Concerning Spiritual Warfare,” (pp.120-135).</div>
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In this chapter, Hesselgrave reviews the work of Tim Warner,
a Bible College Missions professor and minister in the area of Spiritual
Warfare.</div>
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Hesselgrave describes an approach used by Warner which
missiologists refer to as “power encounter.” Here he describes Warner’s work in
the 1980s and 1990s among people in the United States, as well as missionaries
and nationals abroad, who faced great spiritual and psychological needs – those
who were casualties of the warfare between God and Satan. Many were referred to
him by Christian psychologists and counselors in the Chicago area where Warner
served at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He since aligned himself with
Dr. Neil Anderson’s Freedom in Christ Ministries. </div>
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Both as a theorist and practitioner, Warner gained
credibility as an authority on spiritual warfare and, in 1991, the results of
years of study and involvement were set forth in a book on the subject, <b>Spiritual
Warfare: Victory over the Powers of this Dark World, </b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Warfare-Victory-Powers-World/dp/0891076077"><b>http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Warfare-Victory-Powers-World/dp/0891076077</b></a><b>.</b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Hesselgrave goes on
to describe how, in recent years, the primary focus of Warner’s thinking and ministry
has gradually shifted from “power encounter” to “truth encounter.” He says of
Warner that “he is no less convinced that there are times when believers must
confront Satan and demonic spirits directly in the name and power of the Lord
Jesus Christ, but he become increasingly aware of the fact that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">if God’s people are to avail themselves of
their resources in Christ they must first understand and believe what I means
to be</i> <b>in Christ.” </b>(my emphasis.)</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Hesselgrave says
Warner often quotes one of his college professors who used to say, “People may
not live what they profess, but they will always live what they believe.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Hesselgrave
continues by saying that only Christians who really understand and believe what
the Bible says about those in Christ have a foundation for coping with the
world, for victorious living, and for effective ministry. He adds, “By
definition, then, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">truth encounter
precedes the power encounter and constitutes preparation for it</i>.” (my
emphasis). The author cites Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus (Eph.
1:17 – 2:7), which Warner refers to over and over again.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In conclusion, from
reading this book, I learned that no matter what methods or techniques of
missions and evangelism are employed, either at home or overseas, that Christian
believers need not only to prepare themselves with Biblical and theological knowledge,
but to be trained in how to present the truth of the Gospel to their hearers by
means of ‘truth encounter’, but also how to deal with the Enemy of Our Souls in
the power of the Resurrected Christ in a ‘power encounter’ so that Christian
conversion may be thorough and complete.</span></div>
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Devotional Moments with Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15885012309708991106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556798894115562106.post-2593343880818387922013-04-06T18:06:00.003-07:002013-04-06T18:06:51.001-07:00Treasures from Darkness: Christians and Suicide<a href="http://cynthialottvogel.blogspot.com/2013/04/christians-and-suicide.html?m=1">Treasures from Darkness: Christians and Suicide</a>Devotional Moments with Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15885012309708991106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556798894115562106.post-84255015322431611302013-04-06T18:06:00.001-07:002013-04-06T18:06:34.295-07:00Treasures from Darkness: Christians and Suicide<a href="http://cynthialottvogel.blogspot.com/2013/04/christians-and-suicide.html?m=1">Treasures from Darkness: Christians and Suicide</a>Devotional Moments with Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15885012309708991106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556798894115562106.post-37958066328677701612013-02-23T08:52:00.000-08:002013-02-23T09:05:38.220-08:00The Muse and the Call of God<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Muse came calling early this morning. That is, earlier
than the clock radio would have gone off if it had been set.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX2iPaPDA34XVKs8qMOPJXmNrmZDdF8SlT7L_7qXZNOsgb09IT3jCsbi-pyjAP5pdNjdcBJ195xMoA3PYvUV1jhw7tb_JGKTkMromTYEs9jOIXFSn5yaw_X4tM7IkBcDg2Tq0zfNl8qQ/s1600/The_Muse_of_Poesie_by_Konstantin_Makovsky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX2iPaPDA34XVKs8qMOPJXmNrmZDdF8SlT7L_7qXZNOsgb09IT3jCsbi-pyjAP5pdNjdcBJ195xMoA3PYvUV1jhw7tb_JGKTkMromTYEs9jOIXFSn5yaw_X4tM7IkBcDg2Tq0zfNl8qQ/s1600/The_Muse_of_Poesie_by_Konstantin_Makovsky.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">She was pretty insistent that I get up and write. Strange,
really, because She hasn’t called on me much lately -- and suddenly decided to
visit me! Who on Earth does She think She is, and what on Earth does She think
She’s doing? </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to ask Her why She’s bothering me now, after not
having visited me for so long. And to make a sudden appearance at the doorway
to my creativity when not called upon? But that’s the nature of the Muse. You
have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to be ready to answer the Call, to
make the walk to your computer, sit down, and face the hollow page.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately, the Muse has given me inspiration, a topic, and
something to put on paper. For starters, talking about Her. I don’t know if She
likes to be talked about in this way. She likes to come and go – somewhat like
the unseen wind -- showing up at inopportune moments, demanding to be heard,
insistent upon being taken notice of. But talk about her? She might take off
and leave me stranded with nothing to say! Particularly if what I say about her
isn’t complimentary. But then, why would I ‘Diss’ her when She comes to help?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Muse, it has been so long since You last showed up, and
I am wondering ‘why now?’ What is it that You have for me, what is it that You
want me to say? Is it an insight, a flash of inspiration, a world-shattering
revelation? Something ‘Mankind’ needs to hear, or a whisper that brings
understanding and a solution to a current problem? Is it personal or communal,
for just me, or for someone else?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Often, when the Muse decides to visit, it is because She has
a tidbit that is needed, a piece of the puzzle that has been missing, a clue to
a nagging problem. Her absence has been quite problematic in itself, and Her
arrival on this day is a welcome surprise! I could have ignored Her, and stayed
in bed. I could try to shut Her out, but then I risk offending Her and losing
the benefit of Her accumulated wisdom. “Do not quench the Spirit of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am sure She has visited others who were waiting for Her to
show up, but didn’t know it. I am sure others have waited for inspiration, and
didn’t know where to find Her. I am sure others have waited for Her to come
calling, only to find, Not Today. And I find that if I ignore Her, She will
shout from the rooftops to get someone to pay attention. She’s like that. She
makes you think that you are special in having Her call on you, but then if you
spurn Her, She will tell others what She had intended for you. And who wants that?
“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What She tells you in the dark, She intends for you to
reveal in the light of day. That is the way She works, and She trusts you with
her knowledge, wisdom, insight, and understanding. In fact, Her name is ‘Wisdom.’
And She is not averse to shouting from the rooftops that which She knows. She
really is there for everyman who will listen. It is a wise man who listens to
Her counsel. “Wisdom cries aloud in the streets!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have to admit there is part of me that doesn’t want to
listen to what The Muse has to say. But there is also part of me that is
honoured to be visited and to be ‘in on’ what She has to say. John the
Revelator says: “Let Him who has ears, hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches.”
We fail to listen to our own detriment. It takes a trained ear to listen, to
hear, and to obey the call of God through Her. But it is open to everyman who
is called by the Spirit of God, “for all who are led by the Spirit, these are called
the children of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There is Another who calls us by name. To be called, to be chosen,
is the prerogative of God. For whom He foreknew, He predestined, and whom He
has chosen before the foundation of the world, He has also called. He has set
apart the godly for Himself. And He has chosen good works for them to walk in. “For
we are saved by Grace, and that is not of ourselves, it is the FREE GIFT of God
by faith, so that no man should boast.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And that Faith comes by Hearing, and that Hearing by the Word
of God. “To all who received Him, He gave the right, power and authority to
become the Children of God.” And that is what we are if we listen to and obey
His Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“My sheep know my voice, and they know me, and follow me”
the Good Shepherd said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you hear Him calling you today? Are you willing to follow
Him wherever He may lead?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He also said that to see the Kingdom of Heaven, “You must be
Born Again.” That is, to be born of the Father, by the Holy Spirit, not of man,
or the will of man, or the power and strength of man, but by God the Father,
through the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Not by power, nor by strength, but by my Spirit,” says the
Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the
Father, but by Me,” the Saviour said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you not hear His voice calling you by Name? Are you
willing to respond? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Now is the Day of Salvation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">“Now is our Salvation nearer than when we first believed.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“If I go away, I will prepare a place for you, I will come
again, and receive you to myself, that where I am, you may be also.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Devotional Moments with Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15885012309708991106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556798894115562106.post-73938532131745370782013-02-15T14:52:00.000-08:002013-02-15T14:52:37.907-08:00Pardon et moi, Excuse et moi, Pardon my French...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPu95jKBB2blM0M8pKXWCzo6n7loBYfVXy9tUg1Ba32v67YYE3sPafNNHb_JXsQtiGVWQPrkBuuHiReuxw2U00e-Uxe9k8VZgql5TAbijAzr1gGVpPmtC_rB2pJe5uqb9uO2gjIVI3itM/s1600/the-thinker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPu95jKBB2blM0M8pKXWCzo6n7loBYfVXy9tUg1Ba32v67YYE3sPafNNHb_JXsQtiGVWQPrkBuuHiReuxw2U00e-Uxe9k8VZgql5TAbijAzr1gGVpPmtC_rB2pJe5uqb9uO2gjIVI3itM/s1600/the-thinker.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Excuse my French, but I am a brilliant writer -- even if I say so myself -- and even though my mind feels like mush, with the medications I am on to keep my thought life and emotions stable, I believe that is just the ‘State of Mind’ I need to be in to create something absolutely marvelous.<br />
<br />
If we are too concrete, too solid, there is no room for creativity to swirl around and produce something fresh, something of note, something of worth, something that will last and stand the Test of Time. <br />
<br />
Writing, like life, needs flexibility, the ability to flex, and be fluid, moveable, transparent, adjustable and adaptable. We need the ability to change our minds, to prefer something other than ‘standard fare.’ The diet of standard fare is for the masses, the ‘Un-thinking’ ones, those who will soak up just about anything that is dished out to them, and believe it to be true.<br />
<br />
I want to ‘dish out’ more than tripe, more than fodder, more than just plain old trash. I want to write something that will stop people dead in their tracks, yet move them at the core of their beings. Yes, ‘shake, rattle, and roll.’ I intend to stir up people to think outside the box, to renew their thinking patterns, to leave their old, well-worn ways of thinking about things, to question their hidden core beliefs and to examine them in the fresh light of a new day, a day they haven’t lived before. I want them to rethink their old ways so that if something is really and realistically, ‘truly true’, they will know it at the core of their beings and their belief system. A rut is just a grave hole with both ends knocked out. <br />
<br />
At its least harmful, Doubt is well worth examining – at least once in a lifetime, if not more. We do not grow by not questioning, by not examining, by not scrutinizing, our thinking. If we truly ‘doubt our doubts and believe our beliefs’, the Truth will shine through, and found to be of worth, and our belief systems will prove themselves to be worthy of our trust, our belief. If our beliefs cannot stand the time of trial, the time of testing, they might not be worthy of our trust. Let us endeavor to be worthy of our beliefs, and in turn, find our beliefs to be worthy of our trust in them. Let us move on from a milk feed diet, and start to grapple with meat, real meat, meat that can provide nourishment and nutrition for our souls. <br />
<br />
That way we can leave ‘the elementary things’ behind and grow into Maturity. <br />
<br />
Please allow me to temporarily interrupt your normal thought processes and to challenge your normal thinking patterns to enable you to determine if your thinking is straight, if your belief system is accurate in terms of reality, and if your doubts are really that disastrous...if at all damaging to your psyche and injurious to your soul.<br />
<br />
In the Book of Romans, the Apostle Paul says that 'right thinking leads to right actions.' It will also determine your destiny. The Psalmist says that 'the Fool says in his heart that there is no God.' <br />
<br />
So, in the spirit of 'Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men,' let me ask you if your belief is real, if your doubts are troublesome or problematic, if your thoughts are logical, etc., etc., etc... <br />
<br />
Take a moment to sit back in your favorite chair, close your eyes, and imagine. Imagine that if your thinking is off-kilter, faulty, disastrous, or just plain "stinking thinking." Ask yourself, Where will you end up with thinking like that? If your thinking is illogical, inaccurate, or just plain dumb, where will that lead you? <br />
<br />
Now, don't write me to let me know where you are in 'the process,' but turn your thoughts God-ward, and prayerfully ask Him to lead you by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to redirect your thinking into paths of Truth, Righteousness, Holiness and Justice.Devotional Moments with Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15885012309708991106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556798894115562106.post-57127250413315372892013-01-03T18:06:00.000-08:002013-01-03T18:17:21.135-08:00How The Life and Ministry of Paul, The Apostle, Affects Us Today<!-- Embedded Bible. http://biblia.com/plugins/embeddedbible -->
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The first thing when it comes to a
discussion of the life of Paul that a student of the Bible needs to consider is
that when Saul was confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ on the Road to Damascus
is that he was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">totally captivated</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dramatically</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">changed</i></b>
by the experience. It was such a dramatic experience for him, that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he also
changed his name. </i></b>The Damascus Road experience changed Paul forever<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">,
both in character and personality and the direction of his life</i></b>. His
name was changed in order to reflect the change that happened in his heart
toward God, in the Lord Jesus Christ.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Paul says that “this was that” for
which he was apprehended by the Lord. The “this” for “that” for which he was
‘arrested’ by the Risen Christ was in order that he ‘might know Him and the fellowship
of His sufferings and the power if His resurrection.’ When Ananias came to
Paul, the Lord told him he should tell Paul of the “many things” that he would
suffer in His Name. Paul was later to suffer shipwrecks, beatings and stonings
for naming the name of Christ.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Names in the Bible are very
important. Your name reveals your character and your personality. We see this
with Abram, who became Abraham. We see this with Isaac, who became Israel. We
see this with Simon, who became Peter. We see this with Saul who became Paul.
Saul’s change of name to Paul <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">reflected the change of heart he underwent
after meeting Jesus.</i></b></div>
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When Paul was confronted by Jesus
on the Damascus Road, he was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">literally and dramatically stopped in his
tracks.</i></b> At the time he was in hot pursuit of anyone belonging to or
associated with ‘The Way’. He was a ‘firebreather’, breathing out death threats
to anyone who named the name of Jesus the Nazarene. He was armed with letters
from the High Priest, and had authority to capture and/or put to death anyone
following what was considered a blasphemous sect, and an insult to the Jewish God
of the Pharisees and Saducees.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Saul, as he was then, truly and
honestly thought that he was doing God and Judaism a favor by rooting out ‘the
blasphemers’. He considered himself to be righteous before God because he was a
Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee of Pharisees, and as regarding the Law, complete
and in right standing with God in obedience to the Law of Moses.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Saul was zealous for the Law and
saw himself as being able to live according to the Law, and as having done so.
But it was his experience with meeting the risen Christ that literally ‘opened’
his eyes, and he was able to ‘make a 180 degree turn’ (which is the definition
or repentance!). Paul even says that ‘no good thing abided in his flesh’ or
earthly nature. It was the encounter with Christ that made him see his earthly
nature for what it was. He says that he was ‘the greatest of sinners.’</div>
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<br /></div>
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When he became Paul, he chose to
know nothing more or less than ‘Christ crucified and risen from the dead.’
Jesus became to him an all-consuming passion. In fact, this became the basis of
his ‘Magnificent Obsession’ – “Christ in you, and You in Christ” made possible
by the death and resurrection of Christ. This is Paul’s Gospel or good news –
that we are ‘in Christ’ – baptized into his name and character, as well as into
his sufferings and his victory over Death. Paul also states ‘Christ in us’ and
all that Christ won on the Cross of Calvary is ours, because ‘if we suffer with
Him, we shall also reign with Him.’ This is the ‘glorious mystery’ spoken of
down the ages, which angels wanted to look into and for which he was appointed
an Apostle to reveal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When Paul met Christ on the
Damascus Road, and later spent time alone with Him in the Arabian Desert, he
realized that ‘right standing’ with God came through Jesus Christ, and Him
alone. Paul realized that he had no righteousness of his own, but that
righteousness was imparted by God through Jesus Christ and His redeeming work
on Calvary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul states that ‘God was in Christ
reconciling Himself to the world.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“It was as if Christ Himself were
appealing to you through us,” he writes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This was Paul’s passion in every
church he planted – he was “jealous to see Christ formed in each of you, until
every man is made complete in Him.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is why Paul was so angry at
the Galatian Church when they went astray after listening to the Judaizers–
“Who has bewitched you?” he asks them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul also says that if anyone – even
an angel from Heaven -- were to preach “another gospel,” they were to be
accursed. He was passionate that new believers understand this mystery of the
Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were “God’s letter written
on human hearts.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
We, too, are God’s ‘human love
letter’ to the world. If we are arrested, apprehended and ‘caught’ by God, as
was Paul, we become New Creations (2 Cor.5:17). This is, in fact, was God was
doing in Christ all along. He was making ‘one new man’, and there are “now
therefore no Jew, nor Gentile, nor male or female, nor circumcised nor uncircumcised
“for we all are one in Christ.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul also writes about being
“adopted” by God into his family. This is a huge theme for him, and he says
that by being adopted, we have the rights, privileges, and authority of the One
who adopted us. We become a legitimate child of God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The Apostle Paul underwent a
‘radical transformation’, and this is only possible in our own lives when we
surrender to the atoning and redeeming work of Christ on Calvary as King of
Kings and Lord of Lords. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul says, “ I am crucified with
Christ, and I no longer lie, but the life I now live in the flesh, I live by
faith in the Son of God,” Gal.2:20. The totality of the work of Christ on the
Cross, and the power and presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit, gives us the
ability to live transformed (changed) lives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If we die with Christ, which we did
on Calvary’s Cross 2,000 years ago, we shall also live and reign with Him.</div>
<br />
<br />
<script src="http://biblia.com/api/logos.biblia.js"></script>
<script>logos.biblia.init();</script>Devotional Moments with Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15885012309708991106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556798894115562106.post-77623294600436369712012-12-31T11:38:00.000-08:002012-12-31T11:38:31.698-08:00'The God of Abraham, Isaac,and Jacob'<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The writer to the
Hebrews says that in the past, God chose to reveal Himself in many and various
ways, and that in these latter days, He has chosen to ‘speak’ to us through His
Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the ‘great I am.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The author knows
Hebrew history and that God first revealed His Name to Moses through the
burning bush that was not consumed, in the backside of the desert at Mt. Sinai.
It was there God chose to reveal his name (character) to Moses as I AM THAT I
AM, (I am, always have been, and always will be what I am) and ‘The God of our
Fathers’, or more specifically, ‘the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">In Exodus 3:14, we
see the ‘law of first mention’ at work, as God revealed Himself to Moses as the
‘Eternal One,’ who is self-existent – He has always been, and always will be.
He relies upon and needs no one else for His existence. He is the ‘first cause’
of all that exists.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">God chooses to name
Himself after three great patriarchs to show how he can take and use those who
are in a relationship of ‘covenant kindness’ with Him. He chooses to use
Abraham, the son of an idolater and idol worshiping family, so that we may see
God is ‘the Originator.’ He chose to reveal Himself through Isaac through the
latter’s ability to ‘receive’ all that he had as if it came from the hand of God;
he chose Jacob as an illustration that we do not need to ‘struggle’ or
‘wrestle’ with God. The only striving we need to do as believers under the
‘kindness covenant,’ is to ‘enter into His Sabbath rest,’ since Christ has
‘performed the work’ of Salvation on the Cross of Calvary. Jesus said it was
the Father’s good pleasure to ‘give us the Kingdom.’ Even though the Scripture
also says the Kingdom is ‘taken by force’ and that violent men seek to take it
by violence, it is Christ who has won the battle – through the violence of the
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">We see through the
‘God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,’ that it was always the Father’s intention
to ‘give us an inheritance’ which is stored up in Heaven for those who believe.
God is always the initiator and always makes the first move toward Man. By choosing
Abraham, we see that not only did God start the process of entering into a
covenant with Man, but that he completes everything He sets out to do – ‘I will
perform it’. In Isaac, we see a man who learned over time to receive all that
God had for him – especially an inheritance (which is a picture of what we
followers of Christ have [viz. Paul, ‘the Inheritance of the Saints’]) through
the Blood of the Cross – as a Son of the King. In Jacob, we see a man who
learned that he didn’t need to wrestle with the Angel of the Lord in order to
get a blessing – the Inheritance – but came to realize that the blessing came
through brokenness – in his case a dislocated hip. However, in the process God
gave him a new name, Israel, which foreshadowed the nation through whom all the
peoples of the Earth would be blessed. This ties in with the promise of God to
his grandfather, Abraham, that he would be ‘the father many nations,’ through
his Seed (note singular) pointing to the Promised One – the Messiah, the
Saviour of the world through whom all blessings come, in this world and the
next.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">We also see through
one Old Testament story and one New Testament story that Mephibosheth and the
Prodigal Son were ‘recipients of grace’. The Prodigal already had an
inheritance waiting for him and, after frittering away his share of the fortune,
realized that the inheritance was always waiting for him at the home of his
father. When he came to his senses and returned home to his Father, he realized
that the inheritance was not through works, but by grace. Mephibosheth, on the
other hand, was an <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unexpected recipient </i></b>of the grace of God through the ‘covenant
of kindness’ shown to him by King David. He was a nobody, but God, through
David, made him somebody in the King’s palace.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">We also see in the
New Testament how Nicodemus learned the inheritance was through the New Birth,
and that this is spiritual and supernatural in basis and operation, and not by
effort or of natural means. “With God, ALL things are possible!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Paul takes up the
thought that God will complete all that He has started in Phil.1:6. He also
remonstrates with the Galatians about expecting to receive the gift through
human effort. “What then, do you expect that what you began in the Spirit you
can accomplish in the Flesh? You did not so learn Christ!!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">In conclusion, we
see that God takes ordinary men and reveals Himself as the self-existent,
unchanging, Eternal One, teaching us that His ‘covenant of kindness’ is not
obtained by works of the flesh, but by grace through the Spirit.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">By way of application,
we need to see ourselves as God sees us, that He has adopted us into His
family, that we are heirs, and co-heirs with Christ – and that everything that is
His is also ours, that he has created good works from before the foundation of
the world for us to walk in, and that He has already said to us ‘Well done,
good and faithful servant.’ All this is ‘obtained by grace through faith’, and
is not of our own doing lest any man should boast.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Devotional Moments with Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15885012309708991106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556798894115562106.post-85885580266064631162012-12-29T16:29:00.000-08:002012-12-29T16:29:25.609-08:00Peace Making as a Way of Life<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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In the introduction to ‘The Peace Making Pastor’ by Alfred
Poirier (Baker Books, 2006), the author states that to be a pastor is to be a
peacemaker (p.13). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Poirier says that too often pastors view peacemaking as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only a tool of ministry, rather than a habit
of being</i>. “Instead of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">being </i></b>ministers or reconciliation (2
Cor.5:19-20), we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">confine peacemaking</b>
to <i>special crisis situations within the church</i>.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbh9ZAPESrXefjOR4lg8nHehduoef3GJql_COLABkg5nDxZtX3qvgXHSj3SprC3C6nEXUmiFfFgVM1Jg-tUeRTk9IR0UMCpvkIwIhsipjTxQ78XqRwM90Hbx62Msn79G2vTa83TNR0AGY/s1600/mi_peacemakingpastor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbh9ZAPESrXefjOR4lg8nHehduoef3GJql_COLABkg5nDxZtX3qvgXHSj3SprC3C6nEXUmiFfFgVM1Jg-tUeRTk9IR0UMCpvkIwIhsipjTxQ78XqRwM90Hbx62Msn79G2vTa83TNR0AGY/s1600/mi_peacemakingpastor.jpg" /></a>Poirier actually goes further than to say that just pastors
are peacemakers or in the ‘ministry of reconciliation.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Poirier says: “Since God reconciled all things in heaven and
on earth to himself through the death of his Son on the cross (Col.1:19-20),
then we who are children of God are redeemed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to be </i>reconcilers.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Poirier develops this theme in Chapter 5, ‘Peacemaking in
the Family of God,’ specifically on p.92, under the heading ‘Theology of
Sonship.’ Here he says that Jesus’ connection between “peacemakers” and being
called “sons of God” is not an arbitrary one. “Peacemaking is the defining
characteristic of sonship. And of all Christian virtues and actions, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">peacemaking
reflects most the meaning of being a son or daughter of God.”</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is my favorite chapter in the book because here the
author lays out the biblical basis and foundation for our role as 24/7/365
Christians to be peacemakers and reconcilers in a broken and hurting world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Poirier goes on to say that if this claim is true (that
Scripture proclaims and endorses this view of us as believers), “we must not
relegate our individual identity as sons and daughters and our corporate
identity as family to a minor place in our theology, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">as if our sonship were one image
among many</i></b> that Scripture uses to describe God’s relationship with the
church.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Poirier states three reasons why this <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>‘sonship reconciliation
theology’</u></i></b> is true.</div>
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<br /></div>
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First, he says that the significance of sonship is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">proved
by its dominant presence in several key ‘programmatic’ passages of Scripture</i></b>
(Rom.8:15-32; Gal.3:15-4:7; Eph.1:3-6; Heb.2:1-18;12:1-14;1 John 3:1-3). [By
programmatic he means those texts that give the sweep and order of God’s
redemptive purposes].</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Second, Poirier says <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sonship is the distinctive mark of the new
covenant.</i></b> He says that in Galatians 3:26-4:7, Paul likens the radical
shift in the status of God’s people in redemptive history to the transition
from being slaves to being sons.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The third line of evidence showing the significance of
sonship in God’s redemptive purposes is that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sonship is a key characteristic
of our sanctification, </i></b>most overtly seen in Hebrews 12.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Poirier says (p.95) that to be “Like father, like son,” is
not only a common proverb, but is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inherently biblical in nature</i></b>. “In
Scripture, sonship is about likeness.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elsewhere in Scripture, Paul says that we are ‘heirs and
joint heirs (co-heirs) with Christ’ and that one day we shall be like Him. But
there is a very real sense in that we are called to be like Him NOW. Jesus said
‘the Kingdom is within you, and NOW is’ – the Kingdom of God <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">has come near</b>, is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">with us</b>, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">within us</b>
NOW by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Therefore, if we are heirs, and joint heirs with Christ NOW,
we are to be like Him NOW, and to exercise the role of peacemakers and
reconcilers NOW.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From reading Poirier, I conclude that not only pastors, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all Bible-believing Christians</i>, are to
be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>“reconciling
peacemakers,”</u></i></b> as Paul says, “as if God were making His appeal to
you though us.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This being the case, I believe it is incumbent upon us as
Christ followers, in the words of Paul, to “as much as it is within your power,
live at peace with all men,” and “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond
of peace.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me, this means to live a Spirit-<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">filled</i></b>, Spirit-<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">directed</i></b>
life, seeking to bring the message of ‘the peace <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">with</b> God’ and ‘the peace <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of </b>God’
to all men, everywhere.</div>
Devotional Moments with Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15885012309708991106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556798894115562106.post-80655695687753482632012-09-05T06:35:00.000-07:002012-09-05T06:35:09.504-07:00Money In The Bank<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been thinking about being an ‘Empty Nester.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a transition time in young adulthood for our grown children,
and for us as Middle Agers. It is a time of change, a time of adjustment in
practical as well as emotional ways.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not all change is easy. As well as the practical changes
involved in moving our grown children out of the house, there are also changes
in expectations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkg0j6-5C3gt5h-U1ZKUk_dNyNExNA5kt4HquOUSgxMOjMyiw1wCsfr_1HeUuxdIPaZIAoFKV8nppYQq9_Qo_BGfHmhlsZG6gG0BJOE5TdGRiQf1_DgaXG6eU7yQUj909ZcGDFtUDQAQ4/s1600/prodigalfather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkg0j6-5C3gt5h-U1ZKUk_dNyNExNA5kt4HquOUSgxMOjMyiw1wCsfr_1HeUuxdIPaZIAoFKV8nppYQq9_Qo_BGfHmhlsZG6gG0BJOE5TdGRiQf1_DgaXG6eU7yQUj909ZcGDFtUDQAQ4/s1600/prodigalfather.jpg" /></a>Will our oldest still keep in touch, even if by occasional text
message or e-mail? Will she drop by when she’s in the area? Will she even think
about us, as we are still thinking about her and wondering how she is managing
this new phase of life? Will she share with us what is going on in her life? Or
will she want to put emotional as well as physical distance between us?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think of the fun times we have shared as she has grown up.
The funny situations we shared, the inside jokes that only our family knows
about, the common things that made us laugh together and brought some kind of
cohesion in a world that seems to be constantly fracturing itself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder about the unintended wounds I left her with that we
didn’t have time to talk about, the unresolved ‘issues’ between us. Will she
find a mentor to help her achieve her goals? Someone to take her under their
wings to help her discover and develop just where she is at in her stage of
life, where she is going, and how she will get there?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All these are natural things for a parent to think about.
They come from a Fatherly heart that still, even now after upsets and disagreements,
cares for her well-being and safety.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can I relax and let God continue to work in her life without
my hovering over her? Can I allow her the freedom to choose her own beliefs,
even if in some ways they are different from mine? Can I go to sleep at the end
of the day wondering if that 1992 Buick will stall on her on a dark road late at night? Am I
willing to let her make her own way and learn from her mistakes?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel like what I imagine the Prodigal Father in Luke 15
might have been like with his son. He had to let him go; it was time. He had
two sons: I have two daughters. We are the same except that our youngest
daughter is in University, and comes home on holidays and some weekends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What did it feel like for him to let his son go? Unlike the
Prodigal Father, I didn’t have any inheritance money to give my daughter to set
herself up in a new life. I wish I had. But the fact I didn’t means that I
cannot control her with finances. I cannot withdraw my monetary support, because
there wasn’t any to begin with. Maybe that’s a Blessing in disguise. She should
know, though, that she still has my emotional and prayerful support.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My oldest <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>daughter
has a job, and a place to live. Maybe that is all that is needed here. Except
that I wonder about her relationship with her Heavenly Father.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I keep wondering if I failed her in presenting her with a less than perfect earthly
illustration of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what the Heavenly Father
is like.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s natural and desirable for our young adult children to ‘go
their own way.’ After all, we don’t want them to stay at home and not venture
out to discover who they are in God without our desire to control them, if only
for the sake of their moral, intellectual, spiritual and physical protection.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When all is said and done, my wife and I did the best we
could with what we had. We entrusted her to God on the day of her baby
dedication. We realized that she was only ‘on loan’ to us for a Time and
several Seasons.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Prodigal Father in Luke’s Gospel watched for his son
every day, wondering if this would be the day he would return to ‘mend the
fences,’ to restore the relationship, to enjoy being rightly related.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even though my daughter cannot live with us again because of
the rules involved with our rented apartment, she is always welcome to stop by,
watch TV with us, enjoy a meal together, and share a laugh or two about the
absurdity of the world we live in and how we make our way in it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, even as I ponder these things, I have entrusted my
daughter into the care of our Heavenly Father and I know, that I know, that I
know, that even though she might not be thinking about Him and His will for her
life, He will never leave nor forsake her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s like money in the bank.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's what we say in the United Kingdom --<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">if your
money is in </span> The Bank of England it is 'safe as houses' .</div>
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<i><b>PRAYER: Thank you, Heavenly Father, that You number the hairs
on our head, You know about the number of our days before there were any of
them, You watch over us, and You know about every sparrow that falls to the
ground. You are Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent. May these thoughts comfort
us when we realize that we are not in control, You are! Help me to let go of my
tendency to worry about my grown children and to let them be who they are in
Your Tender Care. Thank you for Your Goodness and Greatness toward us. Amen</b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
Devotional Moments with Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15885012309708991106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556798894115562106.post-80202261490313362982012-09-04T04:52:00.000-07:002012-09-04T04:52:18.535-07:00You Raise Me Up<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s sort of funny in a strange kind of way that when you
repent of your sin(s) it’s like being ‘Born Again’ again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz3QzJaG01P0sVgDpkGUlLW-tEK6Hw1QjlLlnfgOj-GeC_4TAEH_58FXIj06sSDqhFZJcJGMt1GThkM8jh3iRzp25BlnzzlDhDkV29pq2zxHUFW-zCVf6-OQOy3pJ4mMxJECLyA_ferU/s1600/eagles-wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz3QzJaG01P0sVgDpkGUlLW-tEK6Hw1QjlLlnfgOj-GeC_4TAEH_58FXIj06sSDqhFZJcJGMt1GThkM8jh3iRzp25BlnzzlDhDkV29pq2zxHUFW-zCVf6-OQOy3pJ4mMxJECLyA_ferU/s1600/eagles-wings.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having recently been through an intense personal struggle –
and it doesn’t really matter over what in particular, the principle remains the
same, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-- it seems to me that my ‘spiritual
vision’ (what Paul calls the ‘eyes of our heart,’) is much clearer now than,
say, a week ago. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I do think that I’m now actually being renewed in my mind --
<b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12:2&version=NIV">Romans
12:2</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">transformed
by the renewing of your mind. </i></b>Then you will be able to test and approve
what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will,” and <b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+4:16&version=NIV">2
Corinthians 4:16</a></b>: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we
are wasting away, yet <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inwardly we are being <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">renewed</span> day by day.”</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s a little like King David after his affair with Bathsheba.
He says in Psalm 32: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“Blessed is the one<br />
whose transgressions are forgiven,<br />
whose sins are covered.<br />
<sup>2 </sup>Blessed is the one<br />
whose sin the Lord does not count against them<br />
and in whose spirit is no deceit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>3 </sup>When I kept silent,<br />
my bones wasted away<br />
through my groaning all day long.<br />
</i></b><sup>4 </sup>For day and night<br />
your hand was heavy on me;<br />
my strength was sapped<br />
as in the heat of summer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup>5 </sup>Then I acknowledged my sin to you<br />
and did not cover up my iniquity.<br />
I said, “I will confess<br />
my transgressions to the Lord.”<br />
And you forgave<br />
the guilt of my sin.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will notice in verse three that there was a physical
aspect to results of the sin with Bathsheba.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another Bible version uses the phrase which says that David’s
bones “waxed dry within me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know what that’s like, and so do you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your bones feel dry, brittle, as if they would break at the
slightest hint of more pressure than you are currently under.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In verse 4, David also felt the strong hand of God the
Father’s discipline upon him: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“For day and night<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your hand was heavy on me;<br />
my strength was sapped<br />
</i></b> as in the heat of summer.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we all know that such discipline is not pleasant as in <b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+8:5&version=NIV">Deuteronomy
8:5</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Know then in your heart that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">as a man disciplines his son, so
the LORD your God disciplines you.</i></b>”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And <b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+5:17&version=NIV">Job
5:17</a></b><br />
“Blessed is the one whom <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God corrects</i></b>; so do not despise the <b>discipline</b>
of the Almighty.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">See also </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+36:10&version=KJV">Job
36:10</a></strong><br />
“He openeth also their ear to <b>discipline</b>, and commandeth that they
return from iniquity.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a far cry from Psalm one, verse three in which the faithful
is like a tree flourishing by the water’s edge: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That person is like a tree <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">planted by streams of water</i></b>,<br />
which yields its fruit in season<br />
and whose leaf does not wither—<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">whatever they do prospers</i></b>.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s also like the picture of what I will call the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘The Soaring
Christian’</i></b> in </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Psalm 103:5 </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">where
God<b> “</b></span><sup>5 (</sup>who) satisfies your desires with good
things<br />
so that your <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">youth is renewed</i></b> like the eagle’s.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And<b> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40:31&version=KJV">Isaiah
40:31</a></b></span>: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">renew
their strength</i></b>; they <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shall mount up with wings as eagles</i></b>;
they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so glad that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me like
a son and corrects me when I stray.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you have a relationship like that with God the Father?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prayer: </b>Dear God,
my Heavenly father, forgive me for my sin, which has been removed at the cost
of the precious blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, on Calvary’s Tree. I
acknowledge that I have sinned against You, and You only. Please cleanse me and
renew a right spirit within me; remove the heart of stone, and replace it with
a heart of flesh, so that I may know You, the Only True God. Thank you for
loving me enough to send your Son to die for me. Thank you that you hear the
cry of a penitent sinner. Help me to go forward and to sin no more. Thank you
that if and when I sin again, I have an Advocate who will plead my cause before
You. Amen.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">'You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You raise me up: To more than I can be.'</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(From “You Raise Me Up” -- Music by Secret Garden's Rolf Løvland and
the <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">lyrics</span> by Brendan Graham).</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Devotional Moments with Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15885012309708991106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556798894115562106.post-81839379703532442152012-09-01T10:30:00.001-07:002012-09-01T10:30:44.183-07:00'I need a Saviour with Cutting Shears!'<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have been thinking about Pastor Joel’s
sermon of two weeks ago where he talked about how dumb sheep
are.</span></span><span style="color: navy; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 14pt;"></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5P3JHvs1LYQNiQ9nEb4CxCYhG_y728w9RP0OljeGNfysWHB_LxxVBhHlM1U8a7jMjs_Rene4OrBz3_wnE-YxRerK5vtZD5TQvp_giRtDr3xBhGDee92G6CjOdJ6eEbpse83sPfOCsGM/s1600/RamCaughtInThicket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5P3JHvs1LYQNiQ9nEb4CxCYhG_y728w9RP0OljeGNfysWHB_LxxVBhHlM1U8a7jMjs_Rene4OrBz3_wnE-YxRerK5vtZD5TQvp_giRtDr3xBhGDee92G6CjOdJ6eEbpse83sPfOCsGM/s1600/RamCaughtInThicket.jpg" /></a><span style="color: navy; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 13.5pt;">This morning I awoke with a very strong
image in my mind of a ram caught in the thicket. I am, of course, thinking of
Abraham and Isaac on the Mount. As Abe and his son trudged up the mountain,
Isaac asked, “Father, where is the lamb for the sacrifice?” Abraham replied,”
The <em><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Lord will provide</span></i></em> the
Lamb for the burnt offering, My Son!” At the right time (Gal.4:4-5), the pair
saw the ram caught in the thicket. The Lord provided the lamb for the
sacrifice.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 13.5pt;">As I came to -- even before my morning
coffee! -- I saw myself as that dumb sheep that had gotten caught in the thorns!
Yes, I got there by my own devices. I ran away. I wandered off from the safety
of the sheepfold and protection of the Shepherd. I placed myself in that
situation. I was at fault. I am to blame for my situation. It was my sin that
got me there. I am caught in a trap of my own making. I listened to and believed
the Enemy’s lie. I fell, hook, line and sinker for his deception. It’s true, I
was like that dumb sheep. I followed the crowd, went where every other dumb
sheep has been before me, and will still end up going.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 13.5pt;">So, as I come out of the deep fog of a
good night’s sleep, I am lying there, stuck with barbs in my fur and cannot move
because, if I do, it will mean the barbs dig deeper and tear into my skin, and
the pain will grow more intense. I am stuck, and I cannot free myself. I need a
Saviour! <em><b><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I need a Shepherd armed with wire
cutters!</span></span></i></b></em> I need Him to rescue me. I need Him to tend
my wounds, to salve my pain, to heal me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 13.5pt;">It is said that often the Shepherd will
leave the lamb in the thorn bush until it <em><i><u><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">stops struggling</span></u></i></em>, and gives up trying
to free itself <em><i><u><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">in its own
strength</span></u></i></em>. <strong><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Then, and
only then, does the Shepherd come to free the stricken lamb.</span></b></strong>
You would think that after being one of His sheep for more than 45 years that I
would realize this! It is also said that the Shepherd will pour and rub oil into
the wounds of the sheep’s skin to bring health, healing, reconciliation,
restoration, and renewal.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 13.5pt;">We cannot save ourselves. When we get
ourselves into a situation where we cannot extricate ourselves, <em><b><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">we need to stop
struggling and <u>let Him</u> save us</span></span></i></b></em><strong><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">. </span></b></strong>We need a Saviour <em><i><u><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">to do the work of Salvation</span></u></i></em>
<em><i><u><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">for us.</span></u></i></em>
<em><b><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">We need a
Saviour armed with powerful cutting shears to free us! We need a Saviour Who
will rub oil in our wounds and heal our scars! Call on Him while He may be
found!(Is.55:6).</span></span></i></b></em></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 13.5pt;">I will still bear the wounds of my
self-inflicted pain, but He will bring the Balm of Gilead, pour oil in my
wounds, and heal my broken heart, mind, soul and body. My wounds will become
trophies to remind me of His Grace. I will experience His Mercy. (Grace is
getting what you haven’t earned; Mercy is not getting what you deserve). He
will renew my spirit and put a new song in my mouth (Ps.40:3)! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<em><b><i><span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: bold;">Thank God that He has
done this in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary! He came after me!</span></span></i></b></em></div>
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<strong><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 13.5pt;">PRAYER:</span></span></b></strong><span style="color: navy; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 13.5pt;"> I praise you
Father, that you have not left me to my own devices, but that You took the
initiative to come and rescue me (Rom.5:8). I acknowledge, confess, and repent
of my sin (1 John 1:9). Please forgive me and renew a right spirit within me
(Ps.51:10) and, when I am tempted to stray away again (Jam.1:14-15), please
correct me with your Shepherd’s crook. (“Thy Rod and Staff, they Comfort me,”
Ps.23:4). Amen.</span></span><span style="color: navy; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 14pt;"></span></span></div>
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<strong><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12:11&version=NIV"><span style="color: #651300; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #651300; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Hebrews
12:11</span></span></a></span></span></b></strong><span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: navy;"></span></span></h3>
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<b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.5pt;">No discipline seems
pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of
righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by
it.</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: navy;"></span></span></h3>
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Devotional Moments with Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15885012309708991106noreply@blogger.com0