tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38678396537414343732024-03-14T01:21:36.543-07:00Photography My PassionJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-54886203478959065822010-07-04T11:15:00.000-07:002010-07-04T11:17:32.913-07:00Bitter Root<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Hebrews 12:20</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Devotion</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Recently I was on a youth retreat and two teenagers were having difficulty getting along. As one of the teens was explaining to several adult leaders about many of the events that had happened during the week, I began to recognize several destructive things at work. There was a tree forming, from the bitter root that was filled with anger, gossip, lies, deception and misconceptions. What started out to be a disagreement between two teenagers was now affecting many people. As each of them told their stories to friends at school and within the youth group, there appeared to be opposing teams of people building. The bitter root was causing trouble and affecting many people's lives.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Although feelings of anger and rejection are very real and hard to deal with at times, we must choose to do the right things in these types of situations. Most importantly, we must zip our lips and NOT GOSSIP about others. What he said, she said, you said and we said; needs to be kept under control and expressed to trusting adults, teachers, pastors, or youth leaders. What other things would be important to do in this situation? Also, what does the bible say about love and what are the fruits of the Spirit and of the sinful nature? Look up 1 Corinthians 13 and also Galatians 5:16-22 to answer these questions</strong></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-64590847291005858722010-07-04T11:06:00.001-07:002010-07-04T11:09:11.501-07:00Question: What the Bible Says About... Appearance<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Question: What the Bible Says About... Appearance</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Fashion and appearance reign supreme today. Advertising bombards us with ways to improve our appearance on a daily basis. Shows like “What Not to Wear” and “The Biggest Loser” show people changing the way they look for big ratings. People are being told they are not good looking enough, so why not try botox, plastic surgery like their role models?</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Answer: </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">The Bible tells us that we need to take a different approach to appearance than fitting into society’s idea of beauty. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">What God Finds Important</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">God doesn't focus on our outward appearance. It is what's on the inside that matters most to Him. The Bible tells us that God's focus is on developing our inner beauty so that it can be reflected in everything we do and what we are.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">1 Samuel 16:7 - "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (NIV)</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">James 1:23 - "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror." (NIV)</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">But, Trustworthy People Look Good</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Do they always? Outward appearance is not the best way to judge how "good" a person is. One example is Ted Bundy. He was a very handsome man who, in the 1970s, murdered woman after woman before he was caught. He was an effective serial killer, because he was very charming and good-looking. People like Ted Bundy serve to remind us that what is on the outside does not always match the inside.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">More importantly, look at Jesus. Here is God's Son come to Earth in as a man. Do people recognize His outward appearance as anything but a man? No. Instead he was hung on a cross and died. His own people did not look beyond the outer appearance to see His inner beauty and holiness.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Matthew 23:28 - "In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."(NIV)</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Matthew 7:20 - "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."(NIV)</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">So, Is it Important to Look Good?</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Unfortunately we do live in a superficial world where people do judge on appearance. We would all love to say that we are not in the majority, and that we all look beyond what's on the outside, but virtually all of us are influenced by appearances. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Yet, we need to keep appearance in perspective. The Bible tells us that it is important to present ourselves as nicely as possible, but God does not call us to go to extremes. It is important that we remain aware of why we do the things we do to look good. Ask yourself two questions:</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">•Does your focus on your appearance take your eyes off the Lord?</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">•Are you more focused on your weight, clothes, or makeup than you are on God?</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">If you answered, "Yes," to either of the questions then you may need to take a closer look at your priorities. The Bible tells us to look closer at our hearts and actions rather than our presentation and appearance.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (NIV)</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Proverbs 31:30 - "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting: but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."(NIV)</span></strong>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-12925851633370778522010-05-09T09:00:00.000-07:002010-05-09T09:00:16.179-07:00Gospel Of Power<div><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Preaching With Power</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> Scripture</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">1 Thessilonians1:4,5</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> Devotional</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Through this scripture we see that sharing the gospel is also accompanied with power, the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. My desire is to see God move upon people in this way. I believe with all my heart, that if we ask God to reveal himself in these ways to the people we interact with, that he will. We all need to have full experiences with the Lord that go far beyond just another sermon about the bible. Experiences that are filled with power, Holy Spirit and conviction. May God reveal himself to you in a powerful way today.</span></span></b></span></div>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-28277614169575776952010-05-09T08:56:00.000-07:002010-05-09T08:57:06.102-07:00God Will Not Listen<div><span class="size16 Helvetica16" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">God's Closed Ears</span></span></b></u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
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</span> </b></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Psalms 66:17-18</span></span></b></u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span> </span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, </span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> the Lord would not have listened.</span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span> </b></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">2 Chronicles 7:14</span></span></b></u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span> </span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.</span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span> </span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><u></u></span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Devotional</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">This is an important lesson to remember! If there is sin in our life, our prayers will be hindered. Genuine repentance, (recognizing our sin, and turning from it), will allow our prayers to be heard by God. When we continue to live in sin, it hinders the effectiveness of our prayers. Take a good look at our scriptures and see if you agree. Examine your own life, is there known sin that you have not yet turned from, this sin will prevent your prayers from being heard by God. God is a loving God and will hear us if we turn from our sin. Don’t allow sin in your life keep you from the blessings of God.</span></span></b></span></div>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-52610494461188878432010-05-09T08:49:00.000-07:002010-05-09T08:49:45.469-07:00Give A Smile<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'MS Shell Dlg'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'MS Shell Dlg'; font-size: small;"><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Acts 20:35 </span></span></b></u></span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "</span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
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</span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size12 Helvetica12" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">What do you have to give to someone today?</span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size12 Helvetica12" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">There are two things I really like to give!</span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">1) a smile </span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: red;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">2) another smile </span></span></b></span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">:)</span></span></b></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: red;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></b></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: red;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Some times the littlest things make the biggest difference.</span></b></span></span></div></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-73851308262028258242010-05-09T08:42:00.000-07:002010-05-09T08:43:12.224-07:00Father Foirgive Them<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'MS Shell Dlg'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'MS Shell Dlg'; font-size: small;"><div><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Luke 23: 34</span></span></b></u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'MS Shell Dlg'; font-size: small;"><div><span class="size18 Helvetica18" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Desire / Envy </span></span></b></u></span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"> </span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Galatians 5:19</span></span></b></u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"> The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; </span></span></b></span><br />
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</b></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Devotional</span></span></b></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Sometimes we can have a tendency to envy others. It is okay to desire to be like someone else, the important thing though is to not compare yourself to others and get discouraged because you are not like them. Here is an example. Joe may be an incredible piano player and you don't play quit as well. When you watch Joe, if your desire is to keep practicing until you can play like him, it is okay to want to be like him. On the other hand, if you get upset ,discouraged and cry because you think he is better than you and you will never be that good, that is envy. Mixed in with your envy is jealousy as well. God has created you to be exactly who you are with unique gifts talents and qualities. If maybe you are unsure of what they are, ask God to help you understand and learn who he has created you to be in this life. </span></span></b></span></div></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-27282774117389716292010-05-04T10:29:00.000-07:002010-05-04T10:29:44.701-07:00Bitterness<div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>Eph 4:31-32</u></span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">We have very little control over how other people treat us. Often times we are betrayed by others through situations like loosing a job, people telling lies or broken relationships. What we do have control over is our attitude. Our scripture verse instructs us to get rid of all bitterness. There is another verse in Hebrews 12 that says, bitterness causes trouble. The best place to get rid of bitterness is in prayer and by reading scriptures concerning the subject. Look for verses about love and forgiveness, that will wash away the ugly taste of bitterness.</span></span></b></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-5834472711815468622010-05-02T18:24:00.000-07:002010-05-02T18:24:29.507-07:00Desire<strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">James1:14, 15</span></strong> <strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Psalms 119:113</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Devotional</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Sin always begins with a thought. It is simple, we either decide to join with sin or we decide not to. </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">It is your choice today how you will handle your thought life</span></strong>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-83620899128680723752010-05-02T07:16:00.001-07:002010-05-02T07:16:45.203-07:00God Why?<div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Today's scripture </span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">( understanding God)</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>Hebrews 12:7 and 11</u></span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">11 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></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Sometimes I get tired of having some kind of hardship in my life, but God is able to use them for good, and to bring him glory. Just by reading this verse, I am able to let go of troubling things in my life and trust that God is able to teach me something through this hardship. Eventually, things always get better. Once I have victory over the hardship, I am able to share with others how to overcome hardships in their lives. God teaches us in many ways, the bible says that he is working all things for the good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. No matter what is going on in my life, because I am sincere about committing my life to God daily, I know that he is working in every area of my life. He is a loving father who helps us walk and stand so we then can reach out and help others who may be hurting.</span></b></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-14824601234631592962010-05-02T07:15:00.000-07:002010-05-02T07:15:11.349-07:00Victorious With God<div align="justify" style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Today's scripture</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> Proverbs 21:30</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> There is no wisdom, no insight, and no plan that can succeed against the LORD. </span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">No matter what life throws our way to defeat us, as long as we truly are surrendered and remain passionately in Love with the Lord, we will be on the winning side of life. There is victory in Jesus! Difficulties in life will happen, trials always come, but God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He also has made it clear that nothing can separate us from his love.</span></b></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-30576560309318200842010-04-29T20:13:00.001-07:002010-05-02T07:19:30.057-07:00Undying Love<div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today's scripture</span></b></div><div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Ephesians 6:24</u></span></b></div><div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.</span></b></div><div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Devotional</span></b></div><b style="color: #741b47;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: large;">This verse really opened my eyes to a truth about interacting with people in love. Although the verse is directed at loving Christ with an undying love, it also applies to our relations with others. What does it mean to love one another unconditionally or with an undying love? It means that my love for others is not based on how they treat me. I never could grasp that concept before; being able to love someone without having “conditions” attached to that love. For example, if people did not treat me properly, I would not be able to express my love towards them, because I was angry or feeling rejected or perhaps disappointed. My love was based on how they treated me. But because deep inside, I knew I truly loved them, I was able to learn how to express my love, even while I was still angry and upset with them, that is unconditional love. My love for others is an undying love, regaurdless of how I am treated by them. There is a great devotional on forgiveness at Prayer for Youth, please take time today to read it as well.</span></b>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-90214010490202434032010-04-29T20:11:00.000-07:002010-04-29T20:11:21.213-07:00Blessings and Curses<div style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b> All of us have our share of suffering and Christians are not exempted from them. We don’t welcome it but we seldom have much control. </b>Father Henri Nouwen says:<b> <br />
“It is an on going temptation to think of our lives as living under a curse</b>. The loss of a friend, an illness, an accident, a natural disaster, a war, or any failure can make us quickly think that we are no good and are being punished. This temptation to think of our lives as full of curses is even greater when all the media present us day after day with stories about human misery.<br />
<b> Jesus came to bless us</b>, not to curse us. But <b>we must choose to receive that blessing and hand it on to others</b>. Blessings and curses are always placed in front of us. We are to choose. <b>God says,</b> ‘<b>Choose the blessings</b>!’” <b>(</b><i>Bread for the Journey</i>, Sept 8<b>) <br />
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“To bless means to say good things</b>. We have to bless one another constantly. Parents need to bless their children, children their parents, husbands their wives, wives their husbands, friends their friends. In our society, so full of curses, <b>we must fill each place we enter with our blessings</b>. We forget so quickly that we are God’s beloved children and allow the many curses of our world to darken our hearts. Therefore, we have to be reminded of our belovedness and remind others of theirs. <b>Whether the blessing is given in words or with gestures, in a solemn or an informal way</b>, <b>our lives need to be blessed lives.” (</b><i>Bread for the Journey</i>, Sept 7<b>)</b><br />
<dl><dd><b>We bless ourselves:</b></dd></dl></span> </div><div style="color: #38761d;"><dd><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>when we give thanks with a grateful heart. </b></span> </dd><dd><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;">when we <b>listen to the quiet, inner voice that says good things about ourselves</b>. </span> </dd><dd><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>when we affirm ourselves</b> and know that we have given the best of ourselves in whatever we have worked on. </span> </dd><dd><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;">when we shut out the loud, busy outer voice that says we are being punished. <br />
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</span></dd><dd><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>We bless others</b>: </span> </dd><dd><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;">when we <b>speak</b> good things about them and to them.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </dd><dd><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;">when we <b>show</b> by our gestures that their presence is a joy to us.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </dd><dd><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;">when we <b>reveal</b> to them their gifts, their goodness and their talents. </span></dd><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Our reactions immediately after an unpleasant event happens <br />
</b> When we lose our job, when we have an abusive boss, when a car accident happens, when we are robbed, when we are seriously ill, when we have cancer, the immediate question “Why?” emerges. “Why me?” “Why now?” “Why here?” “What have I done wrong?” “Why am I being punished?” It is so difficult to live without an answer to this “Why?” <b>But, if we are too focused and obsessed with finding the answers to these questions of the causes of these events, we are more likely to end up being angry and bitter. <u>Bitterness will turn us away from God and thus we curse ourselves. <br />
</u></b> In order to help me see my suffering and pain in a new light, <b>I have to change my focus</b>. <b>Now that the unpleasant event has happened, what should my response be?</b> By concentrating on my response, I am more likely to end up turning to God, trusting Him and blessing myself. How is this done? <b>Mother Teresa advised, “Just accept whatever He gives and give whatever He takes with a big smile.” </b>(<i>The Wisdom of Mother Teresa<b>,</b></i> 42<b>) </b>Who can do that? I can’t do it. It is impossible for me to accept with a smile this suffering and adversity. <b><u>Whenever I say anything is impossible, I have inadvertently put a curse on myself!</u></b> <b>I have shut out all possibilities</b>. But I may be able to accept it with a smile, if I <b>truly believe</b><b>This requires a change in mindset and heart-set because if I am precious to God, then it stands to reason that He cares for me and knows my suffering and hardships and that He has permitted, allowed, sent or given them to me</b>. Furthermore, I will surely be able to smile if I turn to God and wholeheartedly believe that with God’s help all things are possible as, “This is impossible with human beings, but for God everything is possible” (Matthew 19:26 TEV). <b>When I</b> <b>embrace this truth, I bless myself.</b> Therefore, I must trust that God has allowed the suffering to be a means of discipline through which faith, love, patience and grace may be cultivated in my life<b>. </b>God will not allow my suffering and pain to be wasted and to be of no value to me. God will see me through my suffering and will carry me through it all but I have to keep reminding myself that, <b>”I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” (Philippians 4:13 TEV) And “God has given us a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7 TEV). This belief, this constant repetition will help me to face my suffering and hardships in a new perspective. </b>What I need to do is to turn to God, <b>do my best under the circumstances</b> and trust Him to turn it round for my good. God promises to take “all things” including suffering, abuses, evil things, and turn them round for good as “in all things God works for good with those who love Him”(Romans 8:28 TEV). <br />
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But what is for our good? This is for the individual to pray and with God’s help to discover. H<b>e needs to constantly search for himself answers to the questions: “What is the seed of equivalent good in my suffering?” “What is the seed of equivalent benefit in my adversity?”</b> Some good traits which we may develop can be more patience, more consideration, less arrogance and less resentment.<br />
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<b> Remember, all God requires of us is to come to Him in prayer and trust Him completely. Trust Him to turn our lives around. He will not fail us because we can trust God “who always keeps His promise.” (1 Peter 4:19 TEV) We do our part and <u>give of our best</u> and He will do His part</b>. When we turn to God, God will work WITH us to turn the suffering and pain round for our good. <b>The circumstances, the pain, the suffering, the hardship or the adversity may still be there and may not change much BUT our response and internal attitude towards them will certainly change. </b>Yes, we can take God at His Word that He will help us, comfort us, strengthen us and support us through our pain and suffering. Then, <b>suffering can become a turning point from which we take our greatest leap forward in our faith in God.</b> When we trust God, God gives us the hope and courage to look suffering in the face and to go through it confidently with a renewed spirit and heart.<b> Our suffering will, hopefully, turn us round to come in closer touch with the presence of God in our lives. The great secret in life is that suffering can become a source of new hope and new life. We will then learn to accept it with a smile. This is indeed a blessing. <br />
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2. Our memory of events long after they happened</b><br />
How we recount these unpleasant experiences is also vitally important. <b>When we constantly <u>recount</u> them: </b></span> that “God loves me” (John 15:9 TEV) and that “I am precious to Him” (Isaiah 43:4 TEV). How? <span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>with blaming God, <br />
</b></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>with blaming others, </b></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>with cursing our fate, <br />
</b></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>with anger,</b></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>with fear,<br />
</b></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>with regret, </b></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>with the feeling of being victimised,<br />
then we put these events under the curse. </b>When we feel we are being punished, the feeling of being cursed comes easily. We will hear an inner voice calling us “bad,” “rotten,” “worthless,” “useless,” “doomed to sickness and death.” <b>We darken our hearts and live our lives with bitterness and resentment</b>. <b>So, we unconsciously curse ourselves</b>. <br />
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<b> But blessing is nothing more than recounting positively these events: </b></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>with what God has helped us to endure or overcome, <br />
</b></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>with what patience our family and friends have stood by us,</b></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>with what we have learnt out of the events, and <br />
</b></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">· </span><span style="font-family: Courier New,Courier; font-size: large;"><b>with hope, courage and love. <br />
Then we put these experiences under the blessing and we consciously bless ourselves. <br />
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Henri Nouwen says, “</b>In Latin, to bless is <i>benedicere</i>. <b>The word ‘benediction’ that is used in many churches means literally: speaking (<i>dictio</i>) well (<i>bene</i>) or saying good things of someone.</b> That speaks to me. I need to hear good things said of me, and I know how much you have the same need. <b>Nowadays, we often say: ‘We have to affirm each other.’</b> Without affirmations, it is hard to live well. To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer. <b>It is more than a word of praise or appreciation; it is more than pointing out someone’s talents or good deeds; it is more than putting someone in the light. <u>To give a blessing is to affirm, to say ‘yes’ to a person’s Belovedness</u></b>. And more than that: to give a blessing creates the reality of which it speaks. There is a lot of mutual admiration in this world, just as there is a lot of mutual condemnation. A blessing goes beyond the distinction between admiration or condemnation, between virtues or vices, between good deeds or evil deeds. <b>A blessing touches the original goodness of the other and calls forth his or her Belovedness.” (</b><i>Life of the Beloved,</i> 56)<br />
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<b> Physical, mental or emotional pain lived under the blessing is experienced in ways radically different from physical, mental or emotional pain lived under the curse</b>. Even a small burden, perceived as a sign of our worthlessness, can lead us to deep depression. <b>But, great and heavy burdens become light and easy when they are lived in the light of the blessing</b>. <b>What seems intolerable becomes a challenge. What seems a reason for despair becomes a source of hope. What seems punishment becomes a gentle pruning from God. What seems rejection becomes a way to a deeper communion with God. And so the great task becomes that of allowing the blessing to touch us in our brokenness.</b> Then our brokenness will gradually come to be seen as an opening towards the full acceptance of ourselves as the Beloved children of God. This explains why true joy can be experienced in the midst of great suffering.<b> It is the joy of being disciplined, purified and pruned.</b> Just as athletes who experience great pain as they run the race can, at the same time, taste the joy of knowing that they are coming closer to their goal, so also can the Beloved experience suffering as a way to deeper communion with God. Here joy and sorrow are no longer each other’s opposites, but have become the two sides of the same desire to grow to the fullness of the Beloved. <b>For this blessed attitude to take root, we have to have deep faith that God loves us unconditionally and that we are the beloved children of God, very precious to Him.<br />
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God sent Jesus to bless us</b>, “God. . . sent Him to bless you” (Acts 3:26 NJB) and Jesus himself has blessed us with every spiritual blessing, “our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all the spiritual blessings” (Ephesians 1:3 NJB). <b>Jesus shows us by His Words and Deeds how to live a blessed life, “Blessed are those who do His commandments” </b>(Revelation 22:14 NKJV). Jesus creates a whole <b>new</b> <b>blessed environment</b> for us to dwell in and, ”how happy are those who hear the word of God and obey it!"(Luke 11:28 TEV) We have to choose to stay in that place with Him and to hand His blessings on to others to make our blessings grow and multiply. <br />
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<b> Remember, no one is brought to life through curses, blaming, gossips, accusations and punishment. But every one is brought to life through blessings, encouragement, affirmations, praises, rewards and forgiveness.</b></span></div>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-29065507496895950102010-04-28T12:26:00.000-07:002010-04-28T12:26:31.652-07:00Living A Godly Life Today<b style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="size18 Helvetica18" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>A life Dedicated to God Today</u></span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />
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<div align="justify" style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Today's scripture</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">2 peter 1:3</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Living a godly life is possible because of the knowledge we have of God. This knowledge is acquired, daily, as we read the bible and seek after building a relationship with God. As we study God’s word, and spend time in prayer, we will obtain the knowledge we need to be victorious today. Everyday requires new spiritual truths for the new situations and trials we will be faced with. What we learned yesterday, may not be what we need for today. Today, I will not be a quitter, because the bible says that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This verse is what brings comfort and peace within me today, so I will cling to it. What the Lord has for me tomorrow may be completely different.</span></b></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-27780800010368348062010-04-27T10:45:00.000-07:002010-04-27T10:45:09.430-07:00The Spirits power through words<div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>1 Corinthians 2:4</u></span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>1 Corinthians 2:13</u></span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">I recently met a stranger at a local park where I was taking a walk. With in a few minutes I discovered that this woman was a Christian. After about 10 minutes of talking, suddenly her words began to come alive in me, by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. This lady was saying things that were in perfect relation to what had been happening in my life over the past two weeks. She said things that only God and I knew about. Her words were so right on, that at one point, I wondered if she was an angel. A friend, who was with me, was listening to the stranger speak to me... Then the stranger began to say things that were identical to what my friend and I had just talked about on our walk earlier that morning. This was without a doubt, a demonstration of the Spirits Power. We hugged the stranger with gigantic grins on our faces, what an awesome God we serve. As Christians, that’s the power we need flowing through our lives to win souls for Christ. Jesus said “my sheep know my voice”. We really need to hear God’s voice as we are interacting with others. Obviously this woman was hearing God’s voice as she was speaking to me and I was hearing God’s voice through her words that were filled with the Spirit.</span></b></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-81309319590526213472010-04-24T12:13:00.000-07:002010-04-24T12:13:20.252-07:001 Corinthians 13 A Guideline For Love<div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Today's scripture</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>1 Cor 13:4-7</u></span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. </span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b>Please take time to read more of this chapter today. This devotion is just a drop in a huge bucket in comparison to what God wants to show us about love. God is love, that’s a gigantic bucket. When I have had a difficult time dealing with people, after things settle down a bit, I am usually directed by God to the subjects of love and forgiveness. These are the keys to maintaining unity and peace with others that we interact with, through out our lives. I use this portion of the thirteenth chapter of Corinthians as a check list for my behavior towards others. Am I truly loving them or do I need to make some changes in my attitude toward them. When I do recognize that I have an attitude that is not loving, I ask God to forgive me and to help me to understand and overcome this wall. By prayer and reading more of the word, on the subject of love and forgiveness, I always overcome these barriers that hinder my love walk. We must seek God and his direction in these times. If we do not, we will not maintain unity with those around us</b></span>.</span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-56446963272893258952010-04-23T12:46:00.000-07:002010-04-23T12:47:10.227-07:00Loving God is Required<div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Today's scriptures</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>Psalms 18:1</u></span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u> </u></span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">I LOVE you fervently and devotedly, O Lord, my Strength</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"></span><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><span class="size9 Helvetica9" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Being a follower of Christ is so much more than just attending church. The bible says to love the Lord with all your heart, mind soul and strength. (Mark12:30) When we are in love with someone, we express to them by our actions and words “I love you” on a daily basis. As we begin to establish our relationship with God, eventually we should reach this place where “I love you” is a daily expression to him in thought, words and actions. Whenever we fall in love with someone we must first spend time with them, getting to know them, it works the same way with the Lord. Spending time with the Lord means that we talk to him regularly, we read the bible often and we do the things that God likes to do as well as include him in things we like to do. Take time to sincerely tell God, I love you, he deserves to receive our expressions of love, and he also requires it. </span></b></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-15042663101669531592010-04-23T00:14:00.000-07:002010-04-23T00:17:14.852-07:00The Future of Hope<div style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size18 Helvetica18" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>The Future of Hope</u></span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Today's scripture</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>Jer 29:11</u></span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">When we get to know God we then have hope in Him. The reality of his presence, and the constant unveiling of His plans for us, strengthens us to put our trust in the truth of this verse. God has a plan and a purpose for each of us. When we seek Him with all our hearts then his plan begins to be seen, usually it is one step at time. If we were following a friend who is walking before us we would follow one step at a time. This is how we also follow the Lord. With every step of obedience to what he tells us to do in his word, we continue walking forward in hope and moving into the future of His destiny for our lives.</span></b></span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-86753537138156969422010-04-22T11:22:00.000-07:002010-04-22T11:22:06.727-07:00What does the Bible say about JEALOUSY?<div style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><strong></strong>When we use the word “jealous,” we use it in a sense of being envious of someone who has something we do not have. This kind of jealousy is a sin and is not characteristic of a Christian; rather, it shows that we are still being controlled by our own desires (<a class="lbsBibleRef" href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/niv/1%20Corinthians%203.3" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:3</a>). <a class="lbsBibleRef" href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/niv/Galatians%205.26" target="_blank">Galatians 5:26</a> says, “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”<br />
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The Bible tells us that we are to have the perfect kind of love that God has for us. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (<a class="lbsBibleRef" href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/niv/1%20Corinthians%2013.4-5" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 13:4-5</a>). The more we focus on ourselves and our own desires, the less we are able to focus on God. When we harden our hearts to the truth, we cannot turn to Jesus and allow Him to heal us (<a class="lbsBibleRef" href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/niv/Matthew%2013.15" target="_blank">Matthew 13:15</a>). But when we allow the Holy Spirit to control us, He will produce in us the fruit of our salvation, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (<a class="lbsBibleRef" href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/niv/Galatians%205.22-23" target="_blank">Galatians 5:22-23</a>).<br />
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Being jealous indicates that we are not satisfied with what God has given us. The Bible tells us to be content with what we have, for God will never fail or forsake us (<a class="lbsBibleRef" href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/niv/Hebrews%2013.5" target="_blank">Hebrews 13:5</a>). In order to combat jealousy, we need to become more like Jesus and less like ourselves. We can get to know Him through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with mature believers. As we learn how to serve others instead of ourselves, our hearts will begin to change. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (<a class="lbsBibleRef" href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/niv/Romans%2012.2" target="_blank">Romans 12:2</a>).</b></span></div>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-33364555630750374322010-04-22T01:12:00.001-07:002010-04-22T01:12:40.188-07:00God is Light, in him there is no darkness<div align="justify" style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Today's scripture </span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">(spiritual light and darkness)</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>1John 1:6-7</u></span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Today choose to walk in the light. Walking with God is always a matter of choice. Making a choice to follow God’s way or our own way. Deut. 30:19 I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. Walk in the light that God has prepared for you to walk in, our own path is full of darkness, leading to death</span></b></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-49903115065897330992010-04-21T10:06:00.000-07:002010-04-21T10:06:04.374-07:00Jesus is understanding<div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Today's scripture </span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>Hebrews 4:15-16</u></span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one(Jesus) who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">If there are areas in your life that you are struggling with, bring them to the throne of God. He doesn't want you to stay away from talking to him because you feel like you are failing in your Christian walk. This verse says that he understands our struggles. Whatever your struggle is today, bring it to God to receive mercy and grace. He is a loving father who wants to cleanse, purify, and help us to become more like Jesus. You may be asking “how do I take my cares to the Lord”? Simply talk to him through prayer, he is listening. I usually enter the throne of God on my knees with my eyes closed and then talk to him about all my concerns, believing he cares for me and wants to help me.</span></b></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-73965126915114202632010-04-21T09:57:00.000-07:002010-04-21T09:57:13.522-07:00Jesus Gives Faith<div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size18 Helvetica18" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>Faith from Jesus</u></span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Today's scripture (gifts of faith) </span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>Hebrews 12:2</u></span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">One of the greatest spiritual keys I have come to understand is that Jesus is the one who changes and transforms my life. I just have to become willing to let God show me the changes I need to make in my life. He does this as I read the bible and stay close to him in prayer, trusting him like a best friend. Jesus is the one who gives faith and perfects it. I just become willing to let him do this. Sometimes I just tell the Lord, “Increase my faith and help me believe”. The bible also teaches that there is a gift of faith. Ask God to do this work in you. The bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Learning to live by faith, trusting in Jesus, is a very important part of our lives as Christians. </span></b></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-4274033241477329362010-04-18T21:57:00.000-07:002010-04-18T21:59:49.537-07:00Purposes of A Man's Heart<div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Proverbs 20: 5</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. </span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Have you every realized that your actions have a purpose? Sometimes the purpose of our actions is to cause harm or injury to another in some sort of negative way. Also at times we may even cause harm or injury to ourselves. Some people spend years in therapy and counseling to try and understand why they behave the way they do. A good way of examining the purpose of your actions is to check out what your motives are before you actually act on a thought. If your actions have a hidden motive behind them, chances are that action is not pure. </span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">For instance, if you want to call a friend and invite them to a church gathering so that they can be included in it, that is a pure action. However, if the real reason you are calling that friend is because </span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">you have not heard from them in a long</span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> </span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">while,</span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> and you are using the excuse of the church event to contact them, that is not a pure action. </span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">You have a hidden reason </span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">for the phone call. Examining your motives can be a great way to discover areas of our lives that we need to be praying about.</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> For instance the story about calling a friend could have everything to do with feeling rejected because they have not called you in a long while. If we understand that we are feeling rejected we can run to God in prayer and say Lord help!!!.</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> Ask God to help you with your understanding of yourself and others today. This is all a part of the Holy Spirits work, that is, to reveal what truth is in our lives and also to help us to maintain self control. </span></b></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-65384167548041856602010-04-18T11:41:00.000-07:002010-04-18T11:46:27.736-07:00Biblical Truth About God & Healing<div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Today's scripture</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>Mathew 8: 2-3</u></span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> A man with leprosy came and knelt before him (Jesus) and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. </span><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Gods will is to heal people, why all people do not experience divine healing is a mystery that even the greatest healing evangelist alive today cannot explain. We put our hope in Gods word and the truth of his word; we then leave the results up to him. We never give up seeking Gods divine touch and putting our trust in him. We know that God is real, alive, willing and able to help us. As Jesus said in our scripture “I am willing”, he is the same today as he was then. </span> </span></b></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3867839653741434373.post-35590880165601614122010-04-18T11:39:00.000-07:002010-04-18T11:39:07.159-07:00The Son Of God<div align="justify" style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Today's scripture </span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">(spiritual light and darkness)</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><u>John 11:27</u></span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="justify" style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="size14 Helvetica14" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Devotional</span></b></span></div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> Yes Lord, I believe you are the Christ! How has this decision effected your life? I had no idea that when I decided to follow Jesus, so many other lives would be touched by the hand of the Lord through me. It is the truth, he is alive!!! If we truly believe he is the Christ; our lives will point to him through our thoughts, our words and our actions. When we truly believe, we will live a life that is filled with loving and serving others. Others around us will be able to tell that we love Jesus, because everything about our lives will emanate the love of Christ. When Jesus is truly the Lord of your life, your desires will change. Things that touch the heart of God will touch your heart. You will find you have a desire to spend time reading the bible, praying, and fellowshipping with other Christians. Is Jesus really the Lord of your life today? Let your actions (life) reflect your love for Jesus; others are watching you, be a demonstration of God’s love in all you do and say.</span></b></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130484359294841902noreply@blogger.com0